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2013/08/27 14:42:13
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Daniel Mandelbaum of Texas is still active with Resin Forge and/or BCS
The issue isn't 100% wrapped up. It appears, however, that there's another scam of sort going on with a Facebook Page called Black Crusade Studio ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Crusade-Studio/481959581882223 ) attempting to sell 3D Printed copies of a (not-)Warhound Titan originally created (it seems) as a one-off by Big Bad Models.
The latter responded with the following video
I can't really tell you what's going on. I still would advise anyone against "buying" a Titan from Black Crusade Studio (or, in fact, buy anything through Facebook-private-messages).
This message was edited 12 times. Last update was at 2014/05/26 00:29:42
The alleged scammer keeps claiming to want to contact the owner of the file while deleting every post where the file owners contact details are offered up, and banning the poster.
It's screaming dodgy.
If the thought of something makes me giggle for longer than 15 seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it. item 87, skippys list
DC:70S+++G+++M+++B+++I++Pw40k86/f#-D+++++A++++/cWD86R+++++T(D)DM++
2013/08/27 15:40:48
Subject: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
It's actually screaming "hey, my models look the same as the ones of somebody who we know really well from shady business and my spelling and general behaviour is very similar to that somebody's". Also this "studio" doesn't publish its address and refuses to show proof that it actually is in possession of the 3D files as it claims. The studio suddenly also claims that they were "scammed" by the people with the 3D files - how can you be scammed with a 3D file if you didn't buy an actual model? The studio claims they were supposed to act as middlemen between clients (which they refuse to name and who gave them the 3D files) and a 3D printing company (which they also refuse to name).
Rings any bell?
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/08/27 15:41:58
Not to mention the dumping price of around 280 US dollars for a full scale 3D printed Titan in the loyalty and decoration of your choice. Seemed very, very legit
Did I already mention that Black Crusade Studio also had an introduction thread on Warseer (deleted now, you can find it by google) and has an account there yet claims to be unable to contact the real creator on youtube or on Warseer itself? My poor head is ringing with deja-vues
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/08/27 15:45:32
This "person" who runs the "studio" also just HAD TO contact the Lexicanum to promote their work some weeks ago. Must have felt very clever back then.
Probably doesn't think anymore it was a super-smart move just to self-confirm to show off how superior he can feel by playing a new persona - after I reported his Titan offers to the actual makers triggering the video response.
P.S.:
The question is, is Inquisitor S. already banned?
Me banned from his Facebook page? Not yet. Emphasis on "yet".
But one of my regulars was insta-banned to ask how Kim and the kids are doing. ^^
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/08/27 16:00:54
Besides this obviously terrible plaigarism and scamming with the Titan, let's look at the overall -
If you scroll down further you will see FW bits, and FW conversions. Only for sale via PM on FB... sound familiar?
The style of conversions is extremely familiar... note the little brown rivets and basing materials in particular.
Similar 'pre order hype' with previous titan and/or FW show only models there is no right to distribute or way to order. Selling other peoples stuff pre-order with no connection to the goods in short.
Same type of conversion lead generation via posts. Same sudden jump in page likes (mysteriously high and sudden)
Same type of image tagging on high traffic wargaming pages to generate free likes / traffic.
Supposedly located in LA and working in the community, but phone calls to various LA establishments yield no connection. Haven't heard of him. Until the FB page.
Banning of FB users asking questions. Saying he is doing everything he can while erasing the tools and info needed to do it. Saying he 'needs to get in touch' with the individual who actually made and owns the work, without admitting that he lied when he said it was him.
Draw your own conclusions, but, whether it is who it very likely is or not, this person is bad news. I invite everyone to alert FB to a scam being run out of their site.
