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.
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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.
Thanks for taking a look!
Of those shown on this excellent post, the Pilot is my personal fav and I’ve always wanted to add him to my collection.
ReplyDeleteI never knew he had a moustache!
Agreed!
DeleteThis 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 👍
Glad to see news from you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful miniatures as always.
ReplyDeleteHello, 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
Excellent work on all, and was a fond trip down memory lane as well.
ReplyDeleteI especially like the astropath
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteSo 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!
ReplyDeleteFantastic 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...
ReplyDeleteI 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!