The Last Ditch - Book Review

The Last Ditch by Sandy Mitchell
Imperial commissar Ciaphas Cain returns to Nusquam Fundumentibus to crush the ork attacks which have been plaguing the frozen planet. But when his ship crashes into the wastelands outside the capital it disturbs a far greater enemy, one which has lain dormant under the permafrost since long before the Imperium came to this world, and could now threaten the whole sector. Faced with ongoing greenskin raids and keeping an over-enthusiastic novice commissar under control, Cain must rally his men and confront whatever emerges from beneath the rapidly melting ice...

Yet again commissar Ciaphas Cain finds himself staring death in the eyes. This time it's due to negligence and greed. He is attached to the 597th Valhallan regiment, on route to a planet with an Orc infestation. The ship they are travelling on suffers from shield failure while in the warp, and something manifests on the bridge. The instruments on the bridge are badly damaged in the fight against the demon, and they lose control of the ship. Not even down on the planet and fate is already against Ciaphas Cain, who is now trapped in a steel coffin hurtling towards a fiery death in the system's star.

As always, there is a million to one chance a risky plan will save them, and as any Terry Pratchett reader knows, these will work nine times out of ten (or eleven times if you're very lucky). You can't really call what happens next a landing, it was more of a slightly controlled crash. By controlled I mean they got to choose to hit a planet instead of a sun. On the way down they hit a mountain, which happens to be where the Orc horde is hanging out. Ciaphas Cain and the Valhallans now face some very angry orcs bearing down on them. It's pointed out how this is something the Valhallans look forward to, orcs being their hated enemies, but not at all to the liking of Ciaphas Cain. His favoured enemy is danger of any kind, but he'd rather run away than face it. Wise man.

Sandy Mitchell has done a remarkable job with The Last Ditch. Ciaphas Cain is a great character, and I would struggle to jot down everything awesome about him. According to himself, he is a selfish layabout, who wants nothing but peace and quiet, but also the admiration of those around him. Sandy Mitchell has always made sure to, in my opinion, to give us room for doubt. I think Ciaphas Cain is a hero, just a very modest one. Not only is our hero well written, Jurgen, his aide is also great. Together the two form a truly dynamic duo, capable of overcoming every obstacle. Whereas Ciaphas Cain is a dashing leader of men and a great swordsman, Jurgen is quiet, stoic, and a master marksmen. He is also not the sharpest chainsword in the armoury, but his ability to follow orders to the letter more than makes up for it. The dialog between the the two is so much fun, and even though Ciaphas Cain mocks Jurgen on occasion he does not tolerate rudeness from others directed in his aide's way.

Sandy Mitchell delivers a stronger plot than in the previous Ciaphas Cain novel, The Emperor's Finest. It feels more like one coherent story this time, instead of three short stories, which was the case in The Emperor's Finest. I won't say the story in The Last Ditch is amazing as by now they seem to follow a familiar script. Ciaphas Cain arrives to deal with threat A. He tries to direct from behind as many bodies between himself and danger as possible, but manages to volunteer to a dangerous mission. He then discovers threat B which is much greater than threat A. For me the plot is just the medium through which all the awesome action and punchy dialogue is delivered, so I can easily forgive the familiarity. This is what I expect from my Christmas reads anyway, cozy and fuzzy familiarity. Makes me feel safe and happy.

The Last Ditch is another triumph for Sandy Mitchell, which delivers on all points I expect from a Ciaphas Cain novel. No matter where our Commisar turns he faces danger, unspeakable horror, or Jurgens BO. When he is not busy fending off alien killers, he is usually in the middle of being sarcastic or making a funny observation. Fun, danger and BO, what more could you ask for? A good old 4 stars for me as it keeps the character going, just a shame there isn’t much development (or Amberley) in the novel but lets see what’s coming in the future.

Available from:
http://www.Blacklibrary.com/
Sandy Mitchell
Hardback • ISBN 9781849701242

Forgeworld Newsflash - Stormeagle CONFIRMED!!!!!!

Taken from the freshly recieved forgeworld newsflash email - Still says to me its genuine and not a hoax like some people think, there seems way too much info for it not to be real!!

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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!

