Forge World: Newsflash

Hi there,
         We’re now only two days away from the Forge World Open Day on Sunday 1st April, and today we can officially announce that the Space Marine Storm Eagle Assault Gunship will be on sale there in limited numbers! This is the third Forge World post in a week... and they all have things I must have.

Space Marine Storm Eagle Assault Gunship

The legendary mobility of the Adeptus Astartes has won planet-spanning conflicts with a single strike; providing the precise application of deadly force at the point where it proved most decisive. A Chapter’s fleet of attack craft is the keystone that makes this possible, and it is the iconic Thunderhawks and Drop Pods that are at the forefront. Craft such as the Storm Eagle Assault Gunship follow close behind to lend their weapons to the devastating assault. Take my money.

A formidable gunship, the Storm Eagle mounts fearsome firepower for a vehicle of its size and is capable of transporting twenty Space Marines directly into the thick of an assault. The exact provenance of the Storm Eagle is unknown, but it bears clear similarities to the Stormravens employed by the Blood Angels and Grey Knights. This design avoids many of the qualities unpopular with the online community such as the exhaust on the back and the turret mounted up top. Certain sources place the principal manufacture of the Storm Eagle upon Tigrus and Anvilus IX, both primary-grade Forge Worlds that suffered catastrophic damage during the Horus Heresy. Just take the money!

In recent decades the number of Storm Eagles in active service has begun to increase, especially amongst those Chapters known to have favourable relations with the Adeptus Mechanicus. This has lead some observers to believe that production has been restored at an as yet unknown location. Please, take my money.

Designed by Stuart Williamson, the Storm Eagle is a complete resin and plastic kit which is packed with some incredible design work, including a fully detailed interior. It will be available to purchase in limited numbers at the Forge World Open Day on Sunday 1st April, in advance of its scheduled release date, for £80 or approximately 125 AUD. The Storm Raven costs 110 AUD... so relatively this is a bargain.

Forge World Open Day, Sunday 1st April, Warhammer World, Nottingham

It can’t fail to have escaped your attention that this Sunday 1st April is the annual Forge World Open Day.

We are de-camping from our top-secret manufactorum to the Warhammer World hall along with our entire Studio team of designers, graphic artists and writers, who will be bringing a veritable cornucopia of stunning displays, work-in-progress models and unseen future projects.

You’ll be able to chat to the Forge World and Warhammer Forge design teams throughout the day in the Staff Restaurant, and they will be happy to discuss our latest models and books, as well as our exciting plans for the future.

Alan Bligh and Tony Cottrell will be holding two Q&A sessions in our Studio area at which you will be able to ask all your burning questions about the future plans of Forge World and Warhammer Forge. Session 1 runs from 12 noon until 12.45 and session 2 runs from 13.30 until 14.15. Space is limited for these sessions, so ask staff in the Studio area for more details.

In the main hall of Warhammer World will be our huge sales stand, packed to the rafters with resin kits, books and modelling supplies, as well as several exciting pre-release kits and our event only models: the Warhammer 40,000 Imperial Enforcer and Warhammer Skin Wolf.

Neil Wylie from the writing team will be running a Warhammer 40,000 Zone Mortalis participation game throughout the day, and there will also be a Tamurkhan-themed Warhammer game for you to play.

The Open Day Painting Competition will be open for your entries from 10am. Each entrant may only enter once, and your entry should consist of a single Forge World or Warhammer Forge model of any kind. Note that display space may be limited, although this won’t stop you from entering.

We will also once again be holding our Charity Titan Raffle. A mere £1 per ticket will enter you into the draw to win a mighty Imperial Reaver Titan kit worth £571. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Children In Need.

We’ll see you on Sunday from 10am!

Thanks,
Ead Brown
Customer Service Manager
Forge World

Weekly Finds #74

Lost to the Warp...

Forge World: Newsletter 300

Hi there,
            With the Forge World Open Day only a few days away, we can now reveal details of a brand new Space Marine release that will be available to buy at the event; the Tartaros Pattern Terminator Squad. This detailed, multi-part resin kit is available to pre-order now and will be on sale in limited numbers at the Forge World Open Day on Sunday 1st April – and that’s no joke!

Tartaros Pattern Terminator Squad

Tactical Dreadnought Armour, or Terminator Armour as it is more usually known, is the most resilient form of personal protection available to the Adeptus Astartes. Originally developed during the closing years of the Great Crusade, and adapted from the heaviest of industrial gear, several types and patterns were developed concurrently.

