The past couple of years I have done a Birthday Giveaway for the blog. This is to thank all the wonderful readers and commenters out there who help make this blog what it is and give me great feedback and encouragement to keep going.
This year's giveaway was a bit delayed, as I wanted to have time to sort out a great prize for one lucky reader out there. Having just finished my Imperial Knight Codex review, I will be giving away one of the new Knight Valiant models. Check out my review of the Knight yesterday to find out how awesome they are, and why you will want to get one!
In order to win the prize you must do one of the following:
1. Follow on Facebook
Head to the St Andrews Wargaming Facebook page and follow and like it. Comment on the pinned "Win a Knight Valiant" post and answer the same question: What is your favourite model in the 40k range and why?
2. Follow on Blogger
Add yourself as a Follower of the blog using the Follower box on the right hand side of the blog (if you are not already a follower). Also, please drop me an email at corrm83@gmail.com with your entry and username (this makes it easier to verify the winner).
Comment below answer the following question: What is your favourite model in the 40k range and why?
Be sure to sign in when you comment below. Otherwise, your name will come up as Anonymous and your entry won't be counted. If your screen name is different to your follower name, let me know in the comment so that I can find you.
For those of you using the mobile site, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "View Web Version" in order to see the Follower app and to sign up.
Competition Rules:
The competition will end on Thursday 13th September at 9.00 am, so get your entries in before then. (EDIT- the original rules said Thursday 13th August, instead of Thursday 13th September. Apologies for the error, I wanted the competition to run for more than 4 days!).
When the competition is closed, I will pick one follower at random, who has answered the question, to win the Knight Valiant. You are free to enter the competition on both Blogger and Facebook if you wish, doubling your chances of winning the prize.
I am willing to pay postage values up to £10 GBP to send the Knight to the winner, so please bear this in mind if you are entering from abroad and are likely to have high postage costs to send you the Knight (I'm not made of money, unfortunately!).
So there you have it, simple enough! Get entering and spread the word!
Another year already? Time flies, especially with the rate you are putting out content these days.
ReplyDeleteOhh tricky question! 40K has such a huge range of models it is hard to pick. For some models I adore the background story, like Lukas the Trickster. For others the sheer fun of making and painting them, Imperial Knights (www.steppingbetweengames.com/rust-renegade-knight-wip/). Then there are models who I have loved since my early days, like the original noise marine (www.steppingbetweengames.com/warhammer-40k-old-school-noise-marine-2/).
But in the end I think it comes down to Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl, the model is the perfect example of Grimdark Adeptus Mechanicus. 10,000 years of modifcations and improvements show in every part of it. It is a model I have and am working my way up to painting as I improve my technique for Ad Mech.
Cheers for hosting a giveaway.
Cawl is a great model, with fantastic rules as well. A win-win for any 40k player!
DeleteThe mortarch of grief is prob my fave model at the moment. Absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogday btw. A very generous giveaway:)
Nice choice! I actually had to look that one up, wasn't aware of it.
DeleteAs Rory says, that's a hard question. I'm trimming it down a bit by restricting myself to currently produced Models, because with the OOP stuff included, the range is just overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteEven after that, and then going through the GW site, and then trimming down the list I made from that, I was left with 14(!) that I was really having trouble choosing between.
Interestingly, once I got it down to 5(ish), there were no Chaos Models in there, even tho Chaos is far and away my favourite part of 40K. I think it's similar to the reason why nothing from the Ork line even made it into that list of 14: In both cases, the idea space is so much richer than what GW has actually done with it, and the best of them are conversions and scratchbuilds.
I'm going to go through a few of them, actually, that I like for different reasons.
- The Tyranid Warriors and Carnifex were absolutely revolutionary when they first appeared in 3rd and 4th Ed, respectively. It's hard now, to really feel the impact they had back in the day. Prior to the 3rd Ed Tyranid release, their line was an absolute mess, with basically every creature having been designed with little regard for what the rest of them were like. The 3rd Ed Tyranid Warriors are still icons of how that particular re-design shaped the entire range, and brought them into a coherent look. The Carnifex, an edition later, was, at the time, the biggest plastic Model available that wasn't an actual Tank or something. It was the first thing to come on what is now the standard 60mm round base. Think about that. They created a whole new base size for it. At the time, nothing on legs had a physical presence on the table like a Fex did. It also had more options than basically anything else, and they all actually mattered in-game. In 5th, the Trygon had a similar impact in terms of size, but not in terms of flexibility and potential.
