Do you remember these exclusive “free” figures from back in the day from GW? Don’t miss the top 4 picks from our Warhammer 40k archives!
If you’ve been around the Warhammer hobby block, you probably remember some of these. Test your knowledge and see how many of these you recall, as maybe you’re still using them in your list today!
Games Day Blood Angels Captain
First up to bat, we’ve got a new model made to look like an old model. This particular model was made to represent the Marine on the front of the Second Edition Box set. IIRC you got one of these figures free with entry, or you could purchase additional ones for $15-ish
This was only available in Chicago for a year and is an incredibly detailed miniature because Finecast holds detail so much better than plastic or pewter. But obviously, we all know the issues that stemmed from Finecast. A big reason for that was because they were using old pewter molds. Then towards the end, Games Workshop learned how to work with it better and add more gates. That being said they did put out an inferior product and still get grief to this day about it.
One of The First Thunderhammer/ Power Armor Characters
Here’s another great mini. It’s another Games Day Exclusive that was free with entry from years ago. The helmet and backpack were switched out on this model, but the neat thing is at the time this came out there weren’t a lot of Power Armored Thunder Hammer options. Of course, nowadays it seems every kit has them.
A Black Library Exclusive: Silas Hand in Terminator Armor
The next miniature was SUPER limited. You had to send in UPCs from novels for this via Black Library, and they’d send you a cool diorama. This particular one depicted Silas Hand in Terminator armor with his Power sword and bolter, next to Ephrael Stern, the Daemonifuge.
It was a cool little display that was really neat. It originally sold for something around $200. It’s a great looking mini but it doesn’t quite hold up to today’s new “primaris” standard. Classics however never die…
You’ll notice this next to a heroic scale marine model and it’s a bit undersized comparatively. I can’t tell you who sculpted it but it’s classy and very well done.
Warmaster Honsu: An Iron Warriors Exclusive
Another one that was also available in diorama format via Black Libary book redemption was the Warmaster Honsu. It’s probably the only limited edition Iron Warrior miniature in the history of ever.
You’ll notice half his face is burned off, just like in the old book. He’s also got his shoulder pad and power axe with a living metal bionic arm which he stole from Pasanius.
These are some classic and rare models that we managed to scrape up from our archives for a review! You can still find some of these on sites like eBay with a little bit of digging. For a better look at all these mini’s check out the video!
40k Flashback – Do You Remember These Exclusives?
Do you have any of these models in your collection? Have you sniped one off of eBay or did you get it from the store back in the day? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
