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I think most people have issues with the Rogal Dorn model - even those who basically like it. It’s over-designed and has a cluttered appearance. But it’s very nicely detailed (especially the engine deck and suspension), and well engineered, and as a kit it really puts the Leman Russ to shame. I am therefore building a couple of Rogal Dorn as Russes for my Heresy Militia army. Yes, strictly speaking it’s too big to be a Russ, but I think it’ll work. The Rogal Dorn doesn’t exist in the Heresy, so with a bit of modifying it can pass as a Russ variant - perhaps something locally manufactured.

That aside, I thought people might like to see the Rogal Dorn stripped of the more extraneous stuff that arguably mars its appearance. I got rid of some the clutter from the turret, and removed the heavy stubber mount. I also cut down the mantlet to a more sensible height. On the hull, I remove those stupid weapon mounting points from the nose. And I shaved off most of the unnecessary rivets - the hull is obviously cast, and doesn’t need them. I also roughened up the texture to represent cast steel.

See what you think. I feel that it looks much better. When finished, it will be covered in battle damage and gear, as it’s meant to be a battle-weary vehicle. I am still in the process of filling and sanding, so there are still some lumps and bumps.

Removing the rivets was a smart choice, it really shows the molded nature of the armor. The stripped down appearance makes it look even more like an old American style of tank.