Tau Rumour Compilation - A Round-up by Faeit 212

This is a massive compilation of Tau information from Faeit 212 (check out the blog here: faeit 212 ) this is most if not all of the information that has appeared from around the internet for the past week of so, rather then me make a hash of it here is his post as he seems a pretty good source for rumours, please as a result can i recommend you check out his blog and subscribe, its well worth it.

Please remember that we are still early in the discovery process and that everything should be taken with a little bit of patience and salt.

A huge thanks to Tastyfish over on warseer for putting all the work in to get this together.

via Tastyfish on Warseer

Tau rumours
Tau are going to be released in April with the following kits, information is mostly compiled from Kirby on 3++, Nafka on Faeit212 and Neko here on warseer:
The new cover is of a Crisis suit. The suit is posed with one leg on a boulder, whilst shooting a target to the suit's right with a fusion blaster

New Battleforce - £80
3 Crisis suits, 12 Firewarriors, Piranha, 3 Stealthsuits with marker drones, 8 gun drones

XV104 Riptide battlesuit - £50/US$85
Plastic kit sculpted by Matt Holland, Dale Stringer and Tom Walten

Elite choice
Monstrous creature with T6 W4 2+ save, 5+ invulnerable save and a jump/jetpack of some kind
Primary Weapon options are upgraded versions of the Ion cannon and burst cannon, Railcannon may also be an option
It also mounts "Crisis level" weapons (missiles/SMS and plasma rifles in pictures) on it's shoulders and underslung beneath the primary weapon
Comes with two shielded missile drones (a new type)
Equipped with a Nova reactor, which it can activate to boost weapon power (changing the Ion cannon from S7 AP 2 3shots to a large blast, possibly at S8 AP2), increase it's invulnerable save to 3++ or to do other things (increase stats and maybe required in order to jump).
Can buy an option granting Skyfire
Is poseable enough that weapon arms can be switched around and can be assembled in a kneeling position, similar to that of the Firewarriors
Around 7-8" tall, comes with multiple 'FW style' heads that look compatible with current crisis suits

Sunshark Bomber/Razorshark fighter - £40/US$65
Plastic kit sculpted by Colin Grayson

Fast Attack choices
Fighter/gunship is armed with nose mounted burstcannons, and an array of ion weapons mounted in a turret underneath the fuselage. It also has two "pop up" seeker missiles.
Bomber is armed with a plasma generator which it uses to launch balls of plasma instead of having conventional bombs and a bomb bay.
Bomber also has two drone fighters, armed with railrifles, that can be launched to defend itself.

Pathfinders (10+ 3 drones) - £20/$US35
Plastic kit sculpted by Ed Cottreil and Matt Holland

Still a Fast Attack choice
Markerlights work more or less the same as they do now (boost BS, reduce cover etc)
Have access to more experimental weapons, as well as Railrifles and pulse carbines.
Pulse carbines are assault 2
The 3 drones in the kit are Grav inhibitor, pulse accelerator and recon drone (which can fit in the turret cupola of a devilfish and provide communication relays and fire support).
It's unknown as to whether other units can take these or if drones are now specific options for each unit
Special character Pathfinder called Nightstrider

XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - £30/US$50
Plastic kit with two drones (box art appears to show shield/missile pods), sculpted by Samir Battistotti and Matt Holland

Sniper pose
New drone options
Carry the mid range rail weapon - S8 AP1 (looks to be Heavy 1, no rumours of Salvo 2/1)
Slow and Purposeful, 2+ and T4 now.
Can take plasma or missiles as well.
They have a suit upgrade that let's them at the start of a shooting phase have skyfire (with it, they are 85 points).
They don't have interceptor, nor do they snap fire ground targets.
Also appears to be a missile pod variant, with a suit mounted seeker missile
60mm base

XV8 Crisis suit team - £45/US$75
Plastic set of 3 models, current models

Just a rebox, no new sprue
Almost certainly can't be taken as troops
Lots of new bits of wargear, but it's currently how much standard suits can take and how much is special issue wargear.
Information about this has been put at the bottom under "Miscellaneous rumours"

Commander Farsight - unknown
Finecast
Might have rejoined the returned to the Tau'va, Dawn Blade is now a Power Glavie with Tau symbols and designs on it
Looks almost exactly like the test model Matt Holland did that appeared at GD 2009

Comander in Crisis Enforcer Armour - unknown
Finecast (presumably)

Very little information, mentioned in Riptide design article
Apparently has hands extended out for some reason.

Cadre Fireblade - unknown (probably £9)
Just visible in leaked WD pages with the other kits, opposite the three finecast sets so probably a plastic character

Firewarrior upgrade called Cadre Fireblade (maybe be SC or just 'unique')
IC with split fire, markerlight, supporting fire, volley fire (+1 shot for Pulse Rifles/Carbines if unit and IC do not move).

Other units
Special character is "like" Chronus for tanks.
Tank Hunters. Potential cover boost. Tank can overwatch.
Hammerhead roughly 160-170 WITH character.

Firewarriors are 9 points
Stealthsuits can overwatch at BS2
Skyray can shoot and ground and air targets (one assumes at full BS).
Piranhas get cheaper
Shadowsun may get split fire
Kroot and Vespid are in, but no new units*

Miscellaneous rumours
There is something called.... Puretide engram neurochip probably a reserve modifier, Steal the Initiative boost - Tastyfish
Supporting fire allows other Tau units within 6" to overwatch a charging unit as well. Not sure if this is all Tau units or just specific types.
Repulsor field. D6 s4 ap- hits to attacking units at I10
All Ion weapons have a 'supercharge' option but at a risk (gets hot?). Drones can have Ion weapons.
Disruption pod gives a boost to cover saves

*The Future
The Kroot rules (headhunters, kroothawks, giant beasts) that have been rattling around for a while might turn up in the near future in an Allies supplement, similar to the monsters and magic supplement WFB had with the Storm of Magic.

Older rumours are below, there may be bits there that have been missed about from the list above (Kroot and vespid point costs and updates for instance) as this is primarily made up from information leaked from the April WD, which is focusing heavily on the Tau aspect of Tau Empire.

These have been circling about for the past few days, surprised I've not seen them pop up here yet. Not sure where he originally posted them, but from Stickmonkey (apart from the first one, which was on Faeit's blog, with the original author wanting to remain anonymous as far as I can and I saw them first on BoLS.


Rumors
I have been seeing a lot of play testing for the tau empire and have seen some new models as well. They look so new and epic it makes me really excited. Now I did my hands on some rules and names for units, If you are to pass these on then PLEASE send it to only reliable rumour sites.

