When I was considering transports for my World Bearers, Forgeworld’s Terrax pattern Termite was top of a very short list. I wanted to do something different to my previous legion, which was the Ultramarines and the Termite’s release seemed like a great opportunity to mix up the attacking force dynamics. The idea of deep striking termite’s supported by summoned daemons was too much fun to pass up.

As a kit the termite goes together remarkably well with plenty of easily accessible sub-assemblies making it a pleasure to paint. I sunk a cylinder magnet into the hull of each one so it could be magnetised to the base. This meant I could deploy it on its base, but leave the base behind as an exit marker (it counts as dangerous terrain) after the transport move off. An idea that turned out to be very popular. The ability for the Termite to trundle along after arrival is another think that sets it apart from a drop pod deployment. That and the pintle weapons are a useful addition too, especially the heavy flamers. All of these I also magnetised so they pivot in their mounts and can be swapped out giving me full options for a loadout.

To emphasise the wear and tear on the hull I applied patches of steel in between the layers of clear red. This added to the bleached out appearance of the armour. This also gave me a base over which to add bands of yellow, purple and blue ink to simulate heat burnishing from the thruster and melta cutters. 

Cold steel

To create contrast with the red and black armour I worked up some of the metals in the propulsion section to introduce a cold blue. The base for this was actually emerald green which I shaded using model colour red black and blue ink. This was then re-highlighted in chrome to give the overall finish a cold cast.

This was probably the part of the miniature I liked the most, even after painting three of them for the Word Bearers. I’d quite happily build and paint more of the little tunnelers, however it’s unlikely I will do so given they currently fill my entire fast attack section and if I collected any for the other legions I’d really just be repeating myself. I will just have to be satisfied with my little infiltration cadre of traitors and the mischief they can be put to.

Until next time.

Addendum: Yes I painted the interior detailing, I’m surprised you asked. Seemed rude not to after the designer went to trouble of including it.