I also loved the 3rd ed approach to the Inquisition, with each branch getting its own Codex (even tho they never followed through on it, and we still don't have any actual Ordo Xenos figures except one FW Special Character), and the Ordo Hereticus Inquisitor with Inferno Pistol and Power Sword is the icon of that whole concept. Again, it's hard now to remember just how big the impact of that range was. Mostly due to technical limitations, the 40K range was much simpler before then, and the ways the Witch Hunters Codex brought that baroque, gothic, ornate, wildly anachronistic aesthetic out of the flavour text and art, and into the actual Model line was amazing. This one dude has so much of that. Not even wearing Power Armour, just a carapace, so he needs an external power supply for his sword. His gun looks like a flintlock, but it could one-shot Land Raiders. The puritan hat, the bionic eye glinting beneath its brim, the poisoned needles concealed in his cloak. There's so much more detail and motion and life in the sculpt than even in the Ordo Malleus Inquisitors who were released shortly before.
Part 2, because I broke the comment form:
DeleteThe Dark Eldar Court of the Archon Aliens have never been expanded on in the same way as the Tyranid Warriors, but they have that same potential, to define an entire Army, a whole species, extrapolated from the details on that one example. My favourite here is the Sslyth. Even tho this one has adopted Drukhari gear, the way it wears and wields it highlight the fundamental differences in body plan, and it's clearly capable of using all five limbs with the kind of coordination that it takes humans considerable training to be able to do with even three or four at a time.
Finally, tho, for my #1 choice, I'm going to go with the Eldar Falcon. It's an old kit, but unlike many others of the same era (looking at you, Ork Wartrakk), it still looks good. It was also the first 40K scale non-walker Vehicle for the Eldar, and in a similar fashion to the Tyranid Warriors, has defined the look of all Eldar Vehicles since. They had a number of them in Epic, but like the Nids, there was no unifying design principle until the Falcon came along and set the tone for the entire line. Even the Drukhari Vehicles show the influence of that design, most notably with the Falcon=>Vyper=>Venom chain, but there's a similar overall line and profile, and similar paneled detailing, on the Raider and Ravager, and even stuff like the Flyers. Again, I remember when it first came out, and how amazing it was when the best plastic kit before it was the Chimera. It kind of bums me out that GW hasn't balanced them well against the other Eldar tanks that followed, and so they're no longer a common sight on the table, but their echo still shows up in the Wave Serpents and Fire Prisms that do appear.
As a final note, when I went to check which name Blogger had me following you as, I found out that it actually had me listed as a follower both as WestRider and as my real name. Not sure how that happened, but it kind of amuses me.
Thanks for doing these giveaways, they're such a cool way to mark milestones like this for your blog.
Thanks for the epic response, WestRider. I agree, the Falcon is still a great looking kit. One of the few early vehicles that is still as good on the tabletop as it was back in the day.
DeleteYeah, I kind of got carried away there. Didn't realize just how much tho until it told it was too long for the comment form ;)
DeleteGot to agree with you on the Carnifex and Warriors there mate. They have become so iconic within the Tyranid range, that all modern kits seem to have followed them.
DeleteYikes...so many good models out there...I love the new Custodes models...but I'd say my current favorite in the range is the Primaris Chaplain!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to the winner -a generous giveaway indeed.
I've really taken to the Primaris models, they are such a great scale and a joy to paint up.
DeletePlaugeburst crawler because it's so cute.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a definition of cute!
DeleteVery! generous! Cool mate, so my favourite has to be the Chaplain with Powerfist and Crozius Arcanum with the “come on then!” Pose... utter 40k. https://weemen.blogspot.com/2015/05/relictors-chaplain-with-powerfist.html But a close second is the LE event Chaplain in Termie Armour, such a great model, the one I did a giveaway for https://weemen.blogspot.com/2017/01/relictors-limited-edition-terminator.html
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Birthday mate!
Yeah, that is a great model. The imposing Skull Mask and pose are great.
