Games Workshop Militarum Tempestus Scions Review

Packaging

So GW finally got around to updating Imperial Guard and while they did it, they added a smaller faction called Militarum Tempestus.  I’ve been waiting on a new Codex and other bits to come out for Imperial Guard for quote some time and I’ve had funds set aside for just such an event.  This is part of it, I also picked up some new Astra Militarum figures as well and I’ll do some reviews of that stuff as I get around to building those kits.

Instruction Manual and Bases

I have a decent selection of the previous metal Kasrkin models that I intend to use along side of these new Scions as a detachment of my IG armies.  But onto this kit!  This kit comes in with 5 miniatures worth of parts, you can build all sorts of different models, but ultimately there’s only 5 sets of legs and 5 sets of torso’s.  The kit is a multikit in the respect that it can build platoon command squads or regular troops with hotshot lasguns.

Sprue #1

Each sprue was packed with options, it was nice to be able to pick from two different styles of heads.  Both looked pretty good, but I stuck with almost all respirator heads on the ones I built with the exception of the Scions, I figured they are badass enough guys to not need respirators.  I figured since I’d be fielding both Tempestors and Kasrkins (since I recently painted some of them up too!) that they should sort of match…in an odd post-apocalyptic way.

Sprue #2

The instructions that are included are pretty impressive, GW is almost at the point of having instructions akin to how Lego produces their instruction manuals.  This is a good thing considering the arms and gun are tied together by number and shape, meaning each gun needs two specific gun arm bits, they are not mix and match at this point.  As someone who can’t sit and plow through a model kit in one sitting due to time restrictions, it’s nice to have a place to leave a reminder as to where the heck I left off versus a box full of bits.

Meltagun and Tempestor Prime

I do like that this kit can build all sorts of different variations, I mean building all the various special weapons options, Scion options, and a Tempestor Prime model is super nice.  One of my main gripes is that only 5 of them come in a box.  While I’m fine with that in a platoon command sense, I’m not when I’m trying to fill out rank and file.

Captain and Flamer

I decided to magnetize the weapon options on the Scions for my units so that I can choose between chainsword, powerfist, or power sword.  The Scions were easy to magnetize, but the special weapons options had the 3 piece arm configuration that makes it more difficult than it was worth in my opinion.

Captain with Powerfist and Plasma Gun
Militarum Tempestus Platoon

Overall the kit is pretty nice and I’m happy with the way all these models turned out.  If I could change a few things, I’d make the price $40 for 10 models instead of $35 for 5 models, but I don’t think I’m going to convince GW of that anytime soon.  They do deserve praise for including great instructions and numbering to match up directly on the sprues.  They have come a very long way from mono-pose plastics from the 90’s for sure. One of the things that bugs me is that because you really only need a single Tempestor Prime, each kit having all the parts to create one seems a little wasteful in terms of space/plastic.  There could be additional heads / special weapons configs  / etc if that were a stand alone model.  Coming soon will be a review of the Taurox!