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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Looks awesome and one of my marine forces (most likely mentors) will be getting one at some point :)

Phoenix Squadron - Book Review

Phoenix Squadron by Rowland White
HMS Ark Royal was the most powerful warship the Royal Navy had ever put to sea. 50,000 tons of British Sovereign Territory - a floating airfield that was home to 2700 men, a stockpile of nuclear weapons, and the most modern, capable air force in Europe. But by the early seventies, Ark Royal was in the twilight of her career. Only kept in service to help face down the Cold War threat from the powerful Soviet Navy, it seemed Ark would play no further part on the world's stage.Then, in January 1972, intelligence reached Whitehall that British Honduras - now Belize - was threatened with imminent invasion. To defend the colony Britain's response had to be immediate and unequivocal. And Ark Royal… more » offered the only effective means of preventing the little Central American country being overrun by battle-hardened, US-trained Guatemalan paratroops. But to do so the old carrier would first have to endure a destructive, high-speed 1500 mile dash across the Atlantic towards the Gulf of Mexico. Only then would it be possible to execute an audacious, record-breaking plan to launch a pair of Buccaneers on an extraordinary and unprecedented long-range mission.It was an operation loaded with difficulty and danger.Drawing on many hours of interviews with the participants and previously unseen, classified documents here and abroad, Rowland White, bestselling author of "Vulcan 607" has pieced together this remarkable episode for the first time. And has brought to life a unique, unfamiliar and thrilling piece of post-war British military history: the world of the Fleet Air Arm's last Top Guns

I was impressed - and I can say this now I've read the book - having been sceptical about how an author could bring to life a story that was but the smallest blip on the calendar of history, but some how he really does. And more importantly he compels you into thinking it was THE historical event of the time, nestled in amongst the 30+ years of the Cold War, that could have turned the tide in South American politics, UK reputation and UK/US relations.

There is no disputing my ignorance of the South American region and the political landscape of the 60's and 70's that caused the ebb and flow of regional tension; I have always been much more acutely focussed on how the UK and the labour government almost dismantled the Royal Navy and handed over good but well worn aircraft to the RAF instead of TSR2 or F-16.

But this book bounces you along in a manner similar to the purposeful, powerful and proud Ark Royal as she drove north through the rough waters of the North Atlantic. It just keeps you going. The parallels he draws for the current state of the UK military, the Royal Navy in particular, makes stark reading.

The detail he dragged from those embarked in the squadrons at the time brought conventional carrier aviation to life in a way that I found raised my pulse and breathing rate on every launch. By cleverly weaving in the detail of the diplomatic and political aspects of both the Cold War issues and that of the key focus, Belize, allows to you to take a well earned pause between the flying action that only a carrier can make so dramatic. The bonus feature of course is that fact that I'm now much more knowledgeable about the period and the era than ever I was before.

Rowland has crafted a book for all ages that I have read; my father in law is now glued to and is soon to be tagged by my son once he can prise it from his wizened fingers.

Excellent detail (just look at the pages of acknowledgements) allied to a wonderful, flowing style makes the action leap out of the pages at you. Another 4 stars from me and really looking forward to Vulcan 607 when it drops through the door.

Available from:
http://www.play.com/
Rowland White
Hardback • ISBN 9780593054505

Extreme risk - Book Review

Extreme Risk by Chris Hunter
BOSNIA...NORTHERN IRELAND...IRAQ...AFGHANISTAN...
For the past twenty years, some of the most dangerous places on earth. And for Major Chris Hunter, just some of the places where he has defused bombs in his ceaseless battle against terrorism and the bombmakers.
This is the story of a teenager with no hopes who joined the army at sixteen and went on to become one of the most successful counter-terrorism operators in the world.
This is the story of survival when all the odds are stacked against you, when every second feels like a lifetime, when the sound of your heart beating is as deafening as a ticking bomb.
This is what it's like, day in, day out, to take your life and the lives of others in your own hands, and make a difference.
And this is what it costs to live that life...

Chris Hunter was the author of "Eight Lives Down" - an exceptional book about the life of a bomb disposal expert, far better then the film "The Hurt Locker" and recommended reading if you liked the film or even have the vaguest interest in the subject.

I bought this because I enjoyed the first one so much, but did wonder how he would match it. I was wrong to worry because this is a fantastic book. Extreme Risk takes us from the author's military training at Sandhurst through to a number of deployments and his vocation in the area of bomb disposal. But this is no ordinary military autobiography.

