Just received from GW today, tightly packed in a narrow box.
I haven't constructed it yet, so it's a first impression.
The kit includes 3 vehicles - the mobile tractor and dozer, and the largest of the three, the crane, which is not self-propelled but can be towed by the tractor. There's also the by now famous fire extinguisher and a very nicely detailed open tool box included as extras.
The tractor and dozer have around eight parts each and are a quick build.
The tracks are distinct from the body, and anyone with a penchant for conversion can quickly notice the potential to use alternative wheels here, although matching them to the main body is not straightforward. There is a distinct potential for making other Imperial vehicles from these - and possibly use them as parts for a Genestealer limo build.
These have a small number of alternative parts which go on top of the vehicle, including the grabber and what seems to be a drill mounted on an arm, as well as a variety of antennae.
Deskulling:
If you're not into skulls, these can be removed. The largest pair are on the tractor wheels - not easy to remove as they have a high relief, but not impossible - they could also be covered by a disc serving as a wheel hub. Another much smaller pair are located n the base of the drill which can go on either of the two of these vehicles - these can be filed off. The most difficult to remove is on the control panel at the rear of the dozer, a sort of altar style panel with a skull in the middle. This is relatively flat in profile, and could be covered, but is not ostentatious and can be left in place without being too noticable.
The crane is bigger than the others. It shares one item, an antenna on top of its drive motor, with the options for the other vehicles, and also offers a choice of a large grabber or a much smaller hook. It has a nice, structural feel to it, all girders with some hydraulic lines and pistons. It towers over the other vehicles, and offers a very interesting opportunity: it can be mounted on the ground (or on top of a building or a ship or train or large vehicle - tons of potential here) on a platform; alternatively, the platform and crane can be mounted on a long, low trailer which can be towed by the tractor. If left off the trailer, this leaves the latter available to carry other stuff of course! And judging by appearances, I'm guessing it may be left open to both options if not actually glued to the trailer.
Deskulling:
There are two small skulls in the crane's fixed frame which can be easily covered. Removal is less easy as they are partially recessed, but not impossible. The main problem is the large skull at the top of the crane jib. It's about 15mm high, and central to the crane mechanism, so omitting and replacing it is not straightforward. It can be built or sculpted over, again not straightforward but easier to do. To be fair, it doesn't look bad at all in place, and compared to other 40k stuff the skull to surface ratio is very mild.
The instructions are clear and come with a scenario in which the three components are objectives with toughness, woulds and a save. Mind you, as an engineer I'd probably have made off with the toolbox instead... yes, it is a nice little addition to the set.
No transfers, and very little space to place any. Painting this should be fun, with lots of relief. The detail is there, but it doesn't look overdone and gives a quite realistic retro industrial look.
Verdict: I think I'm in love with this kit
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April 29, 2024, 10:43:56 AM
August 30, 2011, 04:25:20 PM