I will start with the new sky ray orbital blast ability. From what I can remember on top of my head is that the sky ray has to forgo his full turn of shooting for a single unlimited range blast that is:

strength X AP 3 (wound on 2+,plasma corrosion, blast)
plasma corrosion - any enemy model hit under the blast rolls a d6 every turn for the remainder of the game on a roll of 1-3 the unit or model suffers d6 strength 4 AP5 hits. On a roll of 4-5 the unit suffers 2d6 strength 5 AP 4 hits. On a roll of a 6 the unit is hit with 2d6 strength 6 AP 2 hits with the blind special rule. (these are test rules and subject to change)

Tau fire warriors will have the OPTION to upgrade their tau fire warriors to bs 4 (I put option in bold to show it is an option for all those fluffy players)
I believe the upgrade at the moment is being called 'advance training'

battle suits are getting/got new models but have the same profile as now with the inclusion of an option to make them toughness 5 (cost or name is unknown)

The kroot is getting a HUGE monster that looks like something from fantasy. It has kroot riding it but is under going constant rule changes due to either dying to quickly or for lack of usage. From what I remember seeing it has 5 wounds but only a 5+ save and was over priced IMO.

kroot gain furious charge and move through cover and start with a 6+ save that can be upgraded to 5+ with shaper for an additional 2pts per model (making them 8pts per model) - remember this could change!

finally their is options to make all your battle suits have 2+ saves for 20pts per model - all war gear that is in the current codex has been reduced slightly.

the tau dread knight walker rumours you have read are 100% TRUE - I have seen the concept art/profile and from the top of my memory it is something like this.

WS4 BS4 S6 T8 W4 I2 A4 LD8 SV2+/4++

I will not share rules because they were on the next page of document of which I did not see. I did see the points which were : 210pts

Stickmonkey's rumours
Units
Crisis Suits: Look for more posable new models. Unit keeps its high level of customization, with several upgrades to stat lines possible. New flakk missile pods. New combi-kit includes Broadside parts.

Stealth Suits: Models unchanged. Have stealth, (obviously), plus optional drone granting shrouding.

Sky Ray: Last edition's trainwreck gets a new lease on life. Flakk missiles, plus has orbital bombardment (much like SM version, but with a lingering effect).

Fire Warriors: Same nasty gun. Still BS:3, but with a Shas'O can upgrade unit to BS:4.

Equipment
Drones: Any drone can be used for Look Out Sir rolls for any model in the unit they are attached to.

Markerlights: A single hit increases BS of all other units targeting the victim by +1. Multiple markerlights have no additional effects. OUCH - look out for possible BS:5, Fire Warrior volleys now! Markerlights improve snapfire against marked flyers to 5+ instead of 6, but must first hit the flyer with a 6 themselves.

Networked Markerlights: A longer range twin linked version. Vehicles only.

Units
Ethereals: These now grant army wide special rules and bubble rules, but there are different options. They function roughly much like those recent Dark Angels banners. So one option might be army wide Ld rerolls while in play, plus units in 12" are fearless. Another option might be one unit in army gets salvo once per turn, and all units in 12" get rerolls to hit.

Kroot: Everyone's favorite birdmen get Scout, Furious Charge, Move thru Cover. Kroot Hounds and Kroot hawks! Shaper can unlock additional unit upgrades.

"Sneaky Kroot": Look for an ELITES Kroot unit that can hide in terrain like Ymgarl Genestealers.

Knarloc: The new big beasty model, very similar to the Forgeworld Great Knarloc (see below). Monstrous Creature, with a trample attack allowing it to run 3d6" and cause 2d6 S6 AP6 wounds to any unit it crosses. It may additionally use this special move to charge a unit, gains +2A and the assault-grenades ability when charging in this manner.

Vespid: The maligned bug men are redeemed! Big improvements, weapon range increase, point reduction, hit and run.

Vespid Flyer: Smallest flyer in game, like a jetbike, single blaster as weapon, vector-dancer

Fortifications: Deep striking turrets as fortification options. Burst cannons or missile pods options.

Tau Flyer Transport: 13 13 12 armor, holds a full Fire Warrior or Crisis Suit squad, or single Uber-suit. Not a lot of weapons, but HP:3, and has a save from wargear that can be taken. Deep strike. Rules-wise is focused on getting units reliably to a location.

The Uber-suit: So many options currently it's hard to keep them straight. It's a mobile weapon platform, with rail guns as it's main weapon system, - which can be upgraded to a plasma weapon system or ion cannons. Classified as monstrous creature. 2+/4++ save. It can forgo shooting and movement to gain 2++ save. The Uber can move as jump infantry if it does not shoot it's main weapons. VERY HIGH toughness, no existing weapon can instant death it. Although it can smash if it has to, it is not designed as a close combat unit at all. Cost is comparable to a Terminator squad. It can take drone support.

Odds and Ends
FOC: Some specific HQs move Crisis Suits to troops. One moves two Kroot units to troops.

Psykers-defense: All Tau have some base immunity to psychic powers, and thus any Tau unit can deny the witch, with the suits gaining an improvement to this roll.

Some new info from Faeit

Originally Posted by Faeit 212
I want to say that this bit comes from a very much in the know source, who occasionally helps us filter through some of the rumors. The last few days we have had 4 sets of Tau rumors, and this email is in response to this one, and clarifying other rumors that are putting Firewarriors at BS4.

"The krootox giant has the following rules and stats - these I believe will change as we have had much discussions upon this unit and cannot be certain if it is powerful enough for a competitive environment.

Krootox Giant: WS6 BS3 S8 T6 W4 I1 A5 LD7 SV4+

Special rules: Smash, monstrous creature, rage,mental without control, move through cover,fleet
mental without control: If your krootox giant loses his krootox rider then the Giant must pass a leadership test every turn otherwise will attack the closest enemy unit. If the Giant cannot reach a target then it misses it next turn while it cools down."

via the Faeit 212 inbox (has to remain anonymous)
I've never seen those kroot giant rules before (currently named the Krootonne).

There is a new large kroot model, but it's nothing like what's written, doesn't have a rider and doesn't have guns.

Fire warriors can't be upgraded to bs4, the squad leader has an upgrade that raises their BS though for (currently) 50 points and goes away if he dies.

I have like three versions of the rules, but I think some people are wish listing after getting hint of some stuff that's leaked.
Little bit more by SM

So, to give more info for the masses.

The information I recently provided BigRed comes from a late 2012 playtest, I believe Oct or Nov timeframe.

The psychic defense boost I mentioned was described as Tau are just harder to target with warp powers, they have very little presence in the warp. I asked my source more on this, and he said during playtest all Tau got a DtW reroll. Tau in Suits got a 5+ DtW.

The Kroot monster is very cool looking, but I fear rules wise its going to suffer from Pyrovore syndrome. Its expensive, and shortlived. A beast in CC, but it's hard to get it there. Roughly the size of a Maulerfiend, its like a hybrid between the Krootox and the Great Knarloc. Beaked head. 4legged. Over muscled. Kinda apelike pose and body structure.

