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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Dust Tactics "Operation Blue Thunder" unboxed!
Under the following link you will find the article about the unboxing of the Dust Tactics Starter Set. It is for the moment in German, but the pictures tell most of the story anyway.
Enjoy!
http://www.at43-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=2642&p=33667#p33667
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Post by: RiTides
The link takes me to a page where I need to register :-/
Interestingly, the German isn't a problem... Google Chrome did an awesome job of translating the login page (I'm not sure how it would do with gaming-related language, though)
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
OK, fixed the bug.
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Post by: CURNOW
I realy like the infantry minis mite have to get some to paint up as my IG.
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Post by: Doc Kill
My friend received this yesterday actually, and it is pretty cool. The models are really nicely detailed, and come primed and oddly decaled as well. My only concern is that the models don't feel like gaming models but more like scale models, feel really fragile. Other then that first game is going to be tonight so I'll report back on it I guess.
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Post by: neiltj1
as a rule I try not to get in to new games, but this one really has me intrigued. I may have to do some research on it.
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Post by: Alpharius
Where's the helicopter? 
Nice pics - the stuff looks good!
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
As far as i know helicopters are in Operation Harpoon, when DT goes into the air. That´s 5 boxed releases away.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
I don't like the Wanzers myself but it looks like a good pile of stuff in a box and I hope it will do well in bridging the gap between boardgames and tabletop wargames.
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Post by: Scrazza
I like them. Might pick them up someday. If I can find them. The rule set looks very ellaborate. The walkers remind me of a PS2 video game I have lying around somewhere. But I can't remember the name.
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Post by: kenshin620
Scrazza wrote:I like them. Might pick them up someday. If I can find them. The rule set looks very ellaborate. The walkers remind me of a PS2 video game I have lying around somewhere. But I can't remember the name.
SLAI?
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Post by: Scrazza
Is SLAI a video game? The game I meant was set in WW2 but with walkers just like that. Yoyu played as a charcter in a walker just like that. I'm not home right now, but I will look for that game.
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Post by: kenshin620
Scrazza wrote:Is SLAI a video game? The game I meant was set in WW2 but with walkers just like that. Yoyu played as a charcter in a walker just like that. I'm not home right now, but I will look for that game.
Ack nevermind. SLAI is a robot game but in the future
I think I do know what you're referring too but alas I cant remember the name also
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Post by: RiTides
Wow, I was getting super excited after reading that page and seeing the pics of these awesome models.
Then I searched for it online and found this page:
http://www.dust-tactics.com/products_d.php?nid=2&id=46
Is it really going to be $300, or is this some kind of mis-print?
Edit: It's listed at an expected price of $100 here, so I'm going to hope the above is an error...
http://www.boardgamenews.com/games/dust-tactics
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Post by: kenshin620
$300 for the Special Edition. read the little bit that mentions "All Robots and figurines are hand painted by professional artist"
According to Warstore the original price of the vanilla game is $100
http://www.thewarstore.com/product55596.html
edit: gah beat me to the normal price
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Post by: Battle Brother Lucifer
$300?
That was the fastest I built up a dream and had it crushed 
[EDIT] $100?
That was the fastest I built up a dream and set it aside for later
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Post by: AspireToGlory
That's the premium edition. THe difference is that the Premium edition models will be painted: "All Robots and figurines are hand painted by professional artist" - taken from the link you posted.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
battle Brother Lucifer wrote:$300?
That was the fastest I build up a dream and had it crushed
Thats for the hand painted deluxe set. Retail for the regular set is $100, thewarstore has it for $69.99, im sure other online stores will have it for similar.
I really like the look of the mech/tank things, but I know it would be another box set I never use. Im just gonna stick to my 40k and Battletech.
Well, maybe pick up some of the mech/tank things to paint up just for display...if you can buy them without the troopers, rules, etc.
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Post by: Battle Brother Lucifer
Mad4Minis wrote:battle Brother Lucifer wrote:$300?
