Crystal Ball Gazing - Dwarf units missing from GW Website

The Games Workshop website is missing several current army book entries from their website, all previously available last week.

The big one is the venerable Gyrocopter. Its a strong endorsement that we will see the rumoured new plastic kit, hopefully backed up by some rules that will give them a greater presence on the battlefield.

Gone are the Ironbreakers of old. Most people predicted these would be replaced, and current rumours are indicating they will be a dual kit with a new unit of ranged troops. My source had originally indicated to me that these where to be in a dual kit with the Hammerers, possibly getting Longbeards and Ironbreakers confused. Harry from over at warseer is indicating the new Ironbreakers are like little tanks, not even showing a beard. 


Hammerers and Longbeards we already know about. They disappeared and we have all seen the replacements. If not go have a look here.

But what is maybe more interesting is what still remains...

The Throne of Power and Anvil of Doom are still up and in finecast... My sources told me that they would become a dual kit. He is normally very reliable however this may be a kit for a future release. Games Workshop are well known for having several kits shelved and ready to go.

And then there is a the slayers... The old metal slayers are still available and in special section in all three regions around the world. Now it is possible that these kits may be later in the month or even next month, as with the change to White Dwarf Weekly it stands to reason the website will not be updated all at once as in the past. In saying that we did experience the second wave Dark Elves being removed (and relocated) on the website the month before they were released. My money is still on seeing these guys this release, as not only my source but many other reliable rumour mungers have cited this kit was a go...

The other observation I make is that there is no existing kit (plastic, metal or finecast) that has found a new home under a different section of the army - yet. Its not to say this still will not happen, as once again, the new weekly release cycle throws the cat among the pigeons. It is very possible that we will see things change when the book is released, so 2 weeks from now.

So the question still remains. Will Dwarfs be the first army in years to not receive a major centrepiece model? The army book will reveal all.

Its safe to say that the Dwarf release has had the lid kept on it tighter than any other in recent times. Not even a single rules rumour for a book that is out in 2 weeks.

Avatars of War Dark Elves Vestals of Nemesis up for Pre-Order

As the title says, Avatars of War have released full images and a pre order for their new Vestals of Nemesis or Witch Elves analogue.

Seen here they look to be a nice cohesive unit

These new close ups reveal a few similarities to the Games Workshop ones they are intended to compete with. Some of you may remember this post where I compared the two.

Not to sure of the standard bearers pose and standards offset

Here is a picture of the complete parts set for twenty Vestals of Nemisis

Avatars of War have a great deal going for pre orders. 30 Miniatures for 35 euros. This is normally the price of 20, however you miss out of the exclusive miniature which is only available in the 20 pack.

I have ordered a set of these to compliment the 30 games workshop ones I own already. It will be interesting to compare the two in closer detail. Avatars of War may have come to the party a little late with this launch however I think many of you will still be interested in these which run at aproximatley half the price of the GW origionals. 

The new models from Avatars of War ship in April, so a fairly long lead time for orders, along with their new assassin models previewed here

New Forgeworld releases

A whole heap of stuff went up on Forgeworld today for pre order. They where previewed here but are now live to order...

 One of the heavy artillery units available to the Legiones Astartes is the Medusa, which carries a short ranged but extremely powerful siege mortar capable of breaching all but the thickest walls. When a breach has been secured, the Medusa will then rumble forwards to support the assault, levelling buildings with a single shell. 

The Legion Medusa, designed by Blake Spence, is a complete multi-part resin and plastic kit that includes two Legiones Astartes crew in MkIV power armour. The rules for the Legion Medusa can be found in The Horus Heresy Book One: Betrayal.

 The origins of MkII Crusade power armour hark back to the dawn of the Great Crusade when Mankind travelled out into the stars to forge the Imperium. Even during the Horus Heresy, Crusade armour is still one of the most common suits used within the Legiones Astartes and many of the earliest examples carry with them a glorious history. These suits are often reworked by master artificers to show the elevated status that their wearer now carries, be they leaders, champions, line officers or standard bearers.

The MkII Command Set, designed by Israel Gonzalez, is a complete multi-part resin kit comprising two models: one armed with a thunder hammer and with the choice of helmeted or bare head, the other is equipped with a Legion standard and chainsword. These models can be used to represent a variety of different roles in the Legion army list from The Horus Heresy Book One: Betrayal, from Centurions to Veteran Sergeants. 