We start at Sandhurst and then follow the author to his first posting in Bosnia in 19. This is a jaw dropping reminder of the horrors of 'ethnic cleansing' and the difficult position the UN Peacekeepers were put in. There is one incident that affected the author for some years afterwards in a form of mild PTSD, astonishing when you consider what he then specialised in. We then move to bomb disposal training and then a posting in Southern England and then onto Northern Ireland, Columbia, the SAS, the Middle East and then bodyguarding!

The story itself is a fascinating one of a brave man truly trying to make a difference, but it is the extra bits that really enhance this. Major Hunter is a modest and honest man who gives considerable credit to those around him, especially the NCO's who support him, he also reflects a considerable amount of military humour that give a real insight into relationships and banter. Each chapter also has a quote to kick it off, such as "Don't waste time learning the tricks of the trade. Instead learn the trade" (H Jackson Brown). Normally these things feel out of place, but in this book they are meaningful and significant.

We do see the impact on his personal life and how he became addicted to the rush, both themes also explored in "The Hurt Locker". He was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal although this was (strangely) not mentioned. He skips over his promotion to Major and quite how he ended up, at the end of the book, a bodyguard. But these are minor blips in the tale of a very brave man who really did make a difference.

Over the past years I have read a lot of military autobiographies, Chris Hunter's two sit up there with the best of them and are highly recommended. A solid four stars for me and a great add on to any shelf.

Available from:
http://www.play.com/
Chris Hunter
Hardback • ISBN 9780552157599

Forgeworld breaking news - The Stormeagle Space Marine Flyer!

Breaking news from FW, this is the newest marine flyer the Stormeagle

Retailing at £80 gbp this is the latest offering from FW this is what the storm raven should have looked like! It is without doubt true awesomeness!!!!!
more here:
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Home/Space_Marine_Stormeagle.html

OMMFG!!!!! I want big time

Forge World Newsletter #301 - IA Masterclass 2, Demios Executioner and Decimator weapons

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, With the Open Day now only a few days away, we’re able to announce several exciting last-minute items that will be on sale in limited numbers on Sunday, each in advance of their scheduled release. We’ve also got a reminder that there’s still time to place your AdeptiCon reservation orders, so without further ado…

Imperial Armour Model Masterclass Volume 2
Available to purchase for the first time in limited numbers at the Forge World Open Day, Imperial Armour Model Masterclass Volume 2 costs £26.

Whether you’re building and painting a centrepiece model for your army or a detailed diorama for display, Imperial Armour Model Masterclass Volume 2 is packed with innovative techniques to help you create stunning models.
Among others, you’ll find construction and painting articles on models such as the Imperial and Chaos Reaver Titans, the Great Brass Scorpion and the Crassus Armoured Assault Transport as well as in-depth construction guides focussed on our display tables such as ‘Encounter at the Balmaeus Ice Mines’, built alongside Imperial Armour Volume 11: The Doom of Mymeara (which you’ll be able to see in all its splendour at the Open Day).
The book also contains detailed galleries of some of our iconic models, including the Vulture Gunship and Keith Robertson’s fantastic Saim-Hann Phantom Titan bust.
This 144-page, full colour hardback book contains a plethora of informative articles, stage-by-stage guides, lavish galleries and inspirational models from the talented painters and modellers of our design studio, making this book a feast for the eye and the imagination as well as a practical resource as well.
It is the second Forge World book dedicated to the methods, materials and techniques required to achieve the highest possible results in terms of quality and realism when building and painting Warhammer 40,000 models.

Deimos Pattern Predator Executioner
The Predator is a highly effective medium tank designed to provide Space Marine detachments with heavy fire support in the heat of battle. An ancient and revered design, cited by the Codex Astartes as a spiritual mentor, no less, there are almost as many patterns of Predator as there are of the ubiquitous Rhino hull it is based upon. One such variant is the Deimos Pattern, manufactured in the vast forges that occupy the moons of Mars.

The obscure Deimos Pattern Predator Executioner is significantly rarer than the Annihilator and Destructor, for the Adeptus Mechanicus hoard their secrets jealously in the dark days of the 41st Millennium. Some even go so far as to whisper that it is a sinful pattern born of the tech-heresy of innovation, although it is known to date from the shadowed days of the Scouring.