The "uber-suit" is NOT at all like a wraithlord. It is not suited for CC, and really cant be outfitted for that role. Last I saw the T was only 7, but others are saying it is T8. I was talking about it with my source earlier and he made mention of the plasma weapon having ignore cover and thinking it will be the load out of choice. He felt that it was very balanced points to capability wise for its role in the codex. Visual wise it is definitely in line with the battle suit. Reminds me a lot of the old BattleTech line merged with Tau aesthetic.

I don't think the Vespid Scooter made the cut. It was in a number of early drafts, kind of like the genosian fighters in Star Wars. Yes, flying creatures with a flying vehicle... Named after a famous motorized bike.... 80s GW may have done this, not 10s.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
The Ubersuit may be called the Emergency Retaliation Suit or ERS (Thanks Shas'o iceborn!) and we also have this

Originally Posted by Archibald_TK
I spent some time checking the list of models in the different modules and can confirm that the Crisis are the only model out that I've noticed. The Stealth suits on the other hand I missed the first time but they are still in, so to make a summary:
- Firewarriors, Hammerheads, Piranhas, Stealth Suits did not move, so there is a very high chance they won't receive any new models
- Crisis Suits disappeared from the modules so *may* be updated
Originally Posted by Avian
Over in the fantasy release thread, Hatings said that High Elves for Fantasy will be out in May (pre-order in April). With Tau before the elves and Daemons in March, that puts Tau quite firmly in April.
Originally Posted by shaso_iceborn
There will be no new races (no Demiurge after all). Kroot will be expanded, New Vespid were play-tested I am awaiting confirmation as to whether or not they made into final print.

There are multiple fliers and and new units.

This post is intentionally vague until I can gain confirmation of units.
via an Anonmyous Source from the Faeit 212 inbox
None of the Forgeworld suits will be in the new Tau codex.

There are two new suits*, however and the crisis and broadsides are both being redone and are very distinct from one another.

The hazard suits will remain as a Forgeworld supplement and are even referenced in the fluff in a few places. They're just non-standard issue and still considered in prototype for various reasons.

The Kroot hq replaces the 1+ requirement on fire warriors with a Kroot unit.

And the book is finished. Has been for a while.
This has been restated on the same blog as "suit options" and doesn't include the Ubersuit, so might new weapons and equipment rather than actual units - Tastyfish

Originally Posted by Elaith
Could well be nothing but in reading through at least a couple of articles in this months White Dwarf, there are references to Staffers working on Tau forces.

Jeremy's article starts with him working on a FW Battlesuit and later someone is mentioned to be working on a Tau force.

Likely nothing, but are staffers getting their Tau forces moving prior to release... only time will tell.
Originally Posted by superawesomeraptorman
Heard a couple of things through the grapevine. They COULD be complete tosh, they could be awesome insights. I'd say the usual dosage of salt.

HQ

- New firewarrior leader - can give certain squads special abilities
- Ethereal have auras - apparently they are ok, nothing to write home about
- no honor guard
- New tank commander special character - has preferred enemy imperial guard (?), use on a hammerhead apparently (best tank to use)
- no HQ alters FOC apparently

Elites

- Crisis suits no new sprue, getting repackaged into 3. This seems to contradict people hearing about a new recut - apparently commanders sprue (special issue weapons) will sneak in here?
- no stealth on stealth suits, will have something to make them harder to shoot still (maybe?)

Troops
- fire warriors 9 points - no idea about new upgrades etc
- kroot lose one point of strength (really that sounds lame)

Fast
- Pathfinders don't take devilfish anymore
- piranhas are cheaper, but not much different
- flyers go here - apparently one is anti air. Not really much news, but apparently dual kit but neither version amazing (more like a dark angels rather than necron flyer kit)

Heavy Support
- Submuntions purchased for hammerheads
- Broadside have strength 8 rail guns -_- BUT can buy skyfire (expensive) but cannot buy A.S.S
- Giant new walker here - pretty tough to kill, apparently his weapons are interesting. I wanted more details, couldn't get them

New abilities
- Single squad gets charged - every unit within 6" can overwatch into the charging squad
- Squad ability from commander (can't remember which one). If unit does not move AT ALL (no relentless, S&P tricks) every model gets extra shot. I got the impression that you can't use jet pack move with this either
- Two marker light hits = NO cover at all (not a marker light hit per -1 cover). Usual BS upgrade
- Seeker missiles can skyfire
- Multi-trackers come standard on crisis suits (or free? dunno which)

General Stuff
- Haven't heard anything about new kroot or vespid stuff
- Haven't heard anything about ANY new race, but wasn't exactly told no new race as opposed to nothing was mentioned

Honestly all I can remember, it might fly in the face of everything we know, and a plastic kit seems to be missing (fire warrior HQ, Flyer, Big Suit plus something?)

Again might be true might not, ce le vi.
Originally Posted by neko
Right, just gotten off of the comlink to my contact in the icy north. Let's see now...
The codex is by Vetock.
The Ubersuit will not be competing for your Heavy slots.
Ion weapons will be overloadable.
Units will be able to overwatch to defend nearby comrades.
A new item of support gear will grant skyfire.
The new models are absolutely fabulous, much to the dismay of my future bank balance.
Neko has also confirmed that the ubersuit is the Riptide, and it is an Elite choice rather than Heavy Support

Originally Posted by neko
[Regarding any redesign of the Crisis suit's look] There is a new XV8 varient, but mostly they're the same.
Originally Posted by neko
I've not been told anything about our alien allies.
I have just been told that the new interesting tidbits with regards to the Broadsides however:
- The railguns are now different from the vehicle mounted version. Think of these as light railguns.
- The Broadsides now have sniper style pose.
- Broadsides are to cost the same amount as their Forgeworld counterparts
From Faeit's blog, regarding the look of Crisis suits
The new suits are very similar to those old ones.

The heads don't have a neck and are now lowered into the torso about 25% of the head is below shoulder level.

The arms are a bit shorter too.
Again from Neko
- Skysniper drones are carried by one of the new aircraft, similar to the devilfish drones
- There is a piece of equipment that improves BS during overwatch


Bit collected by Faeit regarding Broadside stats and points
[quote]via 3++ is the New Black (from inside the Chatbawks)
Broadsides - 85 pts with S8 Ap1 Skyfire; not sure if this is in place of old S10 AP1 or if the 85 points + skyfire is an option but its there.

Here is a response from a very reliable rumor checker that sometimes comes in to help us take a closer look at rumors.
via an anonymous source

They're not 85 points base, that's including their Skyfire upgrade.

They are indeed STR 8 AP 1 however on the broadside suits, then pay to add skyfire, but not interceptor.

via shaso_icebornMarch 13, 2013 at 2:10 PM
or Rail Rifle S6 Ap3, Rail Gun S8 Ap1 Skyfire (with option for interceptor) and Rail Cannon S10 Ap1.

