When gaming culture and traditional scale modeling meet, true showcase pieces sometimes emerge. The Revell Gift Set The Orc Thrall from the World of Warcraft (Shoplink) series is exactly such a project that connects two worlds in a fascinating way. For you as model builders, this kit not only offers the opportunity to recreate an iconic figure from gaming history, but perhaps also a welcome change from the classic vehicle models that many of you already have on your shelves.
From Azeroth to Your Home Workshop
Thrall is among the most complex and interesting characters that Blizzard Entertainment has created for the Warcraft universe. His story begins tragically: As the son of Orc clan chief Durotan, he was found as an infant by humans and grew up in captivity. The name Thrall, which simply means slave in English, was given to him by his captors. But from this enslaved Orc would emerge the greatest leader the Horde has ever seen. He freed his people from the human internment camps and led the Orcs into a new era of honor and shamanism.
This profound backstory makes Thrall far more than just another green-skinned warrior. For millions of players worldwide, he has become a symbol of redemption, leadership, and the power of self-determination since the release of World of Warcraft in 2004. When you build this model, you’re not simply holding a game figure in your hands, but a piece of pop culture history that has shaped gaming generations for over two decades.
The Scale and Its Challenges
With a scale of 1:16, the model occupies an interesting range for figure builders. The finished figure reaches an impressive height of 185 millimeters and a length of 98 millimeters, giving it an imposing presence without taking up too much space in the display case. This scale offers you enough detail surface to really dive into painting, without the work on tiny elements becoming a test of patience.
Particularly exciting is the implementation of Thrall’s iconic Doomhammer. This legendary weapon has its own history in the Warcraft universe and has been passed down from generation to generation. In the game, the hammer is massive and adorned with shamanistic runes, which we have replicated in detail in this kit. For you, this means a wonderful opportunity to refine your techniques in painting metal effects and weathering. The structures of the hammer practically invite you to experiment with dry-brushing and weathering techniques.
Special Features of the Kit for Experienced Modelers
We have taken particular care to capture the characteristic features of Thrall’s appearance. The muscular physiology of the Orcs, the distinctive tusks, the typical shaman armor with its organic elements and fur trims – all these aspects are present in the model and waiting to be brought to life by you.
The 60 individual parts offer a pleasant complexity that makes assembly interesting without becoming frustrating. Each part is precisely manufactured, which facilitates assembly and ensures clean fits. Especially with figure models, this is crucial, as unsightly gaps are much more noticeable on organic forms than on technical models. The parting lines are cleverly chosen and usually run along natural contours or are concealed by armor pieces.
The Art of Painting Fantasy Figures
One of the greatest appeals of this kit lies in the painting possibilities. The set is delivered for the first time with pre-mixed paints that reproduce the typical color tones in cooperation with Blizzard.
But for you who already have experience in model building, many additional creative worlds open up here. The green skin of the Orcs in the Warcraft universe is not simply green, but shows nuances from olive to jade to bluish undertones. These variations in skin color reflect different Orc clans and their shamanistic connection to nature.
Thrall’s armor combines shamanistic elements with practical combat equipment. Fur pieces meet hardened leather and metal fittings. This variety of materials challenges you to apply different painting techniques. While the fur thrives on soft transitions and subtle shading, the metal parts demand clear reflections and targeted highlights. The leather components, in turn, offer the opportunity to work with textures and weathering effects that give the figure history and authenticity.
Special attention should be paid to the shamanistic totems and runes that adorn Thrall’s equipment. These mystical symbols are often surrounded by a magical glow in the game. With modern paint techniques, such as fluorescent pigments or layering techniques, you can recreate this supernatural aura and give your model an additional dimension that goes beyond a mere reproduction of the game graphics.
From Slave to Warchief: Thrall’s Journey Through History
What makes this character so special is his development over the years. In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, which was released in 2002, Thrall was introduced for the first time as a playable hero. His story of enslavement and liberation formed the emotional backbone of the Orc campaign and showed that Blizzard was willing to tell complex, morally nuanced stories instead of sticking to simple good-evil schemes.
When World of Warcraft launched in 2004, Thrall was already Warchief of the Horde and one of the most important NPCs in the game. Players from both factions encountered him in Orgrimmar, the capital of the Orcs, which had been built under his leadership. His presence in the game was constant, and across the various expansions, he repeatedly played key roles in the major storylines. Particularly in the Cataclysm expansion, he was at the center when he stepped down from his responsibility as Warchief to save the world from destruction as a shaman.