The potent firepower of a Plasma Executioner is the default armament of this war machine, bolstered by the usual Heavy Bolter or Lascannon sponsons. The main gun can be replaced with a Heavy Conversion Beamer, although the additional power drain of this arcane and ancient device precludes the addition of Lascannon sponsons. Such devices
Designed by Will Hayes, the Deimos Pattern Predator Executioner is a multi-part resin and plastic kit containing two turret weapon options and two sponson weapon options. 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, and will cost £46

Chaos Decimator Weapons
Inquisitorial  savants do not know for sure what unknown and malefic party are responsible for the sinful innovation of the Decimator Daemon Engine, which is capable of fielding a wide range of armament; arcane conversion-beam generators, great multi-barreled Stormlasers, the reality-altering heresy of warp-tainted Soulburners and great raking Siege Claws to name but a few.

Towering over even the mighty, and exceedingly rare, Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts of the Adeptus Astartes, the Decimator is believed to be an attempt to bolster the ranks of such ancient devices that still serve the Traitor Legions on the part of the shadowed, now near-mythical, Legio Cybernetica. If this is the truth, then the warriors of the Imperium may well yet tremble before the might of this colossus.

Two more detailed resin weapon options for this fearsome Daemon Engine will be on sale at the Forge World Open Day in limited numbers, well in advance of their scheduled release. The Decimator Soulburner and Decimator Heavy Conversion Beamer, designed by Daren Parrwood, are finely detailed resin weapons for the recently-released Decimator Daemon Engine, experimental rules for which can be downloaded from the Forge World website now.

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Well there we have it another decent offereing, like the predator but what really interests me is the new book, looks like I will have to sort my bits out and get ebaying those and my scalectrix so i can pick up a copy eventually.

QI: The Book of General Ignorance - Book Review

QI: The Book of General Ignorance edited by John Lloyd
Compendium of popular misconceptions, misunderstandings and common mistakes culled from the hit BBC show, QI. Published to coincide with the fourth series broadcast in September 2006. If, like Alan Davies, you still think that Henry VIII had six wives, the earth has only one moon, that George Washington was the first president of the USA, that Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, that the largest living thing is a blue whale, that Alexander Graeme Bell invented the telephone, that whisky and bagpipes come from Scotland or that Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain, then there are at least 200 reasons why this is the book for you.

You don't know what you think you know.  You see, I'm right. You are Generally Ignorant. But don't worry, so are lots of other people. There is something you can do about it, however, and that is read the QI Book of General Ignorance.

There are several QI publications, but the book of General Ignorance is the closest to the format of the show, namely, common knowledge and urban myths are quite often utterly wrong, and the real answers are usually a lot more Interesting than the cheap, synthetic impostors.

The original Book of General Ignorance is one of the best-selling books for most sellers, and rightly so. In addition to learining how many wives did Henry VIII had, what has a three second memory and what man-made objects can be seen from the moon, you will also learn what rhymes with orange, who the most dangerous American in history was, how many muscles you have in your fingers, and many more besides.

The format of the book means you can either dip into it in a spare few minutes, nibbling at a bite size section of interestosity, or simply plough through it, devouring it all in one go. The original work has been completely revised and corrected, and the new material is as good and interesting as the old.

All in all, an entertaining, brilliantly researched, well-written, and in these times of pride in ignorance, vital book. Read it, learn it, live it. A defiante 5 stars for me on this one!

Available from:
http://www.play.com/
John Lloyd
Hardback • ISBN 9780571233687

Churchill's Wizards: The British Genius for Deception, 1914-1945 - Book Review

Churchill's Wizards: The British Genius for Deception, 1914-1945 by Nicholas Rankin
This is the story of how the British really won two world wars - by conning the Kaiser, hoaxing Hitler and bluffing their way out of trouble. Pretend German radio stations broadcast outrageous British propaganda in German. British geniuses broke German secret codes and eavesdropped on their messages. Every German spy in Britain was captured and many were used to send back false information to their controllers. Forged documents misled their Intelligence. Bogus wireless traffic from entire phantom armies, dummy airfields with model planes, disguised ships and inflatable rubber tanks created a vital illusion of strength. Culminating in the spectacular misdirection that was so essential to the… more » success of D-Day in 1944, "Churchill's Wizards" is a thrilling work of popular military history

Churchill's Wizards: The British Genius for Deception 1914 - 1945' describes British military deception in two World Wars: the roles of the intelligence services in grand and smaller deception plans. Guerilla warfare, double agents, black propaganda, camouflage and even sniping are all covered. I found the principles and practice of camouflage and the contributions of painters very interesting. The author describes the roles in the development of deception of well known military figures such T E Lawrence and General Wavell, but also presents the activities of people more famous in other walks of life. These include the authors John Buchan, Ian Fleming, Dennis Wheatley, George Bernard Shaw, HG Wells and Arthur Conan Doyle!