Some more from Shaso_Iceborn
The mini ally dex has to my understanding been incorporated into the codex at the beginning of the book and will no longer be a separate compendium.

There is a Kroot HQ, but not in the conventional sense and he cannot command "Tau" forces (unless they bring back Prok but I have heard nothing on him)

Farsight will have a new model, it looks similar to the gamesday one.

Rail Rifles, Rail Guns, and Rail Cannons are the way they are distinguishing different rail type weapons in the new codex.

There will be 2 "new" special characters, one we may have seen before. (Aun'shi I think but do not have confirmation)
And a bit from Neko
No new crisis suits, just a repackaging. I do believe the pathfinders are plastic though, and with a Big Drone too

BTW, the 2 flyers are a bomber and a gunship - no transport. Incidently, they look a little like upscaled TX-42s
And a little bit more clarification regarding broadsides from one of Faeit's sources
*Broadsides are Slow and Purposeful, 2+ and T4 now.
*They are twin linked str8 ap1 railguns and can take plasma or missiles as well.
*They have a suit upgrade that let's them at the start of a shooting phase have skyfire.
*They don't have interceptor, nor do they snap fire ground targets.
*The only thing I notice is that the unit chooses to skyfire or not. So if you use split fire, you can't mix firing at ground targets and flyers easily.
*They're really, really good.
*Semi mobile and very durable. They're the only non interceptor skyfire unit in the game that can survive flyer alpha strike.

6th Edition 40k - Dark vengeance prices

All prices now seem to be confined as follows for the various versions:

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Vengeance (English) - Special Edition 49 Fig Box, Rulepack, Dice, Measures, Templates 1-Sep-12 $107.00 USD $128.00 CAD (this includes the limited edition Chaplain model)

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Vengeance (English) 48 Fig Box, Rulepack, Dice, Measures, Templates 8-Sep-12 $99.00 USD $119.00 CAD

have at it folks!!

6th Edition 40k - Dark Vengence Complete Contents Pictures

so folks after the teasers earlier I have managed to trawl round the internet and have found from various sources complete pics of not only the complete box set but of the individual units. The pics look like their from a white dwarf but to say I'm interested is an understatement, here are the pics:


First up a complete overview of the box:

next we have Dark Angels Terminators and Ravenwing bikers:

now the Dark Angels squad:

Now some chaos marines complete with all shiny new hellbeast thingy that kills marines:

finally time for the cultists/militia (certainly makes necromunda seem more viable):

certainly looks awesome, I am really up for this now and would like to know what everyone thinks about this as these so far look like the best boxset models GW has produced so far

6h Edition Boxset Model Pictures

Firstly the credit which goes to The 40k Project who posted the images below, he did all the hard work of sourcing them so qudos to those guys.

Anyway here's what you came for -

 

personally i like them and despite a pending house move i will be picking up the boxset - even if i end up selling all the models as i would at least like the chance to paint them. thoughts guys?

Blog News: Smashing the Barrier! Reaching 100,000+

Hi Folks,
just a quick post to day thank you all, this week the blog reached an amazing total of 100,000 hits!
I can scarcely believe it myself and am please that you all keep coming back and that new people keep finding themselves viewing the blog.

So a big thank you and and amazed to see that already we are screaming past 100,000 and look forward to some more hits.Who knows as a result of the speedy 100,000 we may even see about getting some guest articles up (anyone wanting to write an article or do a feature please feel free to contact me) or getting the Terminator Armour Challenge out sooner then expected.

Keep an eye out this weekend for hobby progress (hopefully on many hobbies) to help tempt you back and keep you enjoying the blog.

Thanks folks it means a lot that you still support the blog

Hobby News - Organise-a-hobby and other randomness!

Hi Folks,
well as some of my regular readers will know things have been a tad quiet on the blog of late. This is down to a number of factors but the main one is work, though a few breaks here and there have been worth it. So firstly apologies for that readers.

As most of you know over the past few weeks I have managed to stay firmly on the pulse of new 40k news and info but my hobby content from a personal standpoint and my own armies has been distinctly lacking in pictorial form but these hands have not been idle in all this time, far from it in fact.

Firstly I have used the past few weeks of being up and down the A12 like a yo yo to rationalise my Airsoft gear and most importantly get my guns in working order and upgraded. All are now working like the beasts they are and all being well we will have some pics and possibly footage from our first game of the year at the end of April so please keep an eye out for that.

Secondly and most importantly for the blog I have managed to rationalise and organise my every growing mass of projects, ideas and randomness down to a more manageable amount. Some work done for friends has been polished off (at last) and any projects of my own I don't think I can manage have been canned. So even with the platoon on my desk the remainder of my guard has been reduced to something more manageable, chiefly this lot:

If anyone can tell me how to stop blogger rotating my pics that would be great!!

OK, so manageable isn't the word, more like over zealous especially when you consider in each of those tank boxes there are actually three tanks to build. Despite all that though I am still looking forward to working on this and the few bits still in the cupboard. I'm thinking there is about 1000 points of infantry there and at least 1500 (if not 2000) points of  vehicles, not including the super heavies.
So as you can see not much room for many other projects, but there are plenty on the drawing board, chief amongst them:

• A Custodes character and Termies (for fun!!)
• A new Inquisitor and assorted hangers-on
• Trying to start an =I=munda warband if i can convince the guys

and those are just the ones I can remember. As you can imagine lots to do and many many ideas.

As you can also imagine that has lead to a lot of left over bits and that combined with my clear out have left me with lots of bits to get rid of, and as this is my blog I can do whats coming next :), so those bits, along with large amounts of scalextric bits and track (yes another random hobby) as well as numerous limited edition figures and books are being listed on my eBay store here:

Millest's Ebay Store

Some of the items have already gone but many are still there and as more and more gets completed so more and more shall be added so please feel free to check it out or ask me if there is anything in particular your after.

Finally over the coming weeks as things get more organised and my projects get back on track (hopefully not too much working away) then I will finally start getting the much promised product and seller reviews up so keep an eye out for those too.

All that's left is for me to say thanks for reading, thanks for sticking with the blog and hope to have more material soon.
Millest

Hammer and Anvil - Book Review

Hammer and Anvil by James Swallow
The Sisters of Battle are the Emperor’s most devout worshippers, fierce warriors preaching the purity of the Imperium and scourging their enemies with bolter and flamer. On a distant world, the Ecclesiarchy outpost of Sanctuary 101, was wiped out by an implacable foe - the fearless, soulless necrons. Now, a mission of the Sisterhood has returned to reconsecrate the site - but the metallic nightmares still lurk in the darkness, guarding a secret that has lain dormant for millennia. A vicious battle will be fought - one that can only end in the total destruction of the unrelenting xenos, or the annihilation of the proud Sororitas.

