Legion of the Damned #6: Rogue Trader-Era Librarian 07045/2 (Mark Copplestone, Oct 1989)

Legion of the Damned Rogue Trader-Era Librarian 07045/2 Mark Copplestone, Oct 1989, Oldhammer 40k

It’s been another long break since I’ve posted (or painted) any Legion of the Damned models, but thanks to Le Tray, I’ve managed to complete a model that I’ve been stuck on for well over a decade. Out of the three original Librarian models, I managed to complete the painting of the first back in 2017 for my Dark Angels, and now I’ve finally completed the second – for my Legion of the Damned force.

Legion of the Damned Rogue Trader-Era Librarian 07045/2 Mark Copplestone, Oct 1989, Oldhammer 40k

“But wait!” you say. “Legion of the Damned can’t have Librarians!” Well, yes. But also, no. You see, dear reader, that back in the mists of time when 3rd Edition 40k and its codices were current, there was a Chapter Approved Codex published in White Dwarf that gave rules for running entire armies of the Legion, complete with characters and war machines. It was during the times when these rules were still valid that I began work on making a whole Legion of the Damned Army. I didn’t get very far, but I did get this guy started. And now, in the middle of the clusterfuck that is otherwise known as 2020, I’ve gotten him finished.

Legion of the Damned Rogue Trader-Era Librarian 07045/2 Mark Copplestone, Oct 1989, Oldhammer 40k, RT01 Marines, Sergeant Centurius, Sgt Centurius

The model is basically stock, except for three changes. 32mm base, his (broken) sword was replaced by one from a WarZone weapons blister, and his backpack is a metal Legion of the Damned one from the more recent run of the models. Please enjoy this photograph of this nameless librarian alongside his dark brethren. And yes, I really do need to paint more of these.

…and what of the third Librarian? Well, like his two brothers, I’ve got specific plans for him. One Day…

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988)

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988)

A pair of Dwarves from different eras today – a Dwarf General model from the late 90’s, repurposed as the named Character “Drong the Hard” in the 5th Edition Grudge of Drong campaign alongside a “proper” Oldhammer Imperial Dwarf from the late 80s’.

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988)

Both Dwarves have been painted in the blue with yellow trim scheme that I’ve used for my Warhammer Dwarf Clan’s livery since the late 1980’s. They’ve been given more modern shields to help tie them in with Queen Helga, who was also featured in the Grudge of Drong campaign.

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988)

Banner this time is simple paper, painted with PVA for durability, and, obviously, paint. The Hammer & Anvil device is copied from a series of shields found on older Dwarves (initially the Marauder line). The runes are taken from one of the many GW publications that features a phonetic translation from runes to sounds made via the Roman alphabet. I’ll leave it to anyone who is particularly interested to work it out.

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988)

Both the runes and Hammer & Anvil device are freehand jobs, which is why they’re not as perfect as the devices on the Viking banners I completed recently. On a model this big, though – they work well enough for me!

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988)

I haven’t actually read the Grudge of Drong scenario, and aren’t too bothered about it, so I decided to paint Drong as a bit of a world-weary but still dangerous Warrior-General. (or Warrior-King. Whatever he is). Either way, I wouldn’t want to be in the way of that hammer!

Drong the Hard (Colin Dixon, 1998), Imperial Dwarf Command Standard Bearer (Michael/Alan Perry, 1988), Queen Helga Longplaits

For the final pic, I decided to pose the two of them alongside Helga, as the two heroes obviously fit alongside one another, and the Standard is painted to be one of their supporting players.