This was spam, please refrain from being humorous if you have nothing to actually add. This goes for everyone btw. I know it is easy to get worked up at the prospect of a certain... person... at it again but the rules apply, keep it on topic, keep it serious please.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/08/27 16:33:08
2013/08/27 17:07:09
Subject: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
MajorTom11 wrote: Besides this obviously terrible plaigarism and scamming with the Titan, let's look at the overall -
If you scroll down further you will see FW bits, and FW conversions. Only for sale via PM on FB... sound familiar?
The style of conversions is extremely familiar... note the little brown rivets and basing materials in particular.
Yeah, I was going through both RF and BCS photos to find similarities... none immediately jumped out, but the basing is similar as are the legs of the walkers on both pages.
DR:80+S++G+M+B+I+Pwmhd11#++D++A++++/sWD-R++++T(S)DM+ Ask me about Brushfire or Endless: Fantasy Tactics
2013/08/27 17:17:46
Subject: Re:WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
Kroothawk wrote: Limited 3d print? Why? Is the file worn out after 25 prints or is the scam/IP breach uncovered by then?
That's his 'impending event'.
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2013/08/27 17:25:10
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
Printing that thing in photo-resin would have a price tag on it that would burn your face off Lost Ark style. Printing powder would be a big gross sandpapery mess.
It's complete BS. The point is, it isn't his to sell, therefore he is taking cash under false pretenses, hence, fraud. The guy who actually made it should call FB and the local authorities immediately.
MajorTom11 wrote: Printing that thing in photo-resin would have a price tag on it that would burn your face off Lost Ark style. Printing powder would be a big gross sandpapery mess.
It's complete BS. The point is, it isn't his to sell, therefore he is taking cash under false pretenses, hence, fraud. The guy who actually made it should call FB and the local authorities immediately.
addendum, there is a 'This is my IP' button specifically on the page pulldown to the right of any page, if anyone can contact the owner of the work I suggest they use it.
Kroothawk wrote: Limited 3d print? Why? Is the file worn out after 25 prints or is the scam/IP breach uncovered by then?
Valid point. How do they lose a very important 3D file (any legit business would have a back up in case of corruption, etc)? Also, how is it at all economical to run a 3D production line? Not only does it make an incredibly slow, expensive process, but I imagine that the plastic of 3D printers makes for horrible modelling and painting.
BlapBlapBlap: bringing idiocy and mischief where it should never set foot since 2011.
BlapBlapBlap wrote:What sort of idiot quotes themselves in their sigs? Who could possibly be that arrogant?
2013/08/27 17:36:36
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
addendum, there is a 'This is my IP' button specifically on the page pulldown to the right of any page, if anyone can contact the owner of the work I suggest they use it.
The owner was contacted yesterday. I'll make sure he has seen the IP button now.
"I don't need troll posts, someone simply contact him and have him contact me or someone give me a way to reach him via email, not youtube. I want to get to the bottom of this and if that means jumping all over my client including releasing his info, I will."
Calling questions he doesn't like trolls, and deleting the comments. Trying to appear concerned but also leaving himself a convenient out. Seems familiar.
It's spelled "cavalry." NOT "calvary."
2013/08/27 17:38:10
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
I also did some digging while reporting things back to majortom and I found and contacted the admin account for the page. All my messages have been ignored by them, but they have answered a few friends who asked about the titans.
From my own personal experience with DM/Resinforge, the pattern of behaviour is identical. He denies denies And denies the blame, but gets angry at constant suggestions if how to take care of the problem, and then explodes on people.
Now looking into this account.
The admin named account is Alan Welson, who joined Facebook on August 4, 2013. Black crusade painting was created August 5, 2013 but was apparently founded in 2012.
The page claims the models are a clients models they want to sell to redo their army with the new Black legion supplement, but they're also the only pictures on the Alan Welson page who is not a client but the admin.
He also did what they always do. He added some high power painters which gains free publicity and friend requests from others.
As Tom said there are no ties to him in LA that can be found. But when I was consulting "Kim" she would tell me how she lived in LA and not Texas. So that puts a DM alias in California.