A special anecdote from the development history shows how important Thrall is to the Warcraft universe: Chris Metzen, Blizzard’s long-time Creative Director, lent Thrall his voice in the English version and often referred to the character as his personal alter ego. This close connection between creator and character is reflected in the depth and consistency with which Thrall’s story has been told for nearly three decades.
The Base: More Than Just a Stand
An often underestimated element in figure models is the base, and here too we have thought things through. The included display base is not simply a functional stand, but an integral part of the overall presentation. It offers you the opportunity to expand the scenery and place Thrall in context.
Many of you will already be familiar with diorama building, and this base practically invites you to develop it further. Imagine you could recreate the barren plains of Durotar, the dusty homeland of the Orcs, or perhaps even a section from the mystical Maelstrom, where Thrall used his shamanistic powers in later storylines. With texture pastes, pigments, and a bit of creativity, the simple base can be transformed into a small scene that tells the character’s story.
Who Is This Kit Particularly Suited For?
Revell indicates a skill level 3 and an age recommendation of 13 years and up for this set. In practice, this means that the kit is accessible for beginners, but still offers enough substance to challenge experienced model builders. The 60 parts are manageable, but the organic forms and varied textures in painting demand attention and care.
This model is particularly interesting for you if you want to bridge different hobby areas. Those who have mainly dealt with military models or vehicles will find an exciting entry into the world of fantasy figures here. Conversely, the kit offers tabletop gamers who are familiar with miniatures the opportunity to work at a larger scale and refine techniques that are difficult to implement with 28mm minis.
The included complete set with paints, glue, and brush is ideal for beginners who don’t want to invest in expensive airbrush equipment right away. For you professionals, the included paints should be understood as basic equipment that you can supplement as desired with higher-quality acrylic paints, oils, or even enamel paints. The instructions offer a solid basic scheme for painting, but deliberately leave room for your own interpretations.
Technical Details and Scope of Delivery at a Glance
The kit comes to you as a complete gift set, which means you can start right away. The multi-part Orc Thrall figure naturally forms the centerpiece, complemented by the characteristic Doomhammer. The sturdy base ensures secure standing and a worthy presentation of the finished model.
The detailed instructions guide you through assembly and provide hints for painting. They show not only the assembly sequence, but also suggestions for color schemes, oriented to the official representation from the game. The included set of pre-mixed base paints covers the most important tones, while glue and brush provide the basic tools.
Gift Set The Orc Thrall: World of Warcraft
With a scale of 1:16 and 60 individual parts, the model occupies a range that is attractive both for newcomers aged 13 and up as well as for experienced modelers. The part count is high enough to offer interesting details, but not so overwhelming that the kit becomes a months-long marathon task. An average model builder should be able to finish the pure assembly in a weekend, while the painting can take several days to weeks depending on the desired level of detail.
A Piece of Gaming History for Your Collection
What makes this model particularly special beyond its function as a kit is its significance as a collectible. World of Warcraft has sustainably changed the gaming landscape and brought millions of people together. Thrall stands symbolically for the core themes of the game: unity, overcoming prejudices, and the pursuit of a better future despite a troubled past.
For many of you who have played World of Warcraft, this kit will be more than just another project. It is a three-dimensional reminder of countless hours in Azeroth, of epic raids, of friendships made in the game, and of a virtual world that has become a second home for many. The finished model in your display case becomes a conversation starter and a bridge between the digital and physical worlds.
At the same time, this kit marks an interesting trend in the model building industry. While traditional manufacturers like Revell have primarily produced historical and military models for decades, the collaboration with gaming franchises like World of Warcraft shows that the industry is evolving and reaching new target audiences. This is likely only the beginning of an exciting development in which pop culture and traditional craftsmanship merge in new ways.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Challenge for Every Model Builder
The Revell Gift Set The Orc Thrall offers you far more than just a kit. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in a fascinating world, demonstrate craftsmanship, and bring a piece of gaming history to life. The quality of the molded parts, the well-thought-out construction, and the diverse design possibilities make this set a worthwhile project for model builders of all experience levels.
Whether you are long-time World of Warcraft veterans or simply looking for an interesting fantasy model, Thrall offers you the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills. The combination of organic forms, different materials, and the iconic portrayal of one of the most significant characters in gaming history makes every step of the build a satisfying experience.
So grab your tools, get to work, and bring the legendary Warchief of the Horde to life in your workshop. For the Horde!
As inspiration, check out this fan film that was already produced in 2016 (and entirely without AI):