Of these, the Indomitus pattern is perhaps the most widespread, due to its template being held on key Forge Worlds such as Mars, although Tartaros Pattern Terminator armour is also issued to the Veterans of a Chapter’s 1st Company. This will forever be known as the baby contemptor armour. Which isn't a bad thing since the Contemptor is one ducking awesome miniature.

Perhaps the most advanced form of Tactical Dreadnought Armour, the Tartaros pattern shares many systems with the MkIV ‘Maximus’ pattern of power armour, and provides greater mobility for its wearer than the Indomitus pattern with no loss in durability or protection. Not a fan of the cutlass styled power sword pictured above. It doesn't look knightly or even Roman/Greek... so will look out of place in several different Chapters.

The Tartaros Pattern Terminators set, designed by Will Hayes, is a full resin kit that comprises five Terminators, armed with power fists, a power sword, storm bolters, a ducking awesome looking heavy flamer and enough optional attachments to arm four Space Marines with chainfists. This detailed squad will be available to purchase in limited numbers at the Forge World Open Day on Sunday 1st April, and is also available to pre-order now for despatch from 10th April. It is a shame that the standard Terminator Shoulder pads are not compatible with these... will force Forge World to design a complete new range of shoulder pads... assuming that they come separately from the arms.

Forge World Open Day, 1st April, Warhammer World, Nottingham

As you can’t fail to have noticed, this coming Sunday is the annual Forge World Open Day and we’re making our final preparations. There’s still time to place a reservation order, so if you want to make sure that we have the exact models you’re after packed and waiting for you, please call the Customer Service team on 0115 900 4995.

We’ve got several exciting newsletters lined up for the countdown to the Open Day, so stay tuned to your e-mail for more details

AdeptiCon 2012, 19th to 22nd April, Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, Chicago

Forge World will again be attending AdeptiCon this year, and we are still accepting reservation orders for this popular event. While we will be bringing a huge selection of our range of books, resin kits and modelling products, placing a reservation order is the best way to ensure that we have exactly what you want packed up and waiting for you at the show.

You can either telephone us on 011 44 115 900 4995, or send an e-mail entitled ‘AdeptiCon 2012 Reservation’ to forgeworldreservations@games-workshop.co.uk. We will need your name, a list of the items that you wish to order, and a contact e-mail address for yourself by Monday 2nd April.

In the week prior to the event, we will send you a confirmation e-mail containing your order number, details of any items that are unavailable, and a total cost in US$ (less local sales tax) that will be payable at the event.

Salute 2012, 21st April, ExCel, London

While some of our intrepid staff are across the pond in the Windy City, others of Forge World will be journeying to London’s ExCel centre for Salute 2012. We’ll be bringing a wide selection of our range of books, resin kits and modelling supplies, but due to the limited space that we have available at this event we recommend you places a reservation order to ensure we have exactly what you want, packed and waiting for you.

As with all our UK shows, Salute reservation orders are pre-paid to make the collection process quicker and easier, leaving you with more time to enjoy the rest of the event.

Please telephone the Customer Service team on 0115 900 4995 to place a reservation order. We will require your name, contact telephone number and e-mail address along with the list of products you wish to reserve, and you will need your card details to hand. We’ll need to receive your Salute reservation by Tuesday 17th April, and we’ll process the payment while you are on the phone. In the week before the event you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail containing your order number. This is your proof of payment, and you must bring this e-mail with you to claim your order.

Thanks,
Ead Brown
Customer Service Manager

Forge World: Newsletter 299

Hi there,
            We’ve got two amazing new Space Marine releases this week: a Minotaurs Character Set comprising Asterion Moloc and Ivanus Enkomi, and the Space Marine Rapier Laser Destroyer, a powerful weapon perfect for use in Boarding Assault missions or with the new Forge World Zone Mortalis expansion. We’re also now able to announce more information about our Studio presence at the Forge World Open Day to be held here at Warhammer World in Nottingham on Sunday 1st April.

