Title: The Mighty Baneblade: A Tale of Two Forge Worlds
Welcome back to another installment of our deep dive into the vast and vibrant universe of Warhammer 40,000. Today, we’re shedding light on the colossal machines that dominate the battlegrounds of this far-fetched future – the Super Heavy Tanks. Specifically, we’ll be zeroing in on the Baneblade, a hulking behemoth of war, manufactured on various planets, each with its unique touch.
Imagine a colossal behemoth, so crammed with weaponry and armor that standing upright is possible only in two places – under the turret ring and halfway down the ladder leading to the lower deck. That’s the Baneblade for you. But not all Baneblades are created equal. Some, like the Mars Triumphant, embody an older, more sophisticated model, built on Mars, the elder Forge World. Its advanced systems and technology required more internal space, offering the crew a bit of luxury in the midst of war.
After Mars, the Forge World of Lucius stands as a formidable competitor in super heavy tank production. The colossal factories on the planets Riser Fon and Gyon 4 nearly match Lucius in production volumes, though their Baneblades are slightly lesser in quality. Other planets like Paragon, Orana, and Eresh also contribute to the Baneblade production line, especially if they manufactured Titans, as the tech used in models like the Shadow Sword and Stormsword are similar to those of the Titans.
It’s about time we delved into the nuances that set Martian and Lucian Baneblades apart. Martian tanks are equipped with MR 57 – 18 cylinder piston engines, multi-fuel engines, while Lucius tanks boast of the more powerful LC 5003 model, also an 18-cylinder multi-fuel engine. However, this increase in power was a compensatory measure as Mars kept its high-quality armored steel recipe a secret. Lucius tanks had to increase their armor thickness and add additional armor in vulnerable spots, resulting in a heavier machine, weighing 319 tons compared to the Martian 316 tons. As a result, fewer tanks were produced on Lucius, owing to the more powerful engine and the different transmission.
An experienced Imperial Commander, driver, or Tech-priest could spot the differences between a Martian and Lucian Baneblade without even peeking into the engine and transmission compartments. The Lucian Baneblades have a slightly thicker hull and additional armor in certain places. This LC 5003 engine is also installed in other super-heavy tanks manufactured on Lucius, including the Stormblade.
Interestingly, many tanks from Lucius found their way to Cre due to their close relationship with the planet. Millions of the signature Las guns of the Death Core of Cre were produced on Lucius, specifically the 98th model.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Baneblade’s structure, using the most mass-produced model as an example. One can enter the tank through the driver’s hatch at the front, through a narrow passage past the gearbox, and also past the breach of the front weapon. However, the crew usually opts for a different route. The tank commander, gunner, tactical officer, and one of the loaders enter through the two wide turret hatches.
The remaining loaders and the second gunner have the option to enter the tank through the turret or wide side hatches, used also for loading and unloading ammunition. Some tanks have hatches on both sides, others only on the left side, and some with no side hatches at all.
To sum up, the Baneblade, a symbol of raw power and dominance, is more than just a super heavy tank. It’s a testament to the technological prowess and strategic thought of the various Forge Worlds that bring them to life. As we continue to explore the Warhammer 40,000 universe, stay tuned for more exciting insights into the vehicles, weapons, and races that populate this fascinating world.
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