One of the more annoying things to happen to me lately, was what happened to my Bombast Field Guns. These started leaking resin, resulting in a bit of a drama, and an eventual refund, no thanks to the seller. That matter is now closed, and while I think I've fixed the problem, I'm wanting to phase those out, hence today's subject. The Comet is another 3D print by Culverin models, purchased for use as a Basilisk proxy.
As
a model, the Comet is a WWII-adjacent design, that's slightly smaller
than a chimera chassis, but not one that's obviously so. It comes
with a selection of various guns for the turret, and a single twin
gun for the hull. Its a good model, with its own character. These
weapons are however insufficiently excessive for a 40k model, so I
replaced those with bits I had spare. The heavy bolter is a straight
swap, although I did kinda fuck up drilling out the barrel. Its
replacement cannon was built up from water pistol bits and a pen lid,
and predates the purchase of this model. I'd initially considered a
full scratch build for this, i have done that sorta thing a lot, but
I feared the outcome would be too orky. Its possibly too orky even
now. The HK missile was originally a rejected piece for my last tank,
but i tidied it up, and used it here. Much of my time was spent
trying to remove artefacts from the printing process. It not as bad
as the Ursa, but work and work-arounds needed to be done.
Otherwise this was a matter of repeated spraypaints and careful
weathering techniques so as not to highlight its origins. The main
difficulties I had were of the user error variety, bloody waterslide
transfers and an attack of clumsiness.
So, what's a Basilisk then? Besides a word I keep spelling wrong? It's the Guard's staple artillery piece, with a frankly ridiculous in game range of 240 inches. You don't need to measure with that. You might not even need to be in the same room. It also has the useful ability to de-buff the speed of its victims, which totally changes the math on charges. As its a vehicle unit, its definitely more self-contained than Bombards, although its not a linear upgrade. Bombards are cheaper and have more attacks, even if the range is a mere 48 and its more of an anti-infantry weapon. At time of building, the new codex was still unknown, which is why I only got one of these to build.
As
for the Comet? Well, its another win for Culverin Models. I knew what
I was getting into this time, and the result is both characterful and
inexpensive. You still have to sand it a lot, but the problem was
reduced here with the model using two types of resin. I'd happily
recommend these alongside Ramshackle Games stuff, especially as
Ramshackle has put its prices up since I last ordered. On the
downside, I’ve not really liked the weapons they've come with, and
CM isn't making strict, 1 to 1 proxies. A lot of their models can be
an Astra Militarum model with modest kitbashing, and that's work I'm
happy to put in, but you may not. You may instead wish to look into
some other 3d print exercise, but they might cost upwards of 25%
more. Its your call.
HOWEVER, I wrote all that when Culverin Models
still actually existed. This week they suddenly announced they
were closing down, so by the time you read this, the odds are you can't get
this model any more. That's a real shame.
I've brought this article forwards because of this sad news. I've put in an order for something else of theirs, so this hopefully this won't be the last time I talk about Culverin Models. In the meantime, damn good model, damn shame.
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