Minotaurs Character Set – Asterion Moloc and Ivanus Enkomi

The name of the bloody-handed and paranoid master of the Minotaurs Chapter, Asterion Moloc, is a byword for slaughter and destruction in the name of the Imperium across a hundred worlds, yet he is also a diligent and disciplined logistician and a master of siege craft. In battle he can most often be found at the head of his 1st Company Terminators, and when not prosecuting a conflict he occupies a brazen throne at the very heart of his flagship, the labyrinthine heavy assault carrier Daedelos Krata. I'm not a huge fan of this miniature. It isn't the pose or the over-the-top detail. Rather it is the approach taken with the Terminator Armour. Bulldog describe the issue I have well in this post... to far removed from what we recognize with Space Marines...

The gaunt and brooding Reclusiarch Ivanus Enkomi became the eyes and voice of his master during the Badab War; an aloof and distant observer at Carab Culln’s war-councils. A paradox, whose red-irised eyes and crimson-tattooed features speak of some feral origin, yet in whose voice lies a capacity for fierce and stirring oratory, Chaplain Enkomi is a skilled tactical commander, most notably during the Loyalist attack on Shaprias that uncovered the black depths to which the Tyrant of Badab’s treachery had sunk. I love this miniature. I must have him in my collection... some may not like the fact he is using his powerfist to wield another power weapon... but to me that just screams over-the-top Space Marine bad-assery.

Asterion Moloc and Ivanus Enkomi, designed by the talented Simon Egan, are incredibly detailed multi-part resin figures available as a set of two models. The set is available to pre-order now for despatch from the 2nd April, and rules for these special characters can be found in Imperial Armour Volume 10: The Badab War Part 2. An amazing read for any Space Marine collector or Warhammer 40K Fanatic.

Space Marine Rapier Laser Destroyer

The Rapier Armoured Carrier is an ancient device, one of many such technological relics of the dawning days of Mankind’s stellar empire. A bulky, armoured track unit, which mounts a powerful antomantic reactor, the Rapier is often armed with a powerful quad lascannon known as a laser destroyer. This has become synonymous with the Rapier Armoured Carrier itself, and the Graia Pattern Rapier Laser Destroyer is perhaps the most common design of this potent anti-tank weapon in use.

The Space Marine Rapier Laser Destroyer is often deployed by many Space Marine chapters, especialy those descended from the Imperial Fists and Iron Hands Legions, and is widely used during Boarding Assaults and in the close and deadly confines of Zone Mortalis. Designed by Mark Bedford and Will Hayes, this multi-part resin kit is supplied with two Space Marine crew in MkIII ‘Iron’ Armour and is available to pre-order now for despatch from the 2nd April. Experimental rules for the Space Marine Rapier Laser Destroyer are available to download from the Forge World website now.

So much potential for this kit. It looks awesome as is... but could do so many other things. The crew could be used for Captains, Veterans or just regular Tactical Marines. Especially the Space Marine pictured up with the unique torso details and helmet. But that Rapier Armoured Carrier could easily be used to carry a Thunderfire Cannon... thus avoiding a big, heavy metal kit that is a complete pain in the arse to build from what I've heard. I think I'll ask SWMBO for 6 of these...

Forge World Open Day, 1st April, Warhammer World, Nottingham

Event Only Imperial Enforcer

The Forge World Event Only model for 2012 is a grizzled Imperial Enforcer, designed by Steve Whitehead. This finely-detail multi-part resin kit contains two figures. The Enforcer, armed with a shock-maul, is clad in light carapace armour adorned with the icons and trappings of Imperial justice, preparing to let slip the Cyber-Mastiff accompanying him; a great and menacing hound-servitor, a canine rebuilt stronger, faster and more resilient by the tech-savants of the Adeptus Mechanicus with adamantium bones, fangs and claws. I must have this miniature... as soon as it hits ebay I'll be getting it. Or I may go to Games Day this year. Be ball-acking awesome if Forge World picked up the Necromunda system and started making miniatures.

Event Only Skin Wolf

The Warhammer Forge Event Only model for this year is a brutal Skin Wolf, designed by Keith Robertson. This detailed multi-part resin model depicts a towering and savage hulk of muscle and rage, howling its bloodlust having slaughtered a hapless Imperial state trooper. The Event Only Skin Wolf is packed with detail, from the stigmata of Chaos branded into its flesh, to the tattered ruin of its victim, and comes supplied with an alternate, empty, left hand for additional modelling options.

These fantastic models will be available to purchase at all of our 2012 events, starting with the Forge World Open Day. We are not accepting Open Day reservation orders for the two Event Only models, and they will be limited to one of each per person on the day as usual.

