Cromlech Godbuster Mega Stomper Review: A Massive Wooden Model Kit

Introduction

After 30 years of building and painting models, this project stands out as both the best model ever made and an absolute nightmare to complete. The Cromlech Godbuster Mega Stomper is a massive sci-fi Orc production model, reportedly the largest of its kind ever produced. It stands about 45 cm tall, which is almost head height for a Warlord Titan. The kit costs around €279, significantly more than the official Orc Stomper model, but it delivers a presence that dwarfs most other models in any collection.

What Is the Godbuster Mega Stomper?

The Godbuster Mega Stomper is made from HDF, or high-density fiberboard, rather than the resin or plastic typically used for model kits. HDF is a more hardwearing and stable material than the cheaper MDF often found in wargaming kits. The package weighs about 3 kg and includes flat sheets of laser-cut wood, wooden dowels, a bag of resin detail bits, and a detailed instruction book.

The parts are organized into separate baggies by section, similar to how Lego kits are packaged, which is a nice organizational touch. The resin bits are used for details that would not be worth recreating in wood, and their quality is excellent. The instruction book is thorough, with part numbers that are sequential and conveniently located next to each other on the sheets, making assembly far less frustrating than typical plastic sprue kits.

The Build Experience

The tools required for building an HDF kit are simple: wood glue, a craft knife, snips, cocktail sticks, and metal craft files. The parts snap out of the frames easily, leaving only tiny connection points that can be filed away or left as they are given the model’s size.

Assembly feels like a giant jigsaw puzzle with clearly labeled parts and detailed instructions. The extra-thick wood glue does not set instantly like super glue, but it becomes firm enough to hold parts together after a few seconds and fairly solid after a couple of minutes. This allows for some flexibility during assembly, which proved useful when mistakes were made.

The build process is extensive. The first section alone, the understructure of the body, takes a full workday. The model uses two thicknesses of HDF frames: double-thick for structural elements and single-thick for armor panels and details. The hollow body allows armor sections to recess inwards, creating a more three-dimensional appearance.

Assembly Highlights and Challenges

The Godbuster Mega Stomper is not without its frustrations. Some parts do not fit perfectly and require trimming. One collar element at the back of the neck took about two hours to prep and assemble. The head connection to the neck slot is particularly tricky, with armor grinding against the neck when rotated one way and the step ladder getting crushed the other way.

The kit also introduces a wood paper material, a very thin laminate or veneer that needs to be moistened and curved around dowels before being glued down. This process is used extensively for the belly cannon and exhaust assemblies. Saturation is key, as the paper holds its shape much better when completely soaked.

There are some genuinely delightful touches. The model includes a small hut sticking out of the carapace, a reference to a classic Orc model. The power plant is a cool Imperial sci-fi looking train engine with wheels. The feet are satisfyingly large and chunky, and the base plate even has an idiot-friendly “this side up” marking.

Painting and Finishing

HDF needs a good primer coat to prevent paint from absorbing into the material. After priming different sections with black, gray, silver, bronze, brown, and a dusting of red, the model takes on a burnt metal vibe. An airbrush is the most efficient way to base coat such a large model, and premixed airbrush paints work well straight from the dropper.

The paint scheme uses a purple and orange theme, with metallic royal purple as the base and molten orange for highlights. Contrast paints add saturation and tonal variety, while washes provide quick dirty shading. Weathering effects, including rust streaks and verdigris on brass parts, tie the whole model together. Sponged-on silver creates paint chips along edges, and glowing effects are achieved with white base coats and neon paints.

The final result is impressive. The massive war machine, made essentially of wood, transforms from flat sheets into a bulgy, curvy, boxy, chunky masterpiece.

Buying Advice

The Godbuster Mega Stomper is a significant investment in both money and time. The build took about three weeks of working at least a few hours every day. This is not a weekend project. However, approaching it like a 2,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, taking time to enjoy the process, would likely result in a very satisfying experience.

The kit is well designed, with thoughtful organization and clever engineering. The wood paper curving process is the most annoying part, but the results look good once assembled. The model’s size is genuinely impressive, standing taller than many other large models and making a striking centerpiece for any collection.

Conclusion

The Cromlech Godbuster Mega Stomper is a remarkable achievement in model design. It is simultaneously the best model and the most stressful project, but the final result is absolutely worth the effort. For hobbyists who enjoy large, detailed builds and have the patience for a lengthy project, this kit delivers an unforgettable experience.