Together these interwoven threads of history made a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. The one minor frustration I found came from the title of the book. This implies the involvement or `ownership' of Winston Churchill in the majority the work. I spent the first half of the book anticipating some revelation of his critical involvement in the development of deception in WWI, but it never came! In fact it was apparent from the book that WSC had little or no involvement in the deception activities relating to WWI.

His involvement in the heart of the story - deception - only became clear about two-thirds of the way through the book, once WWII was well underway, after which our heroes - the Wizards - could truly be described as `Churchill's' because of his direct contributions and patronage. Despite the slightly misleading title I found the book informative, well written and a solid three stars but only because in some places the book dragged a bit too much for an easy read.

Available from:
http://www.play.com/
Nicholas Rankin
Hardback • ISBN 9780571221950

The Power Armour Character Challenge - The Prize & H4H Donation!

Hi folks,
first up apologies for the delay, had a brief visit to the Emerald Isle that delayed getting this up. As followers of the challenge know there was a £5.00 (gbp) prize for the winner of the challenge. To stop any calls of fix or rigged I stated that should I win I would donate the prize to charity. Surprisingly in the end I did end up winning and earlier this week I donated my £5.00 to charity, in this case to Help for Heroes, to prove it see the screen dump below:

Help for Heroes is a great charity helping wounded service personnel in the UK get a better quality of life, more can be found out about them here - Help for Heroes. Please check them out and if you feel so inclined please donate.
Thanks and all the best.

Forge World Newsletter #300 - Tartaros Pattern Terminators

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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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.

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.

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 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.

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I love these bad boys!!!  That much they get multiple pics and ive cut most of the newsletter bits on events out! If I'm only allowed a few models this year i want these, they would look awesome in the Mentors scheme marching through a "space hulk". I love the retro look and how they tie in with the contemptor, only hope they do an assault cannon, lightning claws and thunder hammers etc for them.

Forge World Newsletter #299 - Minotaurs Characters, SM Rapier & Show Minis

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Some awesome models this week, the spartan models are cool but my favourites have to be the Enforcer and the Rapier, its making me want to get some of the old Space crusade and hulk boards for some mortalis games and rock a few of those.

The Power Armour Character Challenge - The Results!

Hi folks,

so the results are in and its time for the placings for The Power Armour Challenge, we have has a great number of votes (46 - the most in any poll so far) and have good solid results. starting in reverse order  they are (click on the Entry titles to links to further pics):

THIRD PLACE
The Power Armour Character Challenge - Entry No.3

with 2% of the vote you have Captain Varro Hektor by Dan

SECOND PLACE

The Power Armour Character Challenge - Entry No.1

followed with 34% of the vote the Aspiring Champion of Slaanesh Selimyks Blood by BdaGamer - Bdagamer's Blog

AND YOUR WINNER IN FIRST PLACE

The Power Armour Character Challenge - Entry No.2

With 63% of the vote is Commander Falx - Fifth Company Reclimation Commander by Millest

 

THE RESULTS

So there we have it, with a total of 46 votes we have the results of the first open competion and I'm please, not least because of my victory, but because of the quaility of the entries and the amount of interest it has generated.

So with my winnings of £5 I will donate that this week and get proof up at somepoint, I will also begin planning the next Open competition so please keep your eyes out for news on this.

So thank you all for your votes and interest and even though the competition is closed please let us all have feedback on what you like, dont like or think in general of the models you have seen.

Thanks for your efforts and well done to all those that entered the competition.

The Power Armour Character Challenge - Last Chance to Vote!

