Check out the original Thunderhawk Gunship, Warhammer 40K’s most ridiculous model

Games Workshop has a lot of heartache for the cost of its Warhammer 40,000 tabletop miniature set. Few would argue that its models aren’t among the most detailed and ambitious on the market today, but there was a time when even Games Workshop went a little too far. I’m talking about the legendary Thunderhawk Gunship, among the most expensive Warhammer models ever made.

I’ve been YouTuber Emil “Squidmar” Nyström for a few years now, gleaning tips and inspiration to paint miniatures. He was able to locate and purchase one of those original Thunderhawk Gunship models. Only about 500 were produced for sale in 1997, and each costs $ 649.99. Adjusted for inflation of approximately $ 1,050.

why are they so expensive? It was a time before full plastic miniatures were the norm, and the entire model is made of metal. The model plus its box weighs over 22 pounds. There are 204 parts and the contact points are completely flat. Putting it all together with super glue sounds like a nightmare … but it’s going to give it a whirl and share the results with his audience.

Photo: Games workshop

Nyström has been teasing the project for a while now, but on Thursday he posted a suitable unboxing video. Find out for a tour of the authentic history of the table. And if you want your own Thunderhawk, know that they are still for sale on the Forge World website. The new sculpture is made entirely of resin and will set you back $ 735.

Warhammer 40,000 is now in its 9th edition and is selling well, thanks in part to a new high-level box set and a mobile app. There is also a new line of paints which makes your armies easier than ever. Finally, there is also a small footprint version of the game called Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team. With it, you only need a handful of simple models and backdrops to step into the grim darkness of the distant future.

Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, although Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased through affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy.

Warhammer: 40,000 Kill Team Starter Set

Price taken at time of publication.

A smaller, skirmish version of Warhammer 40,000 that is no less gloomy or gloomy than the full-fledged tabletop version. This set also comes with a high quality field boat charge.