That was the fastest I build up a dream and had it crushed
Thats for the hand painted deluxe set. Retail for the regular set is $100, thewarstore has it for $69.99, im sure other online stores will have it for similar.
I edited my post.
Rather than my dream being crushed, I may go back to it later
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Post by: kenshin620
Lol we all just jumped at once at that post
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Post by: jep'ray
looks interesting, reminds me of that old Playstation2 launch game "Ring of Red"
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Post by: Scrazza
jep'ray wrote:looks interesting, reminds me of that old Playstation2 launch game "Ring of Red"
yes! Ring of red! That was the game I meant. That was a good game IMO. That might be the reason I might wanna buy it.
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Post by: Doc Kill
Played a couple of games last night and it was pretty fun. Both games only took about half and hour from start to finish.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
The minis are already preprimed in olive-green and german-gray. I will soon post pictures of painted models. First test with one of the miniatures went quite well, the primer is very thin and nice to paint on.
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Post by: RiTides
Sorry for the misinformation on the price there, guys . And thanks for the multitude of quick corrections
$69.99 from the warstore sounds perfect!! I will definitely be getting this as soon as I can weasel some funds away from the wife's attentive gaze...
I'm actually glad that they're just primed, I think I'd like to paint 'em myself  . Not that I'm awesome, but pre-paints don't appeal to me as much.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
What's even better: Only minimal extra-material were the two halves of the form meet. I am very picky and even I needed to remove only here and there something.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
RiTides wrote:Sorry for the misinformation on the price there, guys . And thanks for the multitude of quick corrections
$69.99 from the warstore sounds perfect!! I will definitely be getting this as soon as I can weasel some funds away from the wife's attentive gaze...
I'm actually glad that they're just primed, I think I'd like to paint 'em myself . Not that I'm awesome, but pre-paints don't appeal to me as much.
Yeah $70 isnt bad for all that you get. If I can pick up the mechs separately for say $20ish each I might get a couple here and there.
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Post by: Alpharius
That Warstore price helped make the decision for me...
...sold!
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Post by: Kanluwen
I'd be more sold if they came primed black/gray/white for both sides 
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Post by: plastictrees
Why? If it's actually primer and not a base coat it's going to have a very marginal affect on your basecoat/final colours.
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Post by: Kanluwen
...Because painting flesh, wooden stocks, khaki, and metallics over a bloody "faux Olive Green" is going to be a pain in the arse, especially with the decals already applied?
The only color that would work easily there is a real Olive Drab courtesy of Vallejo, but even that is going to be a bit of a pain.
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Post by: skrulnik
Based on the set I played at GenCon, only the tanks have any decals applied.
And these are like the ST-43 stuff. Baked on, not a waterslide decal.
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Post by: AAN
I just received my $300 Deluxe Edition.
Worth every cent! The paintjob is very good. Not Golden Demon, but definitely worth the $ 300!!!
THIS is MY game! I love Dust for so long, it is almost unreal to finally have it in my hands.
BTW: All minis are the same size as AT-43 minis, might be a good time to get some UNA or Red Bloc...
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Post by: bubber
@ £50 odd it's a definate buy for me - if it comes over here that is.
Arcane minis has it for £67.95 - a bit expensive but I only want the minis (SoTR) but they have got a few infantry expansion boxs up for £13-£16ish. -
http://www.arcaneminiatures.co.uk/dust-tactics.asp
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Post by: kenshin620
AAN wrote:
BTW: All minis are the same size as AT-43 minis, might be a good time to get some UNA or Red Bloc...
Gasmask guys are Oni Corp though right?
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
@AAN
Fancy a game of Dust when I go to Berlin spring next year?
@primer
No prob applying other colors and not really a hue change discernable.
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Post by: AAN
Duncan_Idaho wrote:@AAN
Fancy a game of Dust when I go to Berlin spring next year?
Sounds like a plan to me...
Please PM me! :-)
@kenshin620 : Yes, Oni are the Gasmask guys...