Hi folks,

today is your last chance to vote on The Power Armour Challenge, once the vote closes I will annouce the winner. Below are the entries to the challenge, click on each entries title for links to more pics:

The Power Armour Character Challenge - Entry No.1

Aspiring Champion of Slaanesh Selimyks Blood

The Power Armour Character Challenge - Entry No.2

Commander Falx - Fifth Company Reclimation Commander

The Power Armour Character Challenge - Entry No.3

Captain Varro Hektor

So folks there are the entries, please vote and please let us all have feedback on what you like, dont like or think in general of the models you have seen.
Thanks and enjoy

Forge World Newsletter #298 - Chaos Decimator and Mortalis Add-ons

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, In this week’s newsletter we delve deep within the Eye of Terror to unleash a new Chaos Daemon Engine, the Decimator, which is available to pre-order now alongside two new Zone Mortalis Door Sets. We’re also now accepting reservation orders for the Forge World Open Day, and there’s still time to get your AdeptiCon reservation order to us as well.

Chaos Decimator Daemon Engine The Decimator is a brutal and hellish creation; the essence of a creature of the Warp bound and fettered within the armoured bulk of a bipedal war machine. Great slab-shoulders of tainted and defiled ceramite and adamantium, and a low-set ‘head’ give the Decimator a characteristic hunched posture which exudes brooding and vicious menace.

Inquisitorial savants do not know for sure what malefic party is responsible for this sinful innovation as the Decimator is capable of fielding a wide range of armament: rapid-firing Butcher Cannons, multi-barrelled Stormlasers, and great raking Siege Claws to name but a few. Towering over even the mighty Contemptor Pattern Dreadnoughts of the Adeptus Astartes, the Decimator is believed to be an attempt to bolster the ranks of such ancient devices that still serve the Traitor Legions. If this is the truth, then it is feared that many warriors of the Imperium will fall before these deadly war machines.

The Decimator Daemon Engine, designed by Daren Parrwood and Edgar Skomorowski, is an incredibly detailed full resin kit that stands roughly 4" (102mm) tall. Weapons for this fell war machine are sold separately, and Daren has designed three weapons kits that are released alongside the body kit: the Decimator Stormlaser, Decimator Siege Claw and Decimator Butcher Cannon. All these kits are available to pre-order now for despatch from Monday 2nd April, and you can also download experimental rules for the Decimator from the Forge World website.

Zone Mortalis Door Sets Following hot on the heels of our brand new Realm of Battle Zone Mortalis scenery tiles come two sets of detailed resin blast doors. Adding a new tactical dimension to the brutal and bloody conflicts of the Zone Mortalis experimental rules expansion, the Door Sets can be operated in one of three different modes in a scenario.

The Large Blast Door comprises a single, multi-part blast door measuring 3 ¾" (95mm) across and 2 ½" (64mm) tall, while the Small Blast Door Set contains two narrower doors, each measuring 1 ¾" (45mm) across. These detailed resin kits, designed by Blake Spence, are available to pre-order now for despatch from Monday 2nd April.

Forge World Events News:
Forge World Open Day, 1st April, Warhammer World, Nottingham
Sunday 1st April will see Forge World and Warhammer Forge abandon our top-secret Manufactorum for our annual Open Day. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever as we will be taking over not only the Gaming Hall for our Sales stands but also the Staff Restaurant for our Studio displays.
You can now download a map of the event from the Forge World Events page to guide you around the Open Day, and we’ll be bringing you more details about the event in future newsletters. For now, we can whet your appetite with a few teasers: there will be two brand new participation games and as many of our detailed display boards as we can cram into the Studio area. We also intend to run a ‘Studio Café’ Q&A session, in addition to showcasing a vast array of work-in-progress miniatures, future releases and the incredibly painted models in our displays.
Our Sales stands will be packed with a huge selection of resin kits, books and modelling supplies, including some pre-release kits that will be announced in future newsletters, and as always the Open Day will be the first chance to purchase our 2012 Event Only models. We’ve designed both a Warhammer Forge model and a Forge World model once again, and while we can’t tell you what they are just yet, suffice to say we think they’re great!
We are now accepting 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 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 also 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 this e-mail with you to claim your order.

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.

Thanks, Ead Brown Customer Service Manager Forge World

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That chaos beastie is fricking huge and despite not playing chaos I love it. Puts me in mind of a chaos Knight titan or similar equivilent, i guess its their equivilent now of the chaos dreadknight with a suitably screwed up daemon etc :)