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I really like the thundercannon model and I feel as though my DA list needs some more ranged umph. I wanted to play around with pinning and assault Marines, but with snipers having pinning removed I don't see many options left in the DA codex...

So, if I were to take a detatchment for the thunder cannon, would it be better than the options in the DA dex?

Not being familar with the vanilla codex , any idea of what I should be considering to fulfill this role ? (Centeruions?)

The whirlwind is great and the thunderfire cannon is also a good most will say the thunderfire is superior. Tbh I like the whirlwind its more durable and capable of dealing with mobs. The thunderfire is great at taking out isolated targets and slaying mpc's but it's not good at lasting very long because it's so weak.

I would take one if I know in going to deal with a hardened target. At range and knew it would be a threat to get rid of right away. If I got rid of it then it would have been useful.

Tbh if you want a weapon vastly superior weapon to the whirlwind you need to ally am and add a wyvern or a basilisk. Alternatively you can use a sisters of battle exorcist artillery tank.
The am have greater range and vastly superior punch, the exorcist is about even but then you get acts of faith

Whirlswinds are good but TFCs are much better. In addition to a T7 Cannon, you get a Techmarine who can bolster defenses etc.

I would say your best option as a dark angel player would be to ally IG and take a two or three tank squad of wyverns. IG platoons also allow you multiple scoring units in one troop slot and you can take leman russ tank commanders in the HQ for some added AV14 goodness.

Ask yourself what you need more. This will depend on what else you have.

The weapons are broadly similar, but the Thunderfire offers repeated fire and the Whirlwind reliably deals with horde armour. All told I find the Whirlwind is a good buy, the Thunderifre is generally better, but nedd it be. The Whirlwind does the same job, for less.
Its helpful to note that 4+ save infantry fall like tenpins to the Whirlwind.

Both are worth while, howeever as infantry are often used as caddys for Ap1-2 weaponry, and most fieldable heavy ordance is lascannon based, or similar nasties, then marines can have problems allocating enough fire for anti horde.

A Whirlwind adds to this capability for only a small investment allowing you to get back to what the army is doing, which is likely not be be complimentary to its fire role.

I have no regrets that I own a Whirlwind but no Thunderfire, and not just because the Thunderfire miniature is a problem. On that point if this is a purchase choice not a fielding choice then its simple, get the Whirlwind. The Thunderfire is a beast to put together and requires careful cmodelling and pinning.

Tfc are generally tougher, do more damage, bolster defences, are way better protected in mellee with a 2+, 2 s8 ap1 attacks marine with a flamer overwatch.