But my local contacts who were interested in purchasing the titan have informed me that they were led to believe that the company is actually based in Dallas/fort worth.
Other than speculation, at this time there is no proof of that though. But we do have a DM alias in California.
He continues to remove Facebook posts by others who question the legitimacy of his business but not his angry lash backs at those people. Which is a typical DM move l.
Ill keep my eyes on the page to see if anything new crops up.
Oh and a final though, at work your banned from YouTube and warseer but Facebook is accessible? And who doesn't have a smart phone that can get at least very basic information from YouTube and Internet forums. This is another DM move to have a third party mediate and take blame for him.
Kroothawk wrote: Limited 3d print? Why? Is the file worn out after 25 prints or is the scam/IP breach uncovered by then?
Valid point. How do they lose a very important 3D file (any legit business would have a back up in case of corruption, etc)? Also, how is it at all economical to run a 3D production line? Not only does it make an incredibly slow, expensive process, but I imagine that the plastic of 3D printers makes for horrible modelling and painting.
im sure the dakka ninjas will soon be blamed for hacking his computer and removing the files !
2013/08/27 17:44:48
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
Aj, thanks for the update/recap, it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that DM would try for a quick cash grab, but this just seemed so obvious, like why would someone even try that?
DR:80+S++G+M+B+I+Pwmhd11#++D++A++++/sWD-R++++T(S)DM+ Ask me about Brushfire or Endless: Fantasy Tactics
2013/08/27 17:44:58
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
He also did what they always do. He added some high power painters which gains free publicity and friend requests from others.
Yes, "Alan Welson" is the admin "person" behind BCS - nothing happening on his page apart from BCS reposts in any case.
Another parallel: Black Crusade Studio(s) (both spelling variants liberally used)/ Alan Welson tried to hire painters (seen that one before) and 3D modellers (new).
And when "Welson" established his page he dropped pretty much out of the blue how his business was American and therefore UK laws didn't apply to him when I said every business needs an address to be accepted as legit - without me even talking about laws let alone country differences. First slip-up
EDIT: EU laws, not UK laws.
Alan Welson
Ive been a huge fan of yours and started a conversion Fb page. I deleted it to change the name and this one is the one that will stick around. Id love your opinion on my work.
August 4 LEXICANUM
Looks more like a conversion shop than a pure conversion project.
August 4 Alan Welson
That's because it's both.
August 4 LEXICANUM
If it's a commercial project you will need a bit more info than just the statement that you operate out of Long Beach, CA. You know, transüarency and such.
That's supposed to spell "transparency", obviously.
August 4 Alan Welson
Oh I know, clients have my address. And for the last few years ive done this locally in various FLGs What would you recommend? Please keep in mind laws in the US and EU are very different.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/08/27 17:53:34
Agreed S. By hiring a paint staff and 3d printers you create a false sense of stability and legitimacy. Making people feel more comfortable with spending money with them.
By hiring the 3d designers you show "yes we desugn things and cast them to sell" and now at this mount he is hiring a staff who he can hide behind.
Another thought, sharing that titan to over 500 miniature fans should have gathered more than 20 likes.
As well as what miniature studio has absolutely no presence on forums in this hobby?
They have no past work and are not an active member in any community.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/08/27 17:55:18
Also this is ridiculous. A Facebook only company that won't post prices on the actual page to 3d print a model like that made custom to a specific legion for less than recasters of Titans can manage? I know there are suckers born every minute but man I hope this didn't pull any in.
Best Painted (2015 Adepticon 40k Champs)
They Shall Know Fear - Adepticon 40k TT Champion (2012 & 2013) & 40k TT Best Sport (2014), 40k TT Best Tactician (2015 & 2016)
2013/08/27 17:55:03
Subject: WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY: Black Crusade Studio's (Facebook) likely Warhound Scam
LEXICANUM
"...where Astarters of lesser chapters wear the Emperor's Aquila. We do not wear His symbol. We are His symbol." 
