Friday 25 March 2011

The Praetorian MkI-B Leman Russ Conqueror



Praetoria with its significant industrial capability is one of only a small handful of non-Adeptus Mechanicus worlds producing a version of the Leman Russ Conqueror. How exactly Praetoria came to be in the fortunate position to acquire the designs for this variant of the Leman Russ is unknown. Though given relations with the Adeptus Mechanicus which have until recently been unusually amiable, it is likely they were acquired through legitimate means. This could perhaps be the result of trade, a definite possibility given Praetoria’s wealth and position as a major trading power in the Segmentum, alternatively the designs may have been granted as a reward for some service to the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Irrespective of this, Praetoria’s manufactorums now produce a version of the Conqueror almost identical to the early Mk3 Gryphonne IV pattern in respects of armour and performance. It also originally made use of Heavy Bolters imported from the Adeptus Mechanicus, and was known as the MkI. However, around 450.M41 the design was altered, and these Heavy Bolters were instead replaced by MkIV-I Gatling Guns (cross ref file; 8236B/PRAET102318-VI) in the hull and sponson hard points, resulting in the MkI-B. This is undoubtedly a contributory factor in the souring of relations between the Adeptus Mechanicus and Praetoria, and has been cited in allegations of Techno-Heresy.

The MkI-B has to date been supplied exclusively to Praetorian PDF and Imperial Guard units, with many regiments now fully equipped with the vehicle. As with the MkI and all other versions of the Conqueror, it is a particularly mobile vehicle, indeed it is often dubbed as a ‘Cavalry Tank’. Thus, it is the ideal tank for Praetoria’s ‘Armoured Cavalry’ regiments, which favour a highly mobile form of armoured warfare, specialising in highly co-ordinated, set piece, armoured assaults often involving whole regiments.



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8 comments:

Mordian7th said...

Very cool! I really like the look with the gatling cannons, it ties in beautifully with the rest of your Praetorians. Keep up the great work!

Col.Gravis said...

Thankyou, I promiss some new modelling and painting stuff soon though! Only a few more background pieces in the next week.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoy looking through your background articles. You obviously put a lot of thought and effort into your conversions, and the added bonus of some decent fluff is win-win in my book.

Thanks for sharing Col.

Messanger of Death said...

These background pieces are great... especially since the official background is missing this sort of depth.

J Womack, Esq. said...

I really wish I had:

a) modelling skills to pull of something like this, or

b) money to pay someone to do it for me.

My VSF British could definitely use one of these for heavy support.

Cpt.Harris said...

Morning Sir!

I'm pretty sure you've mentioned this before, but how did you make the gatling guns for your Conqueror?

Cpt. Harris

HergahBlergh said...

Is that a dreadnought cover I spot on the front of the Conqueror? Awesome!

Col.Gravis said...

Thanks gents,

Cpt.Harris, they are 2nd Edition Sentinel Assault Cannons

GreyCleric, yep, spot on.