Hobby Progress: Thunderers and Nostalgia

The first unit I chose to paint for my new Dwarf army was a unit of Thunderers. It wasn’t just a tactical decision — this choice was steeped in nostalgia. When I played Warhammer Fantasy Battle in the early days of 4th edition, my fledgling Dwarf army included a small unit of Thunderers. They were among the first miniatures I ever painted, and I must have fielded that unit in nearly every game. The image of sturdy Dwarfs, bracing with their black powder weapons, has always stuck with me. Starting my return to the Old World with Thunderers felt like a fitting tribute to those early days.

Role on the Battlefield

In my current army, I expect the Thunderers to fill a similar role — providing ranged support for my infantry and helping control key areas of the battlefield. While their handguns may lack the range of crossbows, the armor-piercing punch they deliver makes them a powerful tool, especially against heavily armored opponents.

Though I haven’t fleshed out specific lore for my army yet, the Thunderers will no doubt have a proud place in my Barak Varr force. The seafaring Dwarfs of the hold would undoubtedly maintain well-drilled regiments of gunners, tasked with protecting both the fortress’s mountain approaches and its bustling port. I’m sure their deeds will begin to write themselves once they see their first battles.

Choosing a Color Scheme

The color scheme for my Thunderers was inspired directly by the Dwarfen Mountain Holds Arcane Journal, which describes the colors of Barak Varr as emerald green with gold trim. It’s a striking and regal combination that feels right for a hold of such importance. However, while gold-trimmed tunics are a hallmark of Barak Varr’s traditional colors, I chose to interpret the scheme with a slightly more practical slant.

The Thunderers’ chainmail layers over heavy leather armor, giving them a functional, battle-ready look. The gold detailing is reserved for embellishments on their helms and weapon stocks, adding a sense of pride and craftsmanship without diminishing their utilitarian appearance. The emerald green tunics remain a prominent feature, standing in contrast to the steel and brass tones of their weapons and armor.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

The compact, stocky nature of the Thunderer sculpts posed a few challenges. Certain areas, particularly beards and faces partly obscured by the guns, were difficult to reach. On the first set, I found myself struggling to get consistent coverage in those tight spots. By the time I moved on to the second batch of eight, I changed my approach — starting with the hard-to-reach areas before moving outward. It made a significant difference and streamlined the process.

Despite those small challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed painting the unit. Each Thunderer came together with satisfying progress, and the time spent refining my color scheme was well worth it. Seeing them ranked up in formation brings back memories of those early Warhammer battles.

What’s Next?

Once the Thunderers are completed, I’ll be ready to move on to another unit of ranged troops — the Dwarfen Rangers. They’ll bring a different dynamic to the force with their scouting abilities and crossbows. I’m curious to see how they’ll complement the Thunderers on the battlefield.

For now, though, I’m happy to have these stalwart gunners completed and ready for action. The Thunderers of Barak Varr stand ready to defend their hold — and perhaps bring a little thunder to the Old World once more.

Until the oaths are fulfilled.