The Mystery of Richard Boylan's Missing Armageddon Steel Legion: An Investigation into the Warhammer 40k Legend For years\, Warhammer 40\,000 enthusiasts have debated the curious absence of Armageddon Steel Legion models in Richard Boylan's collection. This renowned collector and renowned painter\, known for his meticulous detail and unparalleled skill\, amassed an impressive collection of Warhammer 40\,000 miniatures\, spanning multiple factions and armies. Yet\, the iconic Steel Legion\, a crucial component of the Imperial Guard\, remained mysteriously absent. This article delves into the reasons behind this absence\, exploring the history of the Steel Legion\, Richard Boylan's collecting habits\, and the potential factors that may have influenced his decision. Understanding the Armageddon Steel Legion The Armageddon Steel Legion\, also known as the 8th Cadian Shock Army\, is a renowned Imperial Guard regiment. The regiment is famous for its staunch defense of the planet Armageddon\, its fierce fighting spirit\, and its distinctive blue and green color scheme. Their resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of endless Ork hordes made them a popular choice for Warhammer 40\,000 players and a sought-after addition to any Imperial Guard army. Richard Boylan: A Renowned Collector Richard Boylan is an internationally recognized figure in the world of Warhammer 40\,000. His meticulously painted miniatures are celebrated for their incredible detail\, realistic weathering\, and stunning artistry. He is known for his dedication to creating believable and authentic models\, often going beyond standard techniques to achieve unparalleled realism. His collection\, featuring an impressive array of Space Marines\, Eldar\, Orks\, and other factions\, reflects a meticulous approach to collecting and a deep passion for the Warhammer universe. The Missing Steel Legion: Exploring the Reasons Given Boylan's wide-ranging collection and his preference for iconic and powerful units\, the absence of the Armageddon Steel Legion is intriguing. Several theories have emerged to explain this curious omission: Availability and Production: The Steel Legion\, while popular\, may have been less readily available during Boylan's collecting phase. Certain models were discontinued or produced in limited quantities\, making them harder to acquire. Aesthetic Preference: Boylan's collection showcases a preference for specific factions and aesthetics. He might have simply chosen to focus on other armies that better suited his artistic vision or preferred color palettes. Historical Focus: Boylan's collection may have been curated around a specific narrative or historical moment within the Warhammer 40\,000 universe. The Steel Legion\, while vital in the defense of Armageddon\, might not have played a significant role in this particular narrative. Personal Choice: Ultimately\, the absence of the Steel Legion could simply be a matter of personal choice. Boylan may have chosen not to include them for reasons unknown or simply not felt a strong connection to this specific regiment. Speculation and Further Research It's impossible to know for sure why Richard Boylan didn't include the Armageddon Steel Legion in his collection. However\, exploring the possibilities and considering his collecting habits and preferences can provide valuable insights into his artistic vision and approach to Warhammer 40\,000. Further research\, potentially involving contacting Boylan himself\, could shed more light on this intriguing mystery. Conclusion While the mystery of Richard Boylan's missing Armageddon Steel Legion remains unsolved\, it serves as a reminder of the diverse and nuanced world of Warhammer 40\,000 collecting. The absence of this iconic regiment raises fascinating questions about collectors' choices\, artistic preferences\, and the intricate relationships between individual collectors and their chosen factions. Whether the reasons behind the omission are practical\, aesthetic\, or purely personal\, it underscores the depth and complexity of this beloved hobby. FAQ Q: Did Richard Boylan ever mention why he didn't include the Steel Legion? A: There is no official statement from Richard Boylan addressing this topic. Q: Were the Steel Legion models difficult to acquire during Boylan's collecting period? A: While the Steel Legion was a popular regiment\, specific models may have been less readily available due to production runs\, discontinuations\, or regional availability. Q: Could Boylan's artistic style have influenced his decision? A: Boylan is known for his meticulous painting style and specific aesthetic preferences. He may have chosen not to include the Steel Legion if it didn't align with his artistic vision or his preferred color scheme. Q: Is it possible that Boylan simply didn't like the Steel Legion? A: It's certainly possible. Collectors often develop preferences for specific factions and units based on personal tastes and narratives. Q: Should we assume that Boylan doesn't like the Steel Legion? A: It is not appropriate to make assumptions about Boylan's preferences based on the absence of the Steel Legion in his collection. There could be various reasons for this omission\, and it's crucial to respect his creative decisions and artistic choices.