This is the second Sisters of Battle title from James Swallow (third if you count the audio book) and one that keeps the reader attached to the members of the sisterhood that we first met back in 2006. Whilst this novel is set in a similar time to the previous, it does show that when an author takes a break from the characters it can often be quite hard to reacquire, let alone acquaint, themselves with them in quite the same manner. In this case this sadly leads to a book that leaves the reader wondering if they’d been short changed as the characters were completely different. In the case of this title, i think however luckily that hasn’t been an issue which, for me, was a huge relief as this book works well as a standalone rather then a sequel.


As a brief overview it has taken ten years for the Sisterhood to be able to return to Sanctuary 101 and reconsecrate the site. But as a result of politics, the Sisters are accompanied by Tegas of the Adeptus Mechanicus for some purpose of his own. And Canoness Sepherenia has some deeper purpose of her own, beyond the reconsecration of their convent and memorialising their fallen sisters. Strangely, the bodies of the sisters previously slain by the necron ten years before had previously been claimed by the Ordos Xenos. Things become that much murkier when the sisters find a strange, single metallic head. An alien artifact? The necron. To tell more would be a spoiler but suffice to say we get some fantastic action and some intriguing looks in to the Necron world.

As usual with James’ writing its crisp, to the point, no added frills and like the sisters, battle hardened to keep the blood and glory brigade happy. Add to this a battle with the Necrons, as well as facing off against the double dealing machinations of other parties and it’s a title that really does keep you glued from the first page to the last. I look forward to sharing more of the sisters exploits in future titles. My only real gripe with the whole book is that it was clearly written as a Necron codec release piece and in some cases takes showcasing the new range/models (albeit in a story form) more seriously then the action. Still for me as its a Sisters of Battle book its redeemed and gets a respectable three and a half out of five.

Available from:

http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Hammer and Anvil by James Swallow
Softback • ISBN 9781849700658

Salvation's Reach - Book Review

Salvation's Reach by Dan Abnett
The Tanith First-And-Only embark on a desperate mission that could decide the fate of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade in the thirteenth book of this popular Imperial Guard series.
 

The Ghosts of the Tanith First-and-Only have been away from the front line for too long. Listless, and hungry for action, they are offered a mission that perfectly suits their talents. The objective: the mysterious Salvation’s Reach, a remote and impenetrable stronghold concealing secrets that could change the course of the Sabbat Worlds campaign. But the proposed raid is so hazardous, it’s regarded as a suicide mission, and the Ghosts may have been in reserve for so long they’ve lost their edge. Haunted by spectres from the past and stalked by the Archenemy, Colonel-Commissar Gaunt and his Ghosts embark upon what could be their finest hour… or their final mission.

Yet again Dan Abnett does it in style!! He rights another book that I end up spending all night reading rather than sleeping - my mind loves your work but my body really doesn't Mr Abnett! As followers of the series will know Salvation’s Reach is book number 13 in the Gaunt’s Ghosts series following Gaunt and his now somewhat ragtag regiment.

Blood Pact, book number 12, sets this novel up nicely and suffice it to say that at the end of Blood Pact the regiment of the Tanith First leaves Balhaut for the planet Menazoid Sigma, which as we come to find, is a “dispersal point.” Basically a mustering ground for regiments that will be shipping off to war in the near future. The Tanith First have been volunteered for a covert operation, presented by Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt to the Warmaster’s High Command. Their target as the title suggests is a a place called “Salvation’s Reach”.

Once again Dan Abnett draws on all our old favourites from the previous books (well the survivours anyway); the knife-edge that is Major Rawne, Gol Kolea, Ban Daur, Elodie Dutana (Daur’s significant other), Commissar Viktor Hark, Junior-Commissar Nahum Ludd, and Tona Criid to name a few. Together, along with a fresh influx of Belladon troops, and as such a new slew of characters, our intrepid heroes head out to mount a covert assault on the place known as Salvation’s Reach.

They have with them a person who is key to the operation. A defector of the Archenemy. His head is filled with secret know-how and information that is vital to the mission and it’s success. Naturally, his safety is of the utmost importance, and likewise, challenged at every turn! Rawne, and the self-appointed “Suicide Kings” are charged with the safe-keeping of this person after an attempt on the defector’s life.

After much travel through the warp, and one outstanding void battle later (better in my mind then any of the battles so far written), the Ghosts launch a two-pronged attack on Salvation’s Reach. One; straight through the front door, loud, large, and in charge. The second; two small insertion raids that are carried out behind enemy lines so to speak. Gaunt leads this sneaky attack on key areas of Salvation’s Reach, in order to gather vital intelligence and artifacts that Imperial forces can use to dismantle the Sanguinary Lords and finally win the Sabbat Worlds Crusade!

It’s an action packed story filled with battles, guard, marines and lots of other cool events. My only disappointment with the whole book is that the involvement of the three marines, from three different chapters, was never really explained, but I'm hoping that will be explained in the next and 14th book in the series. Salvation’s Reach has proven, once again that Dan Abnett is at the top of his game. And even though authors like Aaron Dembski-Bowden are giving him a run for his money, this book clearly demonstrates his mastery of literature. A thoroughly engaging read, this book is bloody brilliant! A full 5 out of 5 for me and I cant wait for the subsequent story arc this has just launched.

Available from:

http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Salvation's Reach by Dan Abnett
Hardback • ISBN 9781844168200

Space Marine - Book Review

Space Marine by Ian Watson
First published in 1993 – though completed some years earlier – at a time when the background to the Warhammer 40,000 universe was still in a state of flux and not yet fully coalesced, the book follows three young Imperial Fist recruits from their formative years in the underhive gangs of Necromunda through to fighting as part of the First Company within the bowels (literally!) of a Tyranid bioship.

Not only will you find squats in this novel –Tzeentch-worshiping squats at that – but also Space Marines controlling Titans, Space Marines with lasguns, the Pain Glove and more than a small amount of toilet humour. Oh, and a Zoat. How could we forget the Zoat?

Although the temptation was great to rewrite significant portions of this book to make it conform to current background, as a curiosity piece, an historical snapshot of the Warhammer 40,000 universe circa the early 1990s, this book is invaluable. It also serves as a shining example of what can happen when a respected genre author at the height of his powers is let loose on an established shared universe.

In another month of reading (when I should be painting) I decided it was time I re-read this book. I have owned the original for sometime now but rather then it get further dog eared I decided to pick up the print on demand copy from the Black Library. Firstly about the book itself and I must say, as with my Bloodquest book, I am pleased with the quality. OK so the price is a bit steep but to have one of the founding pieces of 40k lore available again its worth it. The larger then normal format and the simplified cover looks really good and certainly works, it also means larger font as well which is nice.


I wasn't planning on doing a full on stonking review going in to great detail on the story and on the background but the thing with the novel is its so different! Which ever way you look at it Watson’s fluff does not fit the current mythology and Black Library story telling ethos. If anything perhaps is more literary than most current readers would like and is very cerebral in places (though with an unhealthy obsession with excrement and body parts!). All that in mind though any true aficionados of 40K and mainstream science fiction should embrace the novel as a classic and enjoy it for its strengths and inventions.

