eldar phoenix bomber
I much prefer the look of the Phoenix Bomber to the Nightwing. The model has aged well; I only updated the look of a few minor components to more closely match the more modern ones on my other models.date: 2020 - 2021 (complete)
components: 1x Forge World Eldar Phoenix Bomber, 2x Forge World Eldar Hornet pilots, 1x Crimson Hunter Pulse Laser, 2x Crimson Hunter engines, 1x Forge World Eldar Lynx Shuriken Cannon, 1x Dire Avenger scenic element, plasticard, Green Stuff, White Milliput, 6mm diameter clear acrylic rod, styrene tubing (various diameters), large oval base, cork, neodymium rare earth magnets (various sizes), brass rod
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1. The model is almost entirely cast in a single piece.
2. I really like the underside detail on this model, especially the various missile/bomb launch tubes.
3. The rear of the bomber needed some work - there are some mould imperfections and bubbles.
The original resin engine piece was cut down.
This piece was from a Hemlock Wraithfighter.
This component also came from the Hemlock Wraithfighter kit.
4. I wanted to update the look of the engines, to bring the design more in line with the newer kits like the Hemlock Wraithfighter.
5. A mock-up of one of the modified engines; the three components are stacked on top of one another.
6. These Phoenix Bomber pilots are of a unique design, however the helmets are very bulky and I'm not very keen on their overall look. They will be replaced with a pair of Hornet pilots to match the majority of my other vehicles.
7. A work-in-progress shot of the Phoenix; White Milliput was used in several places to correct some minor mould imperfections.
8. A close-up of the twin cockpits.
9. The underside of the Phoenix.
10. Work continues on the Phoenix - more Milliput has been added around the cockpit surrounds to blend them in with the main fuselage.
11. Close-up of the cockpits.
12. The Pulse Laser that is supplied with the kit looks a bit dated now, so I elected to replace it entirely.
13. Wanting to update the look of the Pulse Laser, I replaced the mounting point with part of a Shuriken Cannon from a Lynx.
14. This Pulse Laser has been taken from a Crimson Hunter and looks a lot more modern (and shorter). It is magnetised as well.
15. The converted engines take shape.
16. A close-up of one of the assembled engines.
17. This rear view of the Phoenix shows the converted engines in situ.
18. A dorsal view of the updated engines.
19. A close-up of the two cockpits, showing the positions of the tiny neodymium magnets that will hold the canopies in place.
20. I replaced the standard Phoenix crew with these more modern-looking Hornet pilots, to match my other vehicles.
21. Two magnetised and tinted cockpit canopies.
22. A work-in-progress shot of the underside of the port engine assembly and stabilising fin. White Milliput and Green Stuff were used extensively to correct mould imperfections and fill air bubbles in the resin.
23. The completed central weapon mount; Green Stuff was needed to fill some gaps.
24. The large dorsal fins needed a lot of work too.
25. A large oval base was used for the scenic base. The rocks were made from a combination of small stones and cork.
26. I included this scenery element from the Dire Avenger kit as a fallen statue.
27. I fitted a section of styrene tubing inside a large piece of cork. A rod of transparent acrylic will fit into it and support the Phoenix Bomber as if to appear in flight.
28. The fully assembled Phoenix Bomber, as seen from above.
29. A ventral view of the assembled model.
30. The Phoenix Bomber on its scenic base.
31. Alternate view of the Phoenix Bomber in flight.
32. The Phoenix Bomber, after undercoating.
33. The scenic base, after undercoating.
34. The undercoated model, ready for painting.
35. A work-in-progress image of the model, partway through painting.
36. The completed and painted Phoenix Bomber, in my Craftworld Miruaun colours.
37. The Phoenix Bomber, without its scenic base.
38. View of the completed Phoenix Bomber from the right.
39. Dorsal view of the model.
40. Ventral view of the painted model. As with many Eldar vehicles, much of the detail is on the underside - this took much longer to paint than the top side.
41. Side view of the model on its scenic base.
42. A close-up of the completed engines, which look more modern now.
43. The painted crew.
44. A view of the crew's controls.
45. I added one of my professionally-printed custom transfers of the Craftworld Miruaun rune.
46. A close-up of the underside, with multiple missile/bomb launch tubes. I painted the ordnance in different colours to distinguish the different types.
47. Another view of the improved engines.
48. The magnetised Pulse Laser finishes off the underside very nicely.
49. The port-side forward launch tubes.
50. The completed scenic base, with autumn leaves.
51. A close-up of the fallen statue on the scenic base.
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