DeletePretty much all the Chaplains are great sculpts. At one point, I was thinking about trying to collect them all, but as time went by, the scope of that project grew beyond what effort I could put into it.
DeleteThat's a very generous giveaway! And thanks for everything you do here on the blog; this quickly became a staple site among the community because of your high quality content! (and at an incredibly fast & consistent pace!) Well done and congrats on the milestone :)
ReplyDeleteAs for my favorite model in 40k... the first one that immediately comes to mind, and the one that if you had to pick just one model to show your friends to try to get them interested in the hobby, would hands down be the Dark Eldar Tantalus. I mean, just look at it: http://crystalbrush.coolminiornot.com/cbartwork/index/id/886
Looking at it always manages to bring a smile to my face, if not a little drool in my lap lol ;)
Thanks for the kind words, Joe!
DeleteYeah, the Tantalus is a great looking model, the sails go very well with the sleek look of the Raider.
My favorite is still the Wraithknight. Eldar giant robot with sword and board.
ReplyDeleteA great model, and a terror on the tabletop in previous editions.
DeleteWow Michael, what a seriously generous giveaway! I mean, even doing one at all is a pretty big deal imo. Not sure how many other sites are doing something like this, even more so considering you're doing this all by yourself!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, do you know if you're by now the biggest privately run, single-person blog for 40K? Just curious.
As to your question, I'm a sucker for Forgeworld, so it'll be one from their range... trying to think hard as they have a lot of great models... yeah I'm going to have to restrict myself to models that I actually own or I'll break the comment section just like WestRider haha.
So my current favourite model is Lord Commander Eidolon of the Emperors Children. Who I blasphemously use as a Blood Angel Captain with jump pack. Which I have painted as pre-heresy World Eaters. Yeah, I'm gonna show myself out now^^
PS: If Eidolon doesn't count as he is acutally a 30K model I'm going to have to pick the Eversor Assassin. That little guy just oozes threat, and even though he's not super good right now I still like him a lot for his infantry blending and 3D6 charge range. And the great looks of course :D
Thanks for the kind words, Chris.
DeleteI'm probably not the biggest single person blog out there, there are plenty with more followers, but I make up for it with pluck and gumption!
I'm pretty amazed with how far the blog has come since I started it. I've got a loyal following and somehow manage to crank out a lot of content on my own, for the most part.
There are? We have to get your name out there more! Maybe we should petition Winters or TTT to host you for a game :D
DeleteIt'd be cool if there'd be more collaborations between the various bloggers and youtubers imo.
Something like that may very well be in the works, Chris ;)
DeleteFirst of all thanks for the content. I'm a long way away from having time to get back into the hobby, but when the little ones are older... I have plans :)
ReplyDeleteLove the content, though, has been great watching your blog grow over the years I've followed (and of course not commented :)). Looking forward to seeing what you make of Codex Orks, whenever it arrives!
Favourite model for me would have to be going way back, to the Rogue Trader Imperial Guard models. They all really grabbed me as a kid, they tied in so well with the art at the time (the John Blanche plastic boxed set cover in particular). But the commander officer was my favourite through the range, wish I still had him somewhere :) the breastplate, fatigues and helmets were a great look IMO, and really got me into the game.
On a side note, have you ever considered any tactics articles? You're very proficient with the battle report maps, old WD features I used to love used these maps a lot to demonstrate theories and points and as someone who's very out of the game I'd love to see some pages like that. Just an idea :)
Thanks for your comment Ewan! Always great to hear that people are enjoying the content provided.
DeleteI actually do a number of tactics articles for Frontline Gaming. If you check out the Frontline Gaming tab at the top (or in the tabs menu if using your phone) you'll find a list of the articles I've posted. I've been mainly covering Space Marines, Dark Angels and Deathwatch at the moment. These mostly cover unit reviews, but I might take a look at some general tactics articles in the future.
Thanks for the info, I'll check it out :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on another year of awesome posts on your blog, Michael.
ReplyDeleteMissed you at the last Double Trouble, was hoping to meet you again. :-)
Favorite model is a really tough question.
I enjoyed building some models more (T'au suits), some models less (Tyranocide).
But my favorite models are all Space Marines.
The classic, boxy Dreadnought is awesome for being so modular.