The novel begins with three young protagonists, citizens of the Trazior Hive, an vast city on the planet Necromunda, engaged in gang warfare. Yeremi Valence, Biff Tundrish and Lexandro d’Arquebus are the leads and each protagonist belongs to a different social class and as a result differing gangs> the novel cleverly begins with the collision of three levels of the hive, represented by three young gangs, battling each other in brutal warfare which is used to link them through out the story. Through various routes the three end up becoming recruits for the Imperial Fists Space Marines, it is here where things progress. I don't want to take it further as it would ruin the book for readers, one thing of note though is how actions in this book (originally meant as a one off) are linked to the subsequent follow up book, Inquisitor, a clever plot device before they even knew they needed it.

One of the big sells for me was the novel’s psychological complexity, but the biggest draw is the exquisite use of language. Each sentence is poetical and rigorous, more often then not Watson uses alliteration to dramatic effect, though you never feel its over used. One of the simplest ways in which he used this command of language is how as he quickly follows the three men’s rise to become battle-brothers he changes the manner and style of their speech to reflect this, but cleverly throws in slips when they in action.

As previously mentioned the novel doesn't sit wholly within the realms of current accepted background and imagery. For example in the novel Orks are not great threats and a blight on the universe they are simply space-faring pirates and spoken of as almost potential allies. We also get to meet squats, something unfortunately missing from the current universe, who with their human overlord are minions of Chaos. We also get a unique, if somewhat bodily orifice and excrement tinted, view of the two major players in the theme, daemons and Tyranids. The spin on these forces is certainly unique and twisted but it is something fresh and worth exploring.

See, I said I wouldn't do a full review and there I go and do one. All I can say to you now is go get this book! Beg, Borrow or Buy you need to have read this book to understand the Genesis of the 40k universe. The style and imagery isn't to every ones taste but for me this book rates a full 5 out of 5, if nothing just for the nostalgia I feel when reading it.

Available from:
http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Space Marine by Ian Watson
Softback • ISBN 9781844169016

Savage Scars - Book Review

Savage Scars by Andy Hoare

Dal’yth. The forces of the Greater Good have established a stranglehold on the planet, and the time has come for the Imperium to move against them. The White Scars lead the ground assault against the tau, launching into combat with speed and fury, shedding blood as they gain ground against their enemies. Meanwhile, the members of the Crusade Council are determined to pursue their own agendas, and their politicking and back-stabbing will place the entire war effort in jeopardy. But little do they know that Inquisitor Grand has more extreme measures in mind, and the White Scars must achieve victory quickly or the cost to Dal’yth will be devastating.

This novel is the second white scars novel from the black library as far as I’m aware and the same from Andy Hoare. The novel itself is actually the third in the Damocles gulf/rouge trader series and despite this works equally well as a standalone novel that concentrates on the imperial expansion.

As mentioned this novel follows on from the Damocles gulf/rouge trader series and reintroduces many of the characters, mainly the Gerrit Family dynasty and Aura, not to mention Grand and a few others, in their adventures in the Damocles Gulf. This novel mainly concentrates on the fight back against the tau and the assembled crusade force battling against them. The main forces involved are those of the Imperial Guard, the Tau and some of their pets and finally a crusade force made up of numerous different chapters of Space Marines.

The novel follows the actions of three main characters previously mentioned, to work well this novel puts them each in different aspect of the crusades push and then plays on their motives and responsibilities. Firstly there is Lucian Gerrit who to make a name for the family and link it to the crusade for profit takes to leading an Imperial Guard Force. We also have Lucian’s daughter Brielle, whose motivations don’t become clear straight way. Finally we have Sarik, the White Scars character and the crux of the book, leading the crusades ground force we find this whole process to be a learning curve for him and certainly action packed.

The novel is well laid out and flows nicely, the scene setting at the start is a welcome addition as it means anyone that didn’t get to read the first two novels doesn’t need too. I would recommend them but they aren’t necessary for this novel. There are only one or two points where the book gets confusing, this is usually due to characters having not only different names (i.e. first names, family names or dynasty names) but also by some of the characters having similar names. The other is with the Space Marines involved, so we know we have the White Scars involved but they fight alongside Ultramarines, Scythes of the Emperor and Iron Hands. There other chapters mentioned in passing, such as the Black Templars or the Warbringers, but to be honest the three chapters I mentioned first seem done to death. Whilst there is the odd White Scars casualty it seems every other marine that gets killed is usually a Scythe or an Ultramarine, there is little mention of any other force really suffering. I know their big chapters and in the case of the Scythes this is pre their destruction (could this hint at a novel in the battles series for them?) but it just seems in places they are mentioned more than the lead characters own chapter!

Those two small niggles aside I actually liked the book. Some of the descriptions of the action and the tau were brilliant, the imagery of the titans superb and the action snappy. All in All a brilliant installation in the series, or a standalone, and one that leaves you hoping that the events discuss at the end of the novel are followed up and we learn more about them. A solid four and a half stars from me and a recommendation to pick it up given a chance.

Available from:

http://www.blacklibrary.com
Savage Scars by Andy Hoare

Softback, 416 pages • ISBN 9781844165643

Blog News - Multiple page tabs - Now in action!

Hi folks,
as some of you may have noticed the blog now has tabs! To allow for easy navigating and even easier archives I have rolled out some tabs that cover the main bases, things like novel reviews and the TOTG.
I hope these work for you guys and assist in navigating the blog, their not all complete and live yet but should be soon. If you have any thoughts on them, suggestions for changes or ideas for new tabs then please feel free to let me know.
Coming soon I might consider adding MMM to Twitter and FB but only if its considered worth it.
Thanks guys and enjoy!

Blog News - Multiple page tabs - thoughts for the future!

Been playing with the idea of adding some tabs to the top of the blog as an quick reference point for some time now to help reduce the load time and the information down the sides. So far here are some suggestions I’ve come up with, any thoughts on if they work or not, as well as any additional sections would be appreciated. The Pages in the order they would be listed so far are:

• Home
• TOTG 2011 archive
• Modelling articles
• Novel reviews archive
• Product reviews archive
• Friday 5 Finds archive
• Web links Resource

Any thoughts, suggestions, criticisms or if you think it’s a bad idea please let me know before I roll them out. Please feel free to comment and suggestions on how to improve the blog are always welcome.

Thanks folks

Imperial Armour 10: The Badab War – Part 2 - Book Review

Imperial Armour 10: The Badab War – Part 2 - Alan Bligh et al.

