It’s finally time to move on from the twin factions of the launch box when it comes to new models, and the new releases bring us a double feature of imperial and xenos models. In this article we are covering the Sydonian Skatros kit. If you wanted to see our review of new trio of Necron characters, you can find them here.

Before we get to the model, we’d like to thank Games Workshop for sending us review copies of this kit early.

Sydonian Skatros

The Skatros is a bit of a controversial model. You may remember this weirdo on stilts from our initial reaction post, or possibly the follow-up counterargument, each of which garnered tens of thousands of views from people who seemed wildly invested in screaming about how dumb and/or cool the model was. So when the preview boxes arrived on our collective doorsteps, we rushed to tear them open, assemble them, and then roast and/or praise them incessantly.

Rockfish: Probably one of the most hilariously controversial models GW has previewed in recent times, and while there are fans of our stilt-raised friend the initial reaction was negative to the point where our own Greg unleashed a screed upon this very site. There is no way I was going to skip painting this extended Skitarii, and I am glad I did as while painting I found the key feature that takes the model from merely silly to divine.

In a slightly more serious answer, the model is of course far more reasonable in person than in photos but that still runs up against the fact that the proportions of lemgthy boi are downright hilarious. I think it would be really hard to genuinely hate this model but at the same time it’s impractical and delicate, you are going to see these lose random combinations of the numerous little details along with some just plain old snapping off the legs. This is very much not a model that inspires confidence in its durability, even when building you can feel it wanting to break in a million spots, and cleaning mold lines is like defusing a bomb with the level of care you need to apply. The springy nature will even come into play when painting, as it’s remarkably easy to apply enough force to have parts of the model spring away from you. Now, none of these issues are unique for the admech range, but this model takes them to extremes like never before.

Once you get past the challenges the model offers, the painting experience is still enjoyable as it is an excuse to really go in on the level of detail the admech infantry models offer, but that feels a little damning with faint praise. This isn’t a model that you should actively avoid, as it is distinctive and interesting and with a useful role in the army, but you should go into it aware of the shortcomings and with a very specific plan for how you transport it. Anything less and it’s a recipe to be very sad when you open your case to find a very expensive collection of plastic matchsticks.

Pendulin: I have mixed feelings about this model. On one hand, I love my stupid tall boy. On the other hand, I really love my stupid tall boy.

Okay, yeah, it’s a weird looking model. He’s taller than a Kastelan Robot. He’s eye-level with a Tyranid Screamer Killer. But this towering sniper stepped from the heavens and into my heart. Likely in a single step too. Have I mentioned how ridiculously long this guy’s legs are?

I initially wasn’t sold on the design. However, getting him into my hands, to build and paint changed my tune. He actually looks right at home next to all the other Admech oddballs.

My biggest complaint is that I’m counting the days until I look at him wrong, and he crumbles to dust. It seems fairly durable in my hands, but with antennae stretching this tall, it’s only a matter of time before an errant palm or breeze breaks him into a thousand pieces. And with him, my heart too would be broken, cause I love this weirdo.

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