Forge World Studio Displays at the Open Day

The entirety of the Forge World and Warhammer Forge sculpting teams will be attending the Open Day, showcasing all manner of hidden secrets, work-in-progress models and recent releases. Stuart Williamson, Daren Parrwood, Will Hayes and Phil Stutcinskas have recently been hard at work on a variety of Warhammer 40,000 models of a variously armoured, flying, and walking nature; all these and more will be on display in our Studio area. Meanwhile, Mark Bedford, Edgar Skomorowski, Keith Robertson and Steve Whitehead have been busily designing monstrous additions to our Warhammer Forge range, and rumour has it there may even be some work-in-progress future additions to our Chaos Dwarfs range on display too.

The Book Design team, headed by Paul Rudge, will also be based in the Studio area. Rhys Pugh, Ian Strickland, Kenton Mills and Sam Lamont will be showcasing the process by which an Imperial Armour book is created, and may even be seen working on artwork for future book projects on their advanced cogitator devices. Lead writer Alan Bligh, accompanied by Talima Fox and Neil Wylie, will be on hand to talk about forthcoming books. They may even be tempted into dropping a few hints about mysterious future projects…

There’s still time to place reservation orders for the Forge World Open Day, which is the best way to ensure we have the exact product you want, packed up and waiting for you at the event. As with all our UK shows, Open Day reservation orders are pre-paid to make the collection process quicker and easier, leaving you with more time to enjoy the rest of the event.

Please telephone the Customer Service team on 0115 900 4995 by 6pm on 28th March to place a reservation order. We will require your name, a contact telephone number and e-mail address along with the list of products you wish to reserve, and you will need your card details to hand. We’ll process the payment while you are on the phone, and in the week before the event you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail containing your order number. This is your proof of payment, and you must bring a copy of this e-mail with you to claim your order.

You can download a map of the event from the Forge World Events page. The Open Day runs from 10am to 4pm, and the full range of Warhammer World facilities will be available including snacks and refreshments from Bugman’s Bar.

Thanks,
Ead Brown
Customer Service Manager
Forge World

Paint Conversion Chart for New Citadel Paints

With the release of the new Citadel Paint range there is going to be the headache of creating new recipes. Fortunately, Games Workshop has developed a conversion chart to make it easier for painters to match up new paints. I must thank Stahly for posting this up on his blog... 

I'm sure this will be helpful for everybody. Especially those of us who have no plans of updating paints. Can look at what 'Eavy Metal team uses in their tutorials and match those paints to our own collections. Or just use other paint brands such as Vallejo and Army Painter.

Weekly Finds #73

This week has a focus on some amazing conversions and works in progress...

Mariners Blight Sorcerer by LuckyNo.5 from Eye of Error - To start off this weeks gallery of Work in Progresses is this amazing collection of bits. I love everything about this miniature and his Terminator brethren. This is going to be one amazing warband when completed... especially when you consider LuckNo.5's talents with a brush.

New Poster Army... Green Marines

This picture appeared on my FLGS' Facebook page and the first thing I noticed aside from the practical design of the How to Paint Citadel Miniatures book is that the Space Marines are green... is this the end of the Smurfs being the poster boys of Games Workshop? And does this add weight to the rumors that Dark Angels will be updated soon as well as included in the 6th Edition Box Set?

Prometheus - Official Full HD Trailer

Adeptus Mechanicus Exploration Fleet?

Weekly Finds #72

Sculpting Mustaches, Mohawks and Beards by Ron from FTW - I was wondering how hobbyists such as Ron go about adding hair to their miniatures... now I know. I am a fan of Marines with mohawks. However, it looks like getting it in the right place is just as important as getting the detail on it. The guide on creating mustaches is great for Black Templars.

The Weekly Top X... and MoD

I stumbled across this while taking a casual look at my blogger stats I'm not the only one that does it. It is flattering to know that I'm lost but not forgotten... maybe one day I'll go to the effort of letting everybody know that the url to le blog has changed.

Weekly Finds #71

I'm a week away from hitting number 72 of my weekly finds. For some reason that number will be important to me. Yet there will be nothing at all significant about it... much like my 22nd Birthday which is tomorrow. Subtle B-bomb...

