Monday, April 10, 2023

Rogue Trader Adventurers: Part 3... Forerunners


RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader Warhammer 40K painted

I am not the first painter to tackle the miniatures in Citadel's RT601 Adventurers range from 1988. Indeed, it's hard to love Rogue Trader and not want to paint some of these incredible models.

However, the only other person (that I know of) who has tried to collect and paint all 32 miniatures is Jason Fulford at Rogue Heresy. His painstaking work in analyzing the range (and recording the names carved on the slotta-tabs, which often differ from the catalogue names) is a service to the hobby. Following his progress in completing the "Adventurers Project" was a source of inspiration and encouragement for me. I'm particularly fond of his colourful "Hive Worlder" and the fierce expression he coaxed out of the "Pirate Captain".

There are many other painters whose work on this range are worth a good look:

  • Axion at Magpie and Old Lead has done some wonderful things. I particularly love the matching assembly of the "Cyborg" and "Test-bed Slave" (plus other Rogue Trader figures).
  • Ninjabread created a wonderful series of dioramas using "Tech-Priest Schlan". Remember: only the strong will survey.
  • Warburton at Classic 40K zeroed in on the best sculpted miniatures in the range: the unobtrusively named "Official". Under his brush, the beautifully carved face and subtle details in costume all come to life. Brilliant!
  • At the Lead Plague, Asslessman has conscripted several members of the Adventurers range into his fantastic sensei warband.
  • Sho3box's "Squat Miner" shows some real mojo.
  • Every once in a while, when I want to remind myself what extraordinary painting looks like, I check out the work of Dr. Mathias at his Miniature Extravaganza.  His version of the "Navigator" is simply gorgeous -- and even more gorgeous when you see him arrayed with all his mutant colleagues.
If you know of any other painters who have dabbled in this range, please let me know in the comments.

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First is RT601 "Pilot Lorgar". His outfit shows the levity that you could still find in Rogue Trader miniatures: the gold epaulettes, the handlebar moustache, the expression of panic.

Pilot Lorgar RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


Second we have RT601 "Punk", renamed in 1988 as "Xaif".

Punk Xaif RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


Below is the RT601 "Astropath Yerl". He was first released in March 1987 as the "Imperial Psycher" in the RT1 range. He's a disproportionately tall miniature, verging on a different scale.

Astropath Yerl RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


Fourth is the RT601 "Tech-Priest Zon". He also appeared first in the RT1 range as a "Telepath" and later an "Astropath", as I've detailed in my posts on the first Rogue Trader miniatures.

Tech-Priest Zon RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


Behold the RT601 "Pirate Captain". I love this miniature, with his malicious leer and his Buck-Rogers garb. I tried to make his teeth nice and yellow, because I don't think space pirates floss.

Pirate Captain RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


The RT601 "Psyker" is another of my all-time favourites. Her simple pose gives us an excellent sense of the painful energy coursing through her. In a tribute to Stranger Things, I gave her a nosebleed, as you can see. Oddly, on this miniature's tab is written "Citizen".

Psyker RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


Last but not least is the "Official". As I mentioned above, I think he's the best-crafted miniature in the range. He has lots of elegant details, an intriguing pose, and a memorable facial expression that's a joy to paint. I wish I knew who the sculptor was!

Official RT601 Adventurers Citadel Rogue Trader 40K


Thanks for taking a look!

Painted rt601 Rogue Trader Official


18 comments:

  1. Of those shown on this excellent post, the Pilot is my personal fav and I’ve always wanted to add him to my collection.

    I never knew he had a moustache!

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    Replies
    1. Agreed!

      This is a stunning assemblage and I don't think I've ever seen them painted before. And of course this style suits them perfectly as always 👍

      Delete
    2. Thanks guys!
      As I recall, the moustache on the pilot is sort of ambiguous. I wasn't sure if it was meant to be there, or there was a little deformity around the face. In any case, I think a nice set of moustachios works with the theme on the figure.

      Delete
  2. Glad to see news from you!
    Beautiful miniatures as always.

    ReplyDelete

  3. Hello, it's a real pleasure to read your new post!
    You've done a great job of bringing out the character of each individual mini. The Pirate Captain is our favourite: both the pose of the body and the expression (and the poor oral hygiene) make him a miniature that stands out

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  4. Excellent work on all, and was a fond trip down memory lane as well.

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  5. Replies
    1. It's such an oddly tall miniature - very arresting on the battlefield.

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  6. I don't think it's so odd that the Psyker's tab reads "Citizen." The pose could easily be read as a panicked bystander. It's possible the model was repurposed when they realized she could be interpreted as using psychic powers too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the way some miniatures get repurposed or even recycled between ranges.

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  7. So enjoyable! This post is pure joy. I have also painted some minis of this range through the years, but your paintjob is simply outstanding. I love them all!

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    Replies
    1. Do you have a link to any of the jobs you've done, Suber?

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  8. Fantastic work! Thanks for the shout-out, and I love your work on the Official--brilliant! It reminds me that years ago I started painting a bodyguard squad for him which I never finished--I recently dug them out and I think I will have to get them done and continue telling the rest of his story...

    I think your list certainly touches on the best painters to have tackled the range that I'm aware of, and both Cheetor and Dr. Mathias have done great versions of the Official too.

    I love what you've done, particularly with the psyker. One thing that gets overlooked in a lot of current TV shows (in which magic seems to play a big role) is--what I imagine to be--the physical cost of tapping into psychic powers...you've nailed it!

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  9. Thanks! I'm really glad you like the psyker. I'm happy I achieved the effect I was looking for.

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