Felix's Gaming Pages

Going all terracotta

When I made a trip to Warhammer World in June 2025 I was pleased to see the then new models for the Army of Grand Cathay for Warhammer Old World on display. I really liked the Cathayan Sentinel especially the paint job which made it look like it was terracotta.

Though one model does not make an army, and the other Cathay forces would need painting.

However… in a recent blog post I noted a posting on the Warhammer Community where Lewis from the Warhammer Studio had painted some Jade Warriors as terracotta warriors.

I decided to do something different and paint a unit of terracotta Jade Warriors to match my Cathayan Sentinel. They were painted mainly with drybrushes, which I intentionally left quite dusty and textured to give the illusion of the hard terracotta. This was followed by washes to provide some deeper shadows, then static grass and foliage were added to give them an ancient feel, as if they’ve just been awoken in Grand Cathay’s time of need.

I started thinking about creating and painting a whole army in this style.

Well…

The first box for that army arrived today, and it was the huge Cathayan Sentinel.

Cathayan Sentinels are massive animated statues brought to life by Dragon-tier elemental magic. These behemoths are terrifyingly durable and possess immense striking power, capable of clearing out enemy formations with ease.

This is how the Warhammer Studio painted their model.

So, the first stage will be store the box in the garage for a few years….

Sorry, no, the first stage will be to build the model.

Achilles Ridgerunner

The Achilles Ridgerunner is a versatile Imperial light exploratory vehicle. It’s a favorite among mining guild prospectors seeking new orae deposits and geological surveyors exploring Frontier Worlds. Known for its speed, range, and durability,the Ridgerunner has also proven to be a valuable asset for the outriders and scouts of the Genestealer Cults.

This Genestealer Cults Achilles Ridgerunner was in the display cabinets at Warhammer World.

I do have an Achilles Ridgerunner on my workbench which I am using with my Inquisitorial Stormtroopers.

Ruined Waller Residence

I purchased two 3D printed ruins from QP3D Wargames. One of these was the Ruined Waller Residence.

They are 3D printed models. I bought the 15mm versions to use with Flames of War, but you can buy bigger versions for other gaming systems.

The model comes as two printed parts.

As you might expect with 3D printer models there was no flash and the parts fitted together easily. Though I have left them separate for the moment for painting. Looking closely at the model, especially on the sloped areas, you can see the 3D printing plastic layers, but only if you look really closely. I suspect though that dry brushing the models may emphasise these layers.

The first stage will be to prime the models with a white undercoat.

Victorian Science Fiction Steam Tank

This is the 28mm Ironclad Miniatures Steam Tank.

More photographs of the model.

A step by step guide to how the Victorian Science Fiction Steam Tank was painted.

I wrote an article on adding Science Fiction elements to Old West gaming, SteamPunk Old West which included steam tanks.

The Ruined Steele Residence

I purchased two 3D printed ruins from QP3D Wargames. One of these was The Ruined Steele Residence.

They are 3D printed models. I bought the 15mm versions to use with Flames of War, but you can buy bigger versions for other gaming systems.

The model comes as two printed parts.

The first stage will be to prime the models with a white undercoat.

Deffkilla Wartrike

The Deffkilla Wartrike is one of the many different types of attack vehicles used by Orks across the known galaxy. What is lacks in armour, it makes up for in speed. Deadly scythes on the wheels can cause massive damage to all those who fail to get out of the way of this mean trike. Though the rokkit engine afterburner on the back means that they won’t have enough time to avoid the beast of a trike. The riders aren’t protected, but why worry, when you can just charge into the enemy forces.

Deffkilla Wartrike

Deffkilla Wartrike

I do quite like this model, but I don’t have one in my collection.

QP3D Wargames Ruins

I purchased two 3D printed ruins from QP3D Wargames.

The Ruined Steele Residence…

…and the Ruined Waller Residence

They are on their way…

The Empire

Of the Human nations of the Old World, the most important by far is that of the Empire of Man, more often called simply “The Empire.” It was forged by the warrior-king and ascended deity Sigmar from the primitive Human tribes of barbarians who inhabited what became the lands of the southern Empire more than 2500 years ago.

Plastic Macharius Heavy Tank, perhaps?

Will we see a plastic version of the Macharius Heavy Tank?

The Macharius Heavy Tank stands as a testament to the ingenuity and desperation of the Imperium of Man. Born from a necessity to field potent armoured firepower when the legendary Baneblade super-heavy tank is unavailable, the Macharius represents a “second-generation” approach to heavy tank design.

I guess the question is whether the Macharius is a Horus Heresy era tank like the Malacador, or is considered more of a 40k Imperial Guard tank.

This is one of my favourite models, and is probably at the top of the list of wanted models.

Sadly the Macharius Heavy Tank and its many variants have been removed from the Games Workshop range. If the Macharius Omega had been in stock when I visited Warhammer World last year I would very likely have picked one up. The second hand market prices have gone up considerably as a result.

So I for one would be pleased if we did eventually see a plastic kit of the tank, well even a re-release of the resin kit as a made to order special.

More photographs of the Macharius Heavy Tank.

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank

The Rogal Dorn Battle Tank is larger than the standard Leman Russ battle tank. A huge tank that provides support for the infantry of the Imperial Guard.