Heldrakes are winged chaos daemon engines that descend upon the battlefield like celestial fireballs. These ferocious creatures revel in the cruel pleasure of swooping down upon unsuspecting aerial targets, tearing them apart and leaving no survivors. Once the sky is under its dominion, this beast turns its wrath towards those unfortunate souls on the ground.
Constructed from high-quality multipart plastic, this kit allows you to bring forth a Heldrake, an imposing and colossal construct that resembles a fearsome dragon-like creature fused with flesh and metal. With its dynamic pose, it appears to soar effortlessly across the battlefield, capturing the essence of its aerial dominance. The model’s twisted carapace is adorned with intricate mechanical details, including trailing cables, interlocking wing-plates, small wiring, and rivets, creating a captivating visual spectacle. Moreover, its chaotic patterns form a maddening web that reflects the essence of its daemonic origins.
The Heldrake’s menacing fanged mouth presents you with an exciting choice – you can equip it with your preferred integrated weapon. Opt for the shell-spitting hades autocannon, raining a storm of deadly shells upon your enemies from a distance, or select the baleflamer, a devastating weapon capable of unleashing scorching flames upon foes at closer ranges. The decision is yours to make, based on your tactical objectives and playstyle.
What’s in the Heldrake box
- x49 plastic components that make Heldrake, an enormous dragon-like construct of flesh and metal.
- x1 Citadel 120x92mm Oval Base
- x1 Citadel Large Flying Stem
How to paint the Heldrake set
- Step 1: Priming
Begin by priming your Heldrake with Chaos Black spray. This creates a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Apply the primer in thin, even coats, ensuring full coverage of the miniature. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. - Step 2: Base Colors
Choose the base color for your Heldrake’s body, such as a dark blue or metallic silver. Using a medium-sized brush, apply the base color to the appropriate areas, covering the surface evenly. For example, you can use Abaddon Black for the body and Leadbelcher for the metallic parts. Don’t worry about being too precise at this stage; we will refine the details later. - Step 3: Layering
Layering adds depth and dimension to your miniature. Select a lighter shade of the base color and mix it with a bit of water on your palette. With a smaller brush, apply this color to the raised areas of the Heldrake’s body, such as edges and protrusions. This technique helps create highlights and brings out the details. For instance, you can use Thunderhawk Blue for the body and Ironbreaker for the metallic parts. - Step 4: Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a technique that emphasizes texture and adds a weathered effect. Take a dry brush (a brush with most of the paint wiped off) and lightly dip it into a lighter color, such as Fenrisian Grey for the body or Stormhost Silver for the metallic parts. Then, gently brush it across the textured areas of the Heldrake, like the scales or mechanical details. This technique picks up the raised surfaces, leaving the recesses darker. - Step 5: Wash
A wash helps to define the shadows and crevices, giving your Heldrake a more realistic appearance. Choose a wash color that complements your base color, such as Nuln Oil for the body or Agrax Earthshade for the metallic parts. Using a small brush, carefully apply the wash to the recessed areas, allowing it to flow into the details. The wash will darken these areas, adding depth to the overall look. - Step 6: Details
Now it’s time to focus on the smaller details of your Heldrake. Use a fine-tipped brush to paint the eyes, teeth, claws, and any other intricate parts. Choose colors that contrast nicely with the main body color, such as Screamer Pink for the eyes or Retributor Armor for the claws. Take your time and be patient to ensure precision. - Step 7: Basing
To complete the look, let’s create a base for your Heldrake. Apply texture paint or sand to the base, allowing it to dry. Once dry, use a brush to apply a base color, such as Mephiston Red for a lava theme or Astrogranite Debris for a rocky terrain. Then, add additional details like grass, rocks, or skulls using various colors to match your chosen theme.
