The Old World project is bringing back hundreds of classic models from the rich history of Warhammer. The Warhammer Studio have been lovingly recovering and rediscovering old moulds and machine tools, and returning them to production so they may once again do valiant battle on the most oblong of bases.
But while we remember each and every one of these wonderful miniatures from yesteryear with all-consuming fondness, we can’t claim in good conscience that they were all smooth experiences to build. Fortunately, the team bringing Warhammer: The Old World to your tabletop had this in mind when they were pillaging the archives, and more than a few of the larger returning models have been remastered to update their details and ensure they fit together as painlessly as possible. Here’s Rob, the guy in charge of the whole Old World project, to explain:
“In some cases, the original greens* are long missing. The factory keeps the cast masters,** however, which are sometimes in metal and sometimes resin. There is a slight loss of detail when transferring to the master cast from the original green, so we had Lewis painstakingly hand-sculpt those details back into the models.
“This also meant cutting them up slightly differently, as the manufacturing process for resin is different to metal. He resculpted every rivet on the Bretonnian Trebuchet, the eye socket on every skull, sharpened all manner of other details, and even added some additional work. For example, there is now an inside to the Casket of Souls! He has had a lot of fun looking at these kits and working out what best to do.
“He also addressed the joints on the Tomb Scorpion to make it easier to assemble and more posable – it’s now all ball joints. He created a new third variant of the Carrion based on Trish's*** original two. This allowed us to put them in a pack of three, which we think better serves how people will want to use them in the game.
“We also obviously took the opportunity to add an unreleased head to the Bone Giant kit, as we all thought it was very cool.”
So while Warhammer: The Old World is mostly supported by this vast range of classic models, the entire team has poured enormous care and attention into getting their best ever versions out onto the tabletop. There will be a smattering of remastered models coming to the other core armies once each range gets its release, and there are loads of surprises returning on a Made to Order basis. Don’t forget to check back on Saturday for… something.
* The original hand-sculpted model, which traditionally used a green putty.
** A more solid reproduction of the green, used to create casts for production.
*** A legendary sculptor who created many iconic Warhammer monsters.
