If you’ve ever wanted to stomp a battlefield with something huge and terrifying, the Gundabad Catapult Troll is about to make your dreams come true.
This monstrous siege engine from The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies™ isn’t just massive, it’s a tactical nightmare for anyone facing it. From its massive size to its insane arcing shots, this Troll brings both the raw horror of the battlefield and the strategic depth that we Warhammer players crave. The Forge World team has really outdone themselves with this one, and we get a peek behind the curtain on both the sculpting and rules that make it shine. Let’s break down why this model isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a game-changer.
Rules That Hit Like a Boulder
First off, the Gundabad Catapult Troll is a giant walking weapon platform, combining its own monstrous profile with a crew of Goblins. Coming in at 180 points on a 160mm base, it’s no tiny nuisance. Its combined profile means that those pesky crew Goblins can’t be picked off before the Troll moves in, unlike other Siege Engines like the Gondor Avenger Bolt Throwers or Iron Hills Ballistae. And forget just standing in base contact to disable it—the Troll itself is massive, and you’re going to regret trying that.
The Catapult is an absolute terror, with a range of 12” to 96”, Strength 10, and Arcing Shot, which means it ignores “In the Way” tests. Any unsaved wound is automatically lethal, because that’s what happens when a Troll slams a giant boulder into your squad. On top of this, it behaves like other monsters in combat, and the Goblins crewing it can even make Strikes if the Troll wins combat. With Dominant 5, it’s perfect for holding an Objective Marker while raining destruction from behind your lines. You’ll likely run a smaller army with this beast, but the raw damage output more than makes up for it.
Sculpting a Colossal Monster
Luke from the design team took us behind the process, and it’s clear this was no small project. First, the Troll itself is enormous, textured, and fully anatomical. The proportions were based on Gundabad Ogres from the movie, meaning this Troll would actually tower over a Mûmak in real life. The detail work is phenomenal, from gnarled toenails to textured skin, making it a painter’s dream.
Next, the catapult mechanics had to be believable yet faithful to the film. Luke added trigger levels, pressure plates, cogs, and even a Goblin operator to make it functional and cinematic. Extra wooden planks were sculpted with varied grain and erosion to give realism and visual interest. A nod to the Alfrid Lickspittle coin scene was included too, giving players an authentic and fun detail to admire on their tabletop.
Finally, the Goblin crew brings life and scale to the Troll. The captain is lifted straight from the film, while the rest of the crew wears recognizable armour but remains generic enough to keep the model cohesive. Together, they make the Troll not just a weapon, but a full scene of battlefield chaos.
The Verdict
The Gundabad Catapult Troll is more than just a large miniature—it’s a centerpiece of any Army of Gundabad. It combines monstrous melee potential, deadly long-range firepower, and cinematic flair in one resin package. Whether you’re aiming to dominate objectives or just crush anything that dares step near it, this Troll will be the star of your battlefield. Pre-orders drop this Saturday, and for anyone who loves giant, destructive monsters, this is one Siege Engine you cannot miss.
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