MkIII Iron armour was a modification of Crusade armour where the MkII’s frame was reinforced with additional ablative armour plates. The increased bulk of the suit made it less useful for jump infantry, but the improved protection was invaluable when fighting in tight confines where room to manoeuvre was limited. 

The MkIII Command Set, designed by Israel Gonzalez, is a complete multi-part resin kit comprising two models: one drawing a large power sword and with the choice of helmeted or bare head, the other is equipped with a Legion standard and bolt pistol. These models can be used to represent a variety of different roles in the Legion army list from The Horus Heresy Book One: Betrayal, from Centurions to Veteran Sergeants, and are available now. 

Updated - More Dwarf pictures leaked from White Dwarf

Some very bad pictures of the first wave of Dwarfs has been circulating the past few hours

Hammerers Dual Kit

Longbeards Dual kit

More Longbeards

Belegar

Hammerers Command

Hammerers compared to warriors. The Warriors look like a very old cut now...

Hammerers closeup

Longbeards command

I have some better quality pictures coming soon

Dwarf Army Book not in first weeks release

I just received confirmation that the first weeks release for the upcoming Dwarves will not include the new Army Book. 

The first weekly White Dwarf will go on sale this Saturday 1st February and will show pictures for three new plastic kits for Dwarfs.

Belegar 
Slayer character (name has something to do with a spider???? source may have heard this wrong)
Longbeards/Hammerers dual kit

These will be available to pre-order for release on February 8th

On the plus side, I did get confirmation that there will be a new Dwarf Army Book released in February.

This plays into the rumoured release cycle of week 1 & 3 being for models, with 2 & 4 being for other stuff.

February 1st White Dwarf Full Cover reveals all

Its grainy and its been circulating the last few hours. The full cover confirms that Dwarves are getting new Longbeards and a new special character in the form of Belegar Ironhammer, complete with rules.

Rules in a White Dwarf is a refreshing change, but lets see how long this will last.

Along with the full cover revelation we also find out that Games Workshops still persists on using an 'f' instead of 've' to spell every form of the word Dwarves...

No new information about the Army Book or other models in the range however.

Pictures of the Longbeards, Slayer character and hammerers can be found here

First pictures of Dwarves leaked!

Pictures have been leaked from the new upcoming White Dwarf Weekly. I think everybody has seen the cover by now.

New Slayer character. This may have been the "giant slayer" I was told about

New Hammerers. These is meant to be in a new dual kit. They are very heavily armoured so could have the alternative build as Iron Breakers, however most sources now point to them and Longbeards making up a single dual kit. My source mentioned Hammerer/Iron Breaker.

My source did get this right. Single Dwarf plastic clampack armed with a hammer. Rumoured to be Belegar of Karak Eight Peaks fame.

New Mechanicum reinforcements from Forgeworld

 The Castellan-type Battle-automata’s modular chassis allows it to carry a variety of different weapons configurations, one of which provides the armour penetrating firepower of a multi-melta and replaces the Castellan’s standard shock chargers with Battle-automata power blades. 

The Castellax Battle-automata with Multi-melta, designed by Will Hayes, is a complete multi-part resin kit armed with a multi-melta, two Battle-automata power blades and a choice of two flamers or boltguns. This model is available to pre-order now and will be despatched from Friday January 31st.

Tech-thralls are created by the Mechanicum through basic augmetics and cranial surgery as the need for them arises and, in the case of the Legio Cybernetica, the use of captured prisoners and criminals requisitioned from local authorities is common. Considered a lower order of being than most servitors by their masters, the ultimate fate of most tech-thralls is to end their lives recycled into servitor components and their implants harvested for use in future thralls as their bodies fail under the relentless toil to which they are subjected. 

The Tech-thralls with Las-locks, designed by Mark Bedford, are a complete multi-part resin kit comprising five models armed with las-locks. These models are available to pre-order now and will be despatched from Friday January 31st.

Avatars of War announces new Dark Elves line

As the title states, Avatars of war are doing a Dark Elves range as there next project.

Black Shadows

The next army list for Warthrone will be the Dark Elves, arriving accompanied by several future releases in the form characters and regiments for this army. 
The first to arrive are the Black Shadows, stealthy assassins who infiltrate the enemy ranks to spy, sabotage their plans or kill their commanders.

New Assassin with flailing cloak

New female Assassin!

I especially like their take on the female assassin. Nice original sculpt, and a nice addition to any ones Dark Elves collection. 

With two new ranges of Dark Elves due this year, (AoW and Raging Heroes) 2014 looks to be a great year to collect Dark Elves! It will be interesting to see how the two companies will compete to get similar product range to the market. I expect some to see some amazing models.

