Ragnar Blackmane

Following on from my previous post, I've also added Ragnar Blackmane to my Space Wolves collection.

Not sure if 'Blackmane' is really appropriate.

Another really lovely detailed sculpt from the 90s. The twin banner poles are the very epitome of second edition 40k. Obviously I had to add authentic paper banners as well.

The plan is that Ragnar will lead my Space Wolf forces in most of their battles. Usually I don't care for special characters, but most of the ones from second edition 40k don't seem especially powerful. Also it would be a shame to ignore such wonderful models.

Bjorn the Fell-handed

I've been messing around with second edition 40k recently, including building up a few armies painted in the classic, brightly coloured style. Over the weekend I finished off an old metal Bjorn to join my growing Space Wolves army.

In glorious technicolour.

It's not a direct copy of the original second edition paint scheme, but I feel I've captured the spirit of the thing. I even went so far as to make a banner pole from brass rod and add a paper banner, because it's not second edition without giant paper banners fluttering everywhere.

As many of you know, these old metal dreadnoughts are weighty things. I did have to give my wrist a break after a couple of longer painting sessions.

Stomp stomp.

As for other modelling choices, I went with a round base just because I felt it looked best. I'm sure many purists feel that this should be square or even non-existent. I also chose not to drill the smoke launcher as it felt more authentic this way; that and I was worried I'd misalign one of them and it would throw the whole thing off.

I've painted a few more Space Wolves to join this army as well as a bunch of old Necrons. I'm hoping to do some more posts this month to show them off.