Terracotta Army of Grand Cathay

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.

The first box for that army arrived, and it was the huge Cathayan Sentinel. The next box was the Grand Cathay Battalion Box.

In this box you get:

2x Cathayan Grand Cannons or Fire Rain Rocket Batteries
10x Jade Lancers
30x Jade Warriors

Good value compared to buying miniatures separately.

I will be painting the Jade Warriors and Jade Lancers as terracotta.

The Jade Warriors can be assembled as one large unit, two units of 15 warriors, or three units of 10 warriors – each with their own optional champion, standard bearer, and musician. Likewise the Jade Lancers can be assembled as one large unit or two units of five warriors.

I am thinking large units at this time.

As for the Cathayan Grand Cannons I am thinking that the crews should be terracotta in appearance, but not sure about the cannons. Something to think about.

 

Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines’ Land Raider

Mankind boasts many heroes, men of purpose and dedication without whom the Imperium would crumble. Yet even among their ranks there is a man whose nobility overshadows all others. His triumphs are without number and his deeds the stuff of legend. His name is Marneus Calgar, Master of the Ultramarines and Lord of Macragge.

Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines’ Land Raider from the ‘Eavy Metal display cabinets.
Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines’ Land Raider
Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines’ Land Raider

Marneus Augustus Calgar, Lord Macragge, is the current Chapter Master of the Ultramarines. This is his personal Land Raider.

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.

Genestealer Cults Achilles Ridgerunner
Genestealer Cults Achilles Ridgerunner

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

Genestealer Cults Achilles Ridgerunner
Genestealer Cults Achilles Ridgerunner

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.

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.

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
Deffkilla Wartrike
Deffkilla Wartrike

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