Confirmation of Dwarves release in February

Well at least its very close to a confirmation. Games Workshop posted this picture on their daily blog today...

In what is obviously a Dwarvern runic standard on the cover of the first issue of White Dwarf Daily. Interesting there is no mention of Hobbit/LotR, only 40k and Warhammer, and looks to not be country specific.

This was also a nice touch:

Current mail order White Dwarf subscriber?If you have a subscription to the current White Dwarf magazine, your subscription will automatically switch over to Warhammer: Visions. With your first issue, we’re also sending you a free copy of the first issue of new White Dwarf weekly, along with a letter from Jes, the editor, explaining the changes. The price you pay will not change during your subscription period.From March, we’ll begin mailing out your monthly subscriber copy of Warhammer: Visions early so that (Warp storms permitting, of course) you’ll receive your copy during the week before it goes on sale in stores.

So it will be worth something buying a subscription to White Dwarf Visions providing the magazine is any good that is...

Forgeworld Launch New Blog - Confirm Book 3 in Horus Heresy

Forgeworld today have finally started their blog up after long ago citing they would

It can be found here

They confirm in this blog what I rumoured a few days ago: Book 3 of the Horus Heresy will be out soon. The timeframe I was given last week was 2-3 months.

Another new tank in the making...

It is interesting timing Forgeworld going live with their blog, as some rumour mongers have been indicating GW and FW websites will be merging.

I can't help but think they are over representing the situation. 

My speculation would be more likely that FW will be taking over production of all resin manufacturing which in turn they will supply the main GW site with resin product lines. They would then continue with their own range of resin models on their own separate site.

This would be a logical move as far as cutting costs went as then GW would only have one resin manufacturing department instead of the current two, not to mention a superior resin production process. (injection/pressure casting instead of the finecast spin casting). FW have had to ramp up their production capacity in the last 6+ months due mainly to the success of the Horus Heresy range of models, which would require significant investment in new plant.

I have been told basically that "I can't see the main GW site selling FW range happening, at least not any time in the near future. If it is happening, nobody has told me which I find unlikely" The same guy said book 3 was out soon which I posted here last week.

Creature Caster - Something to keep an eye on...

Hey everyone. Jeremy here, formerly of Ultraforge. I am here to humbly pitch the Kickstarter campaign for my miniatures company called: Creature Caster. 

After researching, following and supporting a few Kickstarter campaigns, I found that I am not a fan of complex campaigns with confusing stretch goal maps and pledge calculators. Tho there is a story behind each miniature, I didn't write pages of fluff. I also don't want to explain too much about my personal life in my campaign. Instead, I spend my time trying to sculpt and manufacture the best miniatures I can, and with feedback and practice I can hopefully make gains and improve with each one. 
I love this hobby. My best friends are the people in this hobby. I wanna make models that people appreciate, and it is really that simple.

Check out the campaign when it launches on Feb 1st, 12:01 PST. There will be door-crasher specials on the first day, and those units will sell out fast, so be there the minute it launches.

Most questions you have regarding the sculpting, manufacture and sales of the miniatures can be found on http://www.creaturecaster.com/ . There is even a short 'behind the scenes' video, and well as the video we will have on our Kickstarter page. If anything is not covered on the site, just post your questions here and I will be glad to answer it as soon as I can. I also posted some more information below.
Most importantly, thank you very much for your support. 

Jeremy

 Information on pricing/pledging (will be updated as the thread progresses)

- the idea is: you pledge on a model or a package deal, and then you may add other miniatures to your pledge (at a discounted rate) in the form of optional upgrades. You may also add stretch goal miniatures as optional upgrades. You will get a questionnaire at the end of the campaign for you to explain exactly what it was that you paid for. Easy- shipping will be bundled. Pay a one time shipping fee on your starter pledge, and thats it.- shipping goes to anywhere a package can be sent to on earth- The Kickstarter discount on all minis will be at least 25% off what their retail price will be in the future- The package deals are insane, and will have you saving closer to 35%.- The stretch goals that will be unveiled during the campaign will be an exciting thing to keep checking up on, since they are all epic creatures- I am making it very easy for you to 'adjust your pledge' and add any additional options as they get added to the campaign. This is going to be a very neat and tidy campaign. - instead of adding a ton of miniatures as stretch goals, we will add a handful and then fulfill our orders ASAP, waiting till the next Kickstarter to add more creatures