The Land Raider offers so much space to go creative.
But my all time favorite has be the humble Space Marine. Be it one from the famous RTB01 box, that was astonishing modular at the time, the metal ones from the 2nd edition, that also offered some variety, or pretty much every other box that has come since then. Don't forget the Chapter specific packs, that allow for even more customized models.
The Space Marines ARE W40k!
Nothing symbolizes it more than them, probably even to someone who is not into our niche hobby, the Space Marines may be a something they know.
Looking forward to many more years and countless more articles coming from you. ;-)
Cheers Henni! Unfortunately, I've been unable to make the last few of Alex's tournaments, they've always clashed with other things. It's a shame, as these are some of the best tournaments I've been to.
DeleteSpace Marines are definitely an iconic part of the 40k universe, with some great models in the range.
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ReplyDeleteMy pride model right now is the Cerastus knight Atrapos, although technically it's 30K.
ReplyDelete40K only would have to be Cawl, all the fiddly bits on what is basically a weaponised magos centipede makes for a very visually interesting model.
Cawl seems to be coming up a lot at the moment. A very unique model and a great character to lead the army.
DeleteIn warhammer 40k commander Farsight is the character is like most, just because he play a different style of his faction. And I can fell that he just like a Júlio César of Tau, he will free the people of Tau from the entherial.
ReplyDeleteGo Farsight!
DeleteGreat give away. Well done for another cracking year of amazing content.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite models are the three metal Commissars released close to 2010. Each one is beautifully sculpted, and each showcases a different aspect of a Commissar in the Imperium. You have one charging forward, inspiring the soldiers of the Astra Miltiarum with his courage. Another is delivering a rousing speach , reading from the a book of holy verses. While the last and in my opinion the best is performing the ultimate sanction. Bolt pistol raised as he returns discipline. He also has a riding crop behind his back, and a smirk on his face. This guy likes his job!
"It's for your own good, Guardsman!"
DeleteGot to love the Commissar. Just a shame that they are pretty much useless now with the FAQ rules changed.
Very generous giveaway! thanks for putting on this competition! My favorate 40k model varies but a model I keep coming back to are Harlequin Players. the old metal kit was way ahead of its time compared to other GW sculpts in how dynamic and "in motion" the models feel, and the newer plastic kit turns that up to 11. I'm terrified to paint the models, but love them none the less!
ReplyDeleteThe Harlequin range is really nice. I may start an army some day, but the thought of trying to paint them up to a decent standard is pretty daunting.
DeleteI must say well done sir for another amazing year of battle reports and codex reviews! I can say from all of us we appreciate the hard work you put into keeping the website up-to-date and keeping the content really interesting! It’s great to see you participating in the tournaments! Your models are also looking great, keep up the good work! My favourite 40k model would have to be the Tesseract Vault, it’s huge table presence and the idea that a shard of a god is stored inside is an impressive thing to model! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Andy!
DeleteThe Vault is a beast on the tabletop. Incredibly strong against the right army.
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ReplyDeleteMawloc for me, love the whole twisting model can just imagine it popping out the ground before some unfortunate guardsmen and then devouring them all!
ReplyDeleteIt has to be the Cybernetica Datasmith that comes with the Kastelan Robot kit for me. A few small parts that almost look like an afterthought on the sprue come together to make a beautiful model that is brim full of character. Absolutely awesome and a credit to modern sculpting technology.
ReplyDeleteOnly just edged out the Carnifex because that kit was really revolutionary when it was released and it still looks great today.
Keep up the great work Mike and thanks for the chance at an amazing giveaway.
i love the terminator chaplain model. the limited one but the regular is my fav.
ReplyDeleteHey Michael, I guess my favourite model(s) would split into two categories: 1) best looking imho and 2) best to play. My best looking and up there with best to play has to be the Hive Tyrant with wings. I kit bashed an old school twin linked devourer model recently and it puts out 24 S6 shots but covers so much ground on the table. Playing as Kronos and a Warlord gives the psychic ability an extra punch with the D3 mortal on a failed psychic test. Plus there is a strat which makes anyone roll one die on a psychic test with (shadows in the warp) an auto fail on the cards for a test of 6+. It is a thing of beauty.
ReplyDelete