Jodorowsky's Dune by Matt Colville from Squaremans - I was completely engrossed by this article. Matt Colville's writing style completely captured my attention. It is no secret that Warhammer 40K has been heavily influenced by the novel Dune. Both the film by David Lynch and the first Alien movie had come out well before Rogue Trader was released. Even Blade Runner had been out for a few years. So to read this article and see a few pieces of this artwork was like a chocoholic getting a glimpse into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I hope to watch this documentary soon.

Game of Thrones - Season 2 Trailer

This is going to be Epic...

... I'm so excited. After watching the first season I got hooked. Tempted to pick up the books and read them all. While at the same time want to let the TV series surprise me. Time will tell.

White Dwarf 387 March 2012 - Space Wolves & Tyranids

Inside this month's issue:

New Releases: A host of new plastic kits such as the Tervigon, Hive Tyrant and Thunderwolf Cavalry.

Hobby Essentials - Glue: A look at how to use the range of Citadel glues.

Devourer of Worlds: The Tyranids are an intergalactic swarm, adapted to consume all life-forms their Hive Fleets encounter. In this article we take a look at some of these Hive Fleets such as Leviathan, Jormungandr & Ouroboros, getting painting insights from 'Eavy Metal and talking to hobbyists about their own armies.

Painting Workshop: Tervigon: Steve Bowerman gets his claws (all four of them) into the new Tervigon kit, and demonstrates how to paint this mighty monster in Hive Fleet Behemoth colours. There is also a look at the rules and tactics of the new Tervigon and Tyrannofex.

The Swarmlord: Codex: Tyranids author Robin Cruddace presents the latest sightings and reported whereabouts of the terrifying alien menace know as the Swarmlord. 

A Company of Wolves: The Space Wolves Chapter is made of twelve Great Companies. In this article we feature two of the best known - those of Logan Grimnar and Ragnar Blackmane - as well as present new background from Phil Kelly about a lesser-known Wolf Lord in the form of Harald Deathwolf. 

Painting Workshop: Thunderwolf Cavalry: Steve Bowerman brings his formidable painting skills to bear on the new Thunderwolf kit, painting three mighty Wolf Guard riding their monstrous mounts. 

Standard Bearer: Jervis answers some frequently asked questions about the release schedule and play testing... it isn't exactly new information. But it does confirm the things we have heard on the interwebz.

Ambush at Amon Sûl: Having evaded the pursuing Nazgûl at Bree, Aragorn and the four intrepid Hobbits seek refuge amid the ruins of Weathertop. Andy Hall and Tom Hutchings join the story to refight the actions as the Ringwraiths launch their ambush by moonlight.

Civil War: Part 3 of the new Warhammer Expansion... which looks at all three variations of elves as well as Bretonnia and Daemons.

Hall of Fame: Joe Tomaszewski nominates his favourite model in the form of the Empire Battle Wizard designed by Brian Nelson.

Slayer Sword Winners Gallery: As the 2012 Golden Demon season draws near, we take a look back at last year's Slayer Sword winners from across the globe, and marvel at the models that took the most coveted prize in miniature painting.

Vampire Counts Showcase: Following on from the Slayer Sword Gallery we get a round-up of great Vampire Counts Golden Demon winners. 

Tale of Four Gamers: Four gamers start to collect a new The Lord of the Rings army... with two forces of good and two forces of evil. I'm looking forward to the possibility on getting some tutorials on how the guys manage to paint their table top forces quickly.

Know Thy Foe: A guide to recognizing the bio-forms of the Hive Fleet... a size comparison of all current Tyranid miniatures made available by Citadel.  

You'll also find full details of all the latest releases and news, plus a directory featuring all of the hobby activities in your local area.

Music Monday - Oompa Loompa Mike Teevee

While growing up this was one of my favourite movies. It put chocolate and the imagination of a child together. The other week the visually stunning Tim Burton version of this song was playing on Teevee. I couldn't not go back to my room and watch this on Youtube. For those Imaginary Friends who also enjoyed the movie as a child here it is for your viewing pleasure...

Weekly Finds #70

Reviewing RDG Tools 3 in 1 Airbrush Cleaning Pot by Garfy from Tale of Painters - A look at an air brush cleaner. This one seems rather cool as it also includes a palette and an airbrush holder. The other brands that I've seen also include the paint holder. Iwata also offers a cleaning pot as well as this rather funky naked jellyfish from Harder & Steenbeck.