Frequently asked questions and comments (will be updated as the thread progresses)

- we will eventually be doing smaller miniatures, with the same quality in sculpt and manufacture, but not in this campaign. We have plans for down the road- the models are sculpted in the computer, with the sensibilities that I have picked up from physically sculpting for the last 10 years. We do things the hard way- the master model is 3D printed with the most high-end printer on the market today, which is then resin-cast to capture all the detail and add durability. The Creature Caster team is a rare combination, with expertise and first hand experience in each of these fields- actual heights for the models are on our website, with clear diagrams- our models all are stood on base rocks. The rock is a counterweight which makes our models very stable on a tabletop while still fitting onto a small footprint. The height that the rock adds does not appeal to all gamers who are concerned about line-of-sight rules. I personally dislike and replace any LoS rule in any tabletop wargame I play and instead measure base to base, and discuss whether or not my model is in cover based on common sense and honor. LoS makes perfect sense in first person shooters, and makes little sense in tabletop wargaming when each sculpt should represent a unit, not actually be a frozen version of a real unit moving around a table.- our models typically are featured in dynamic poses, with an asymmetrical height of each foot. I would personally prefer my creatures to be 'foot on rock' as opposed to 'feet flat'. It is a preference thing, but we are still open to applying the variety of feedback we receive when sculpting future models.

Useful links:
- our website: http://www.creaturecaster.com/
- sneak preview our kickstarter video: http://www.creaturecaster.com/pages/kickstarter
- behind-the-scenes video: http://www.creaturecaster.com/pages/features
- our youtube page with every model turnaround: https://www.youtube.com/user/creaturecaster
- our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/creaturecaster

This Kickstarter looks like a good one to watch...

Secret Weapon Miniatures Tablescapes - Urban Tile previews

Secret Weapon Miniatures Tablescapes Kickstarter project is in its final stages of production.

They recently previewed some production tiles for the ruined urban landscape and they are definitely living up to the promise 

The detail they have retained on these is amazing. Secret Weapon Miniatures is still predicting a march Delivery date for all 5 unlocked styles. I myself pledged for the clean and ruined urban landscape, which will form the basis of my Heresy Table based on a Mars chemical refinery and/or arms manufacturer. 

The last set we are waiting on now is the ruined temple theme which I wish to use as a fantasy table mixed in with the rolling fields.

Horus Heresy Book 3 due out soon.

Horus Heresy

So I have it on good advice that we can expect Book 3 of the Horus Heresy and the third part to the Istvaan Trilogy within the next 3-4 months.

Book 3: Part 2 of Istvaan V and the battle of Phall will cover the remaining stages of the Dropsite Massacre, and the battle between Imperial Fist and the Iron Warriors in the Phall system

Book 3 will cover the following Legions:
IMPERIAL FISTS!
Raven Guard
Iron Warriors
Alpha Legion

As well as having a sprinkling of Adeptus Mechanicum including the likes of the Myrmidon Destroyers and a new vehicle...

Warhammer Forge

On the Warhammer Forge front we will also see the release of the previously seen K'daai Destroyer alongside the Dread Saurian shortly. Both are ready for moulds to be made and await an opening in the production cycle process. 

On the down side Warhammer Forge has been officially shelved for the near future, and all staff are working on Horus Heresy models. The book covering the Battle for Black Fire Pass is also shelved.

This is a huge shame as there was much potential for Warhammer Forge to introduce some fringe armies that are often in the background fluff, such as their popular Legion of Azgorh. This all has a lot to do with sales, and it makes sense from a business perspective where Forgeworld are obviously making far more money selling Horus Heresy kits. It does however go against their earlier statements that the Horus Heresy would not impact Warhammer Forge at all.

It is interesting to note the predominant focus of the alternative miniature industry is Fantasy models where as the 3rd party parts industry is Scifi