Once again having just completed the latest Imperial Armour book from Forgeworld I thought it would be a good idea to treat you to a good in depth review, however once again Gotthammer over at Collegia Titanica already beat me to it. So rather then write something that pales in to comparison next to his work I thought i would check with him and then post it over here. so for the most impressive review of an Imperial Armour book to date check out the Collegia Titanica here:

Collegia Titanica: Full indepth and detailed Imperial Armour 10: The Badab War - Part 2 Review

For me IA:10 was excellent, more reviewing of the fluff of the vehicles is nice as its something you can never have enough of, not to mention the mention of a medium Marine tank out there in the aether somewhere! I found that when reading this that whilst all the chapters were really well written about I felt that the Space Sharks and Mantis warriors needed more (the Mantis Warriors especially after the Deathwatch novels - I mean are they forgiven or still on the crusade?) but that was probably because they were the two chapters that most caught my eye!
Also given the Mantis Warriors were big contributors of Marines to the ranks of the Deathwatch what happened to their Marines on secondment, or infact Marines from any of the Successionist Chapters that were not "at home" as it were? That to me was the only real bit of fluff I would liked to have seen answered, who knows in a Garro style there may have been loyal Astral Claws on secondment within the Imperium, what happened to them?
My other favourite parts though were the colour plates, the way the armour was mixed so mk3 and mk8 were mixed up with other mks on one Marine was great, to me it answered a lot of questions I had about looks and is now gonna cost me a fortune in FW models. The well thought out schemes and vehicle markings shown on these colour plates are always what make the FW books for me, below are some examples.

Some of the little snippets, side notes and events suchs as those involving the Salamanders, Astral Claws and Executioners - the Red Hour or even The Doom of Hive Dominar should be written as a novel! Infact the Badab campaign could be the next Horus Heresy style novel chain for the BL - if only! My only complaint was the ending, too short and not enough clear up. The story just seemed to end with little or no details on what happened next, any follow up skirmished or subjagation of rebal populations of civilians or what the Claws did on their charge for the eye.

For me the overall rating for this book is a 5 because even though the end was so very short the overall look of the book and its partner just made it worth the obscene amounts of money it is from FW!

Availible from:

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk

Imperial Armour 10: The Badab War – Part 2 - Alan Bligh et al.
Hardback, 208pp

Blog News - Christmas and New Years Updates!

Hi Folks
after a very hectic Christmas and a New Year period that was devastated by weather, illness and work there has been little progress on modelling and hobby work, though there has been lots of purchasing going on. With that in mind and the fact I am still unable to hold a brush without shaking or a major coughing fit I am afraid the next week or so will be made up of the more staple posts such as Mondays Mirthfuls and Friday Finds, along with anything else that crops up as interesting and some book reviews of my Christmas period reading material. I apologise for the lack of hobby progress but I do hope to rectify this in the coming weeks.

On a side note (no pun intended) does anyone have a side panel from either a Leman Russ or a Chimera that they would be willing to sell? If anyone has any left over from recent projects please let me know as I'm trying to source one for a few bits and pieces i would like to try out. Please drop me a line at millests_m_m@btinternet.com to discuss.

Thanks guys and all the best for 2011!

Forge World Newsletter #258 - Christmas Jigsaw Reveal & Interview update!

Apologies it is a little later than usual but I can definitely say if you have seen this so far on the t'interwebs then your definitely in for a treat! Enjoy:

===============================================

Hello,

In this week’s Newsletter we bring you the final piece of our festive jigsaw puzzle, an update on the Badab designers’ interview and a reminder that there is still time to place an order for Christmas.
Thanks,
Stephen Green

Forge World Christmas Jigsaw Part 3
After much speculation and excitement, we can at last reveal the full glory of the Malcador Infernus which you will be able to add to your Imperial ranks in the New Year!

Badab War Designers interview
A few months ago we gave you the opportunity to pitch your questions to the writer of the Badab War books, Alan Bligh and the designer of many of the models that feature within, Simon Egan.
We had a fantastic response so we’d like to say thank you to all those who sent their questions to us, and we can now announce that the interview has been filmed and will be available for you to view on the Forge World site early next year.

===============================================

Certainly looks mean enough, though something inside me cant help but scream "Very expensive Overkill!!!!" now I know there is no such thing as overkill but this thing almost has the look of a titan killer rather than something you would roll out against ground troops. Still I'm sure eventually I might end up with one for Apocalypse games!

so thoughts? Is this the latest Marmite tank from FW? (if any of our overseas readers don't get this let me know and I'll explain in the comments :) ) time to discuss in the comments section.

Forge World Newsletter #257 - Imperial Gaurd Sneak peak 2 & Xmas re-releases

All more bits and pieces from Forgeworld and a bit more information on the new Imperial Guard 2011 release!

===============================================

Hi There,

In this week’s Newsletter we have an exciting re-release of a perennial favourite from the Forge World range, as well as news of our Festive opening hours and some dates for your diary – the first of our 2011 show dates.
Thanks,
Ead Brown

Forge World Christmas Shipping Deadlines
With December well and truly upon us, the Forge World dispatch warehouse is working around the clock to ensure that your Christmas orders are shipped as quickly as possible. As always, it’s best to order as early as possible to ensure that you’ll get exactly what you want and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us using the details below.


We can no longer guarantee that orders placed with Standard delivery outside the UK will arrive in time for Christmas, but our last guaranteed shipping date for Express Delivery outside the UK will be December 15th.

For our customers inside the UK, the last guaranteed shipping date for Standard Delivery will be December 15th and the last guaranteed shipping date for Express Delivery will be December 20th.

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your Forge World Christmas Shopping then please contact us either by e-mail at forgeworldorderenquiries@games-workshop.co.uk or by telephone on 0115 916 8177 within the UK, 011 44 115 916 8177 from the US and Canada or 00 44 115 916 8177 from much of Europe. Forge World’s Customer Service team is a font of knowledge and advice if you aren’t sure about what would make the perfect Forge World gift, and we’re available 6 days a week all the way up to Christmas so please contact us to check stock availability and shipping times.

Weathertop Available to Order Now
By popular demand we’ve brought back our hugely popular Lord of the Rings terrain model The Ruined Watchtower of Amon Sûl at Weathertop for sale this Christmas in limited quantities. This fantastic model measures over 400mm across, making a perfect centrepiece for any The Lord of The Rings battlefield, or indeed a fantastically detailed objective for The High Ground scenario and a suitably imposing representation of the Seat of Ancient Power Fortune in games of The War of The Ring.

It is faithfully detailed as it was sculpted by Simon Egan, using photos and plans supplied by New Line Cinema* from the original film set, and has in fact been used by them since as reference for its other licensees.

This beautifully detailed terrain piece will only be available while stocks last, so don’t hesitate to place your order now! The Ruined Watchtower of Amon Sûl is available to order now for immediate dispatch.

Forge World Christmas Jigsaw Part 2
To whet your appetite, we have braved great danger and hazard to steal this exclusive sneak peek of our 2011 release schedule – last week’s preview has sparked a wave of speculation, so keep your eyes peeled for more sections in future Newsletters.

