The First Rogue Trader Miniatures: Part 2

I have a bad habit when it comes to collecting miniatures. Maybe two bad habits, if you consider collecting miniatures itself to be a bad habit.

Let’s say I decide to pursue a certain range of vintage Citadel miniatures (like the Terror of the Lichemaster). Accruing such a collection takes patience, and I have none. So I grow antsy and begin to despair when, after a few months, the miniatures I need don't appear on the market. A sane person would just wait it out, because all miniatures will eventually present themselves for sale in the ripeness of time. But do I just wait? No. 

Instead, I adopt a manic logic. I decide the only way to distract myself from the anxiety of completing my range is to start collecting an entirely different range. I tell myself that completing the second range will be a consolation prize if I am never able to finish the first range. In my mind, it makes sense. In reality, am doubling my trouble. Soon I will be anxious about completing two sets not one. Plus, the second set is inevitably even rarer than the original range (damn you, Osrim Chardz). It is a bad habit.

But, it’s an ill-wind that bloweth no good. My bad habit results increased fretting and the expenditure of much treasure. But it also means that I almost accidentally accrue some great sets. That’s what happened with the RT1 range consisting of the first Warhammer 40K sculps. My original purpose was to collect the RT06 range of Rogue Trader Adventurers. But when that project hit a wall (damn you, Imperial Assassin), I decided to pursue RT1 since it seemed in easy reach. It wasn't, of course (damn you, Pirate). But at last it's complete!

Last week, we looked at the first four miniatures of the range. Now I give you five more…

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First is the “Imperial Garrison Trooper”, later renamed “Kylla Condotti” for the RT7 Mercenaries range (Nov. 1987). This is another sculp by Bob Naismith. I’ve always loved this miniature because of the simplicity of the design and the apprehension on his face. He’s a conscript, and he knows it.

Second is the “Space Goblin”, later renamed “Bogbag” in the 4404 Gretchen range (1988). I want my Space Goblins nasty, cross-eyed and leering, and this fellow hits the mark. Note that this early miniature represents a kind of false start for goblindom. He's well-armoured and carries some technological geegaws on his belt. Later gretchen are generally feral fellows with primitive muskets.

Next we have the “Imperial Light Trooper”, aka “No-Face Fargo” in the RT7 Mercenaries range (Nov. 1987). He’s an unambitious variant of the Garrison Trooper, and was also sculpted by Bob Naismith.

And now the glorious "Imperial Bodyguard", aka "Adeptus Custodes". Drawings of this miniature appear in some striking illustrations from the Rogue Trader rulebook. It's a sculpt marked by a fine sense of design and intriguing details. I've always been attracted to the Eldar-like dimensions of his helmet. It puts me in mind of elite regiments in history (like the Zouaves) who adopt elements of the (outlandish) dress belonging to feared or respected opponents.

An illustration from the Rogue Trader rulebook (1987)

Lastly, the "Imperial Psycher", aka "Imperial Psyker" or (in the RT06 range) "Astropath Yerl". Like the Adeptus Custodes, we can see him portrayed in several iconic illustrations. This is a large sculpt that stands strangely out of proportion with its fellows. But the tallness of the miniature at least accentuates the thinness of the face and hands, which is fitting for an Astropath.

Next week, I'll give you my versions of the final minis from this range and review some of the other painters who have tackled them.