White Dwarf Rumours confirmed

White Dwarf magazine goes weekly!
Saturday 1 February sees the birth of the new, weekly, White Dwarf magazine. 
Saturday 1 February sees the birth of the new, monthly, Warhammer: Visions magazine.
Yes, that’s right. We’ll be launching two new magazines on the same day, Saturday 1 February.
White Dwarf, now weekly.
From Saturday 1 February, White Dwarf will be available each and every Saturday exclusively in your local Games Workshop store, Independent Stockist and at games-workshop.com
White Dwarf will contain everything that’s new and exciting in the hobby that week, from news and information on all the week’s other new releases, to new columnists, interviews, painting, modelling, game rules and much more. And the price? The same as a pot of your favourite Citadel paint.
Warhammer: Visions, now monthly.
Warhammer: Visions will be available on the first Saturday every month in your local Games Workshop store, Independent Stockist, games-workshop.com and local newsstands in the UK, Europe and Australia.
Warhammer: Visions is a completely new monthly magazine, also from the White Dwarf team. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before and this super high-quality visual feast weighs in at a whopping 236 pages, each and every month.
Just 17 days to go and counting.
After months of planning and hard work, we’re really excited to be able to share this news with you. We were overwhelmed by all the support and feedback you gave us last time we relaunched White Dwarf back in September 2012 (and by your emails and photos that you send us every day – please keep them coming), and we’re even more excited by what we’ve got coming up for you in 2014.
If you can’t wait for Saturday 1 February and want to know more, then your local Games Workshop store manager has more info…

Well there we have it. It will be interesting to see if the new Warhammer Visions will be worth it, and what a weekly magazine does for the new releases (not to mention the rumour mill) 

Dwarf Rumours

So a lot has been said about Dwarves being released in February, and this matches with the information that I have been previously given, Dwarves being next followed by Wood Elves in April/May.

That same source mentioned some things to me last night about the Dwarf release, although he did say that he had not seen the models. the following are "Rumours" mentioned:

There will be a new Dual kit which will make a Throne carried by 4 Dwarves, in which Thorgrim Grudgebearer or a normal Dwarf Lord can be mounted. The kit will also make the Anvil of Doom, which is swapped out with the seat of the throne and carried by 4 Dwarves, and counts as a mount for a Runelord. The model will be on a 60x100 base and is pictured in a unit.

So from this I get that the new anvil is carried by 4 Dwarves just like the throne, and that the model will have a special character as well as a Lord and Runelord option. I wonder if it will also include the Runelord special character? This all sounds very plausible and very similar to what we have seen with the Dark Elves Cauldron of Blood kit which had a special character (Hellibron) and two other mounted models.

There is a new infantry plastic kit which can make Hammerers and Iron Breakers. The Hammerers are armed with great weapons (Hammers) and the Iron Breakers have hand weapon and shield (axes). The bodies are the same for both with head and weapon swaps.

Sounds like the Dark Elves Executioner/Black Guard kit to me

The other infantry kit is a Troll Slayer unit that can also make a new unit of Berserkers. The kit also makes a giant slayer.

Nothing new here.

The new single plastic figure is a Thane holding a hammer.

Sounds legit

All the existing plastics remain.

Fairly standard these days. The only plastic kit we have seen replaced in recent times was the Dark Elves core troops. Shame the High Elves missed out.

So no mention of Plastic Gyrocopters and a dual kit which makes a huge cannon or a tunnelling machine. Its not to say that these will not happen just that this guy does not mention them. The above looks to be a full allotment for a 1 month release. A forth plastic box could fit in however 5 would indicate a 2 month window for release and open up the possibility of more plastic kits or it may just be a thin release.

At any rate we shall find out within 2 weeks.

Forgeworld Fellblade partially arrives...

I received my Fellblade that I ordered around xmas time the other day. I was very happy to see it turn up as it will make a nice centre piece to my Imperial Fists Legion, however...

Both left and right sides had a lot of damage to the upper side, including a crack through one side. Not only that I was missing the entire top plate from the order, something you kinda need to make the model...

After a quick phone call to FW they had a replacement top plate on the way for me. I have managed to remove all the warpage from the side plates and glue the crack together, which saved having to ask for replacement ones. 

Lately I have been getting a lot of miscast, broken or missing parts from my Forgeworld orders. It may have something to do with the increase in frequency that I have been ordering over the holidays however it is getting tiresome having to wait for replacements after the orders arrive.

First batch of Dark Elves ready for paint...

Each year I like to start a new army. Last year it was Chaos Dwarves, and this year it is Dark Elves.

Corsairs are a pain in the arse to rank up! I have another 30 that I will make up with repeater crossbows.

I've used a shaded basecoat methods to undercoat all of them like I do with all my models. Pretty simple, its black all over, grey from a 45 degree angle, and then white from a 90 degree angle. Used in conjunction with watered down paints it makes it easier to highlight and shade everything

All up its 30 Corsairs with ADH, 20 Dreadspears, 20 Darkshards, 15 Dark Riders, 10 Executioners, Shadowblade, Hellbron, a Sorcerer and a Master riding a Dark Steed.