===============================================

Well folks there you have it, part two of what is quite obviously a Valdor variant, I've spliced a crude pic together to give the overall impression here:

looks quite interesting, wouldn't mind one but I'm sure there are lots more new goodies over the next year (who knows i might get those Cadian Taros crews I've been wanting) and this is a very very good start.

let me know what you think.

Forgeworld Newsletter #255 - Space Marine Explosion! Armoured Might!

Hi Folks
third post of the day and this one is the business! we have the latest Forgeworld newsletter and for any Marine Enthusiast this is brilliant, a small flood of new releases!

As always reproduced as fully as possible, Enjoy:

===============================================

Hi There,
This week’s Newsletter brings you a fresh wave of Space Marine kits to pre-order, along with two more A4 Transfer Sheets packed with vehicle and infantry decals and a reminder of our Christmas shipping deadlines and opening times.
Thanks, Ead Brown

Land Raider Achilles Available to Pre-Order Now
The first of our new wave of Space Marine releases is the devastatingly powerful Land Raider Achilles. This resin and plastic hybrid kit, designed by Stuart Williamson, boasts sponson-mounted twin Multi-Meltas and a hull-mounted Thunderfire Cannon. A line-breaker beyond compare, the Land Raider Achilles’ firepower is capable of forcing a breach in even the strongest defences at the tip of an armoured assault.

Originating in the closing years of the Great Crusade, the Achilles is perhaps the rarest and most venerable Land Raider variant still used on the battlefields of the 41st Millenium. It was originally created by the Imperial Fists Legion in response to a dire xenos threat now lost to the mists of history, and fittingly rare outside the noble Imperial Fists, their successors and the Ordo Reductor of the Adeptus Mechanus. The Achilles is perhaps most vaunted for its legendary durability - each stage of the hull’s construction incorporates layer upon layer of ancient electromagnetic algorithms and ferromantic incantations. This arcane lore is etched into the very structure of the Land Raider Achilles at a molecular level, and is one the most secret and ancient rites of the Cult Mechanicus.


The Land Raider Achilles is a complete resin and plastic kit, and is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing December 6th, and is included in the Space Marine Siege Assault Vanguard army list in the forthcoming Imperial Armour Volume 10: The Badab War Part II. As an exclusive extra, we have prised the rules for the Achilles from Alan Bligh’s grasp and they are available to download for free here.


Forge World MkIV Ironclad Dreadnought and Arms Available to Pre-Order Now

The latest addition to our range of MkIV Dreadnoughts is the siege specialist MkIV Ironclad Dreadnought, MkIV Hurricane Bolter, MkIV Seismic Hammer and MkIV Chainfist. These full resin kits, designed by Phil Stutcinskas, afford Space Marine players the complete range of Codex options for the Ironclad Dreadnought. Heavily augmented and outfitted for siege assault and ship boarding actions, the Ironclad Dreadnought sacrifices versatility and long-range firepower for even greater armoured defence and dedicated siege weaponry such as the Seismic Hammer and Chainfist, designed to pulverise the toughest bastion or armoured bulkhead into twisted wreckage. The fearsome short-ranged firepower of a Hurricane Bolter is often used to augment the Ironclad’s firepower, allowing the ancient hero within the sarcophagus to saturate breached defences with a deadly storm of bolter shells. The MkIV Ironclad Dreadnought is a full resin kit that comes complete with Hunter Killer Missiles and Frag Assault Launchers, furthering the Ironclad’s potent weaponry, as well as additional armour plates to fit the resin MkIV Hurricane Bolter, MkIV Seismic Hammer and MkIV Chainfist and our other MkIV Dreadnought arms. Each of these detailed kits is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing December 6th.

New Space Marine Transfer Sheets Available to Pre-Order Now
Forge World’s Paul Rudge has been hard at work of late, busily working away on two additions to our range of transfer sheets – an A4 Dark Angels transfer sheet and an A4 Space Marine Markings decal sheet.


Each sheet is crammed with a huge array of squad badges suitable for shoulder pads, jump packs and vehicles. There are also unit designations and unique details such as Dark Angel maxims and names, along with standard and variant vehicle designations for all types of Space Marine squad insignia.

Each of the new transfer sheets is also available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing December 6th.


Forge World Winter Catalogue Supplement Sheet Now Available
You can now download a free PDF of our most recent supplement sheet from the Forge World website. It includes the Eldar Hornet, which is available to pre-order now for despatch from the 29th of November, along with all of our most recent releases such as the Necron Tomb Stalker and Space Marine Armour Sets.
If you’d like to receive a free copy of our 2010 catalogue to assist you when compiling your Christmas shopping list, e-mail forgeworldcatreq@games-workshop.co.uk making sure you include your full name and postal address.


Forge World Christmas Shipping
With November upon us, we have news of our final shipping deadlines for Christmas. These dates are subject to change, and we will keep you informed of any changes both in future newsletters and at http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/.
As always, it’s best to order as early as possible to ensure that you’ll get exactly what you want and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us using the details below.

• Our last guaranteed shipping date for Standard Delivery outside the UK will be December 6th.
• Our last guaranteed shipping date for Express Delivery outside the UK will be December 15th.
• For our customers inside the UK, the last guaranteed shipping date for Standard Delivery will be December 15th and the last guaranteed shipping date for Express Delivery will be December 20th.

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your Forge World Christmas Shopping then please contact us either by e-mail at forgeworldorderenquiries@games-workshop.co.uk or by telephone on 0115 916 8177 within the UK, 011 44 115 916 8177 from the US and Canada or 00 44 115 916 8177 from much of Europe. Forge World’s Customer Service team is available 6 days a week all the way up to Christmas, so don’t hesitate to contact us to check stock availability and shipping times. We are also a font of knowledge and advice if you aren’t sure about what would make the perfect Forge World gift.


Forge World Wishlists Now Available Online
On the subject of Christmas shopping, there’s nothing worse than secretly hoping for a Reaver Titan, finding a massive parcel under your tree, eagerly ripping it open and finding a lovely ‘novelty’ jumper and a pair of socks…
It doesn't get much worse than that, but thankfully it couldn't be easier to make sure that it doesn't happen to you. If you’ve created an account on http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/ then you have the ability to create a Wishlist. Just login to Your Account and you’ll see an option to View Wishlists – simply browse through our online store and click the ‘add to wishlist’ button on each item’s page. Once you’ve found all the gifts you’re after, just e-mail it to all of your friends and family and wait for Christmas morning.

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Well folks, as I said its a corker!!!!! The Red Hunters may well be receiving the Dreadnought before long but I am the most certain I have ever been that the Mentors need a tank and that bad boy at the top there is almost like it was designed with them in mind. I dont know what your thoughts are on these kits, but I'd love to know. Feel free to comment below for discussion with the other followers.

thanks and enjoy!