 | The Skitarii have to be THE out of left field 40K army for some time. The Harlequins were interesting, but for Games Workshop to bring out a line complementary (or even competition) to their Forge World Mechanicus product is interesting! The miniatures themselves are very very nice. The level of detail is on par with the Tempestus Scions. As images leaked across the forums people couldn't help but be impressed by the level or detail and change of pace these miniatures brought! Now here's something you may not know... they don't come with 32mm bases!! + + More After The Jump + + |
As normal with the unboxing and reviews here on Beardy Hammer I'm going to break the box into parts...
Heads
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The proto-typical Adeptus Mechanicus hooded head is an integral part of the Skitarii Rangers' gear. Each head is slightly different, but also runs on a theme with the re-breather and round eyes being dominant.
There is also two variants - one for comms and the other you would assume is a leader. There are enough heads not to use these though if you don't want to.
There is also two variants - one for comms and the other you would assume is a leader. There are enough heads not to use these though if you don't want to.
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The Skitarii Vanguard helmets are straight out of 15th century Terra, harking back to medieval times - but also not too far removed from the Adeptus Arbites either. Kitbashers go nuts!!
There are two command heads, both different as well ad bare heads and at least one other command/ heavy weapons head. These are very nice and I'm tipping a hot seller on the bitz market!
There are two command heads, both different as well ad bare heads and at least one other command/ heavy weapons head. These are very nice and I'm tipping a hot seller on the bitz market!
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Body Construction
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The body construction is interesting and quite different. The back of the cloak and abdomen are one piece, then the chect and front of the cloak are the other. I am very curious to see how this works in terms of filling and sanding to make it smooth. The recent Dark Elf kits avoided this by clever engineering.
Speaking of Dark Elves, it's a bit sad to see that these aren't ball and socket jointed (below) so if you want variance from the designated pose there will be a bit of work to do.
Speaking of Dark Elves, it's a bit sad to see that these aren't ball and socket jointed (below) so if you want variance from the designated pose there will be a bit of work to do.
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The legs are very well detailed and not one of the poses is a dud, unlike some kits of the past! The amount of work done on the backpacks is also very impressive! Sub-assemblies here we come!
Weapons
There is a choice of carbine or standard weapons, both owing a heavy debt to Steampunk, but so well done you can only praise them. The standard rifle sis obviously based on the Lee Enfield of WW2 fame and the carbine is so 50s sci-fi it's a brilliant tribute - especially since the threat to us in those days was from Mars! I wonder if that was intentional in the design?
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The special weapons are equally well done with this plasma/ Volkite fusion being both beastly and alluring to the modeller at the same time. Being a big fan of Volkite stuff, this is a favourite!
The Arquebus is also nicely done with echos or Soviet WW2 anti-tank guns running through it's design.
The Arquebus is also nicely done with echos or Soviet WW2 anti-tank guns running through it's design.
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The positioning of the arms is also very well done. There variety of poses and natural way they are falling is so well designed. The Imperial Guard has suffered from some lacklustre hands in the past, but they got these right!
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Someone ring Hasbro, looks like the Skitarii are using Nerf guns. The Alpha's pistol is very reminiscent of Nerf, so you can't help but like it! Might even paint it yellow!
... Surprise!!!
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Well well well - Games Workshop what have we here. These aren't 32mm bases. Looks like the change to 32mm isn't right across the range. These are old school standard bases. Looks like battlefield domination remains with the Space Marines when it comes to coverage!
There is also a special base for the Arquebus gunner which makes sense. Good for modelling options too.
There is also a special base for the Arquebus gunner which makes sense. Good for modelling options too.
Despite a transfer sheet also being released today, they do come with a smaller one which is quite nice and pretty much has what you need. The small numbers will definitely come in handy on other projects!
Verdict
This is a really nice set! A lot of work and detail has gone into it to really make it look like an alternate army with different technology and history. I praise Games Workshop for these.
I think going without ball and socket joints is lazy - but the miniatures still look great!
I think going without ball and socket joints is lazy - but the miniatures still look great!
To coincide with this unboxing, I decided to try ot he wonderful world of You Tube and upload this.
Hope you like it. Sorry, but that's how I sound in real life!
Any advice would be happily received.
Hope you like it. Sorry, but that's how I sound in real life!
Any advice would be happily received.
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