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Probably will be in Berlin during Easter.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
HD-Videoclip of the Box
Drakkenstrike has posted on youtube a video of the unboxing of the prepainted Deluxe Edition of the starter-box. Except for the painted minis the standard box is identical to the deluxe-box. The video shows the good quality of the sculpting and that it does not take much work to make the standard-preprimed minis look good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4USsvhcUaDw&feature=related
Tomorrow I will also post a comment on the rules.
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Post by: Ratbarf
I don't know, 5 mini's for 25 - 30 dollars is a little expensive for the extra troops box, it would be cheaper to simply buy multiples of the original box I would think. :/
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Post by: kenshin620
Ratbarf wrote:I don't know, 5 mini's for 25 - 30 dollars is a little expensive for the extra troops box, it would be cheaper to simply buy multiples of the original box I would think. :/
Agreed there. 15 of them would be $75-90! Thats one side I believe on the starter set
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
FFG has still not listed any prices for the boxes, where do you get your numbers from?
European price is 15-20 Euros.
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Post by: LunaHound
skrulnik wrote:Based on the set I played at GenCon, only the tanks have any decals applied.
And these are like the ST-43 stuff. Baked on, not a waterslide decal.
Yep! 
They are also very thinly applied that ink / wash / additional paint can be applied without obscuring any details.
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Post by: Moloch
AAN wrote:I just received my $300 Deluxe Edition.
Worth every cent! The paintjob is very good. Not Golden Demon, but definitely worth the $ 300!!!
THIS is MY game! I love Dust for so long, it is almost unreal to finally have it in my hands.
BTW: All minis are the same size as AT-43 minis, might be a good time to get some UNA or Red Bloc...
Yo Agis,
fancy a game of DUST versus me ?
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Post by: A Black Ram
Yeah, I saw this being played two fridays ago at my FLGS. There was a GIANT carboard picture of a mech, and a table set up for this game. I briefly got a glimpse of it, but ehh. Not really my type of game, but I wouldn't mind owning some of the foot soldiers.
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Post by: FOXHOUND
Ratbarf wrote:I don't know, 5 mini's for 25 - 30 dollars is a little expensive for the extra troops box, it would be cheaper to simply buy multiples of the original box I would think. :/
The recon soldiers for both factions are going to be $15. The gunners for both factions are $20.
Amazon has Dust Tactics preorder for $62.97 shipped with no tax. You can combine this with other offers from Amazon to get even further discounts with like Discover card cashback etc. My only ended up costing me ~56 with the extra 10% off I had.
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Post by: CptJake
You can download the rules here:
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/dust-tactics/support/dust-tactics-rulebook.pdf
Supposedly Fantasy Flight Games will release a set of rules to allow a more 'miniatures' vice boardgame as well.
Jake
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Post by: doghouse
Kanluwen wrote:...Because painting flesh, wooden stocks, khaki, and metallics over a bloody "faux Olive Green" is going to be a pain in the arse, especially with the decals already applied?
The only color that would work easily there is a real Olive Drab courtesy of Vallejo, but even that is going to be a bit of a pain.
Based on my experience of repainting and converting AT-43 stuff these shouldn't be a problem. I just spray over the AT-43 stuff with black spray and paint over this suffering no loss of detail at all so I'd imagine the same could be said for these guys.
Definitely something that I will be experimenting with these when they come out and I am looking forward to seeing what they release to support the range and whether the later models will be just based coated as well.
I'm hoping they don't go the route of full pre-paints though because the quality wavers so much with the AT-43 stuff from one wave to the next and it's hard to know exactly what you will get with online stores.
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Post by: RiTides
I also hope they don't go full pre-paints in the future... primed is just fine by me!
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Post by: Manchu
So what are the future releases planned for this game? Any chance of that actually happening? I know this is evidence but think how long it took to get this far. Nevermind, I see FFG is already listing these: http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=123&esem=2 But what about "Project Harpoon" Duncan mentioned?
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Post by: doghouse
Yeah totally agree with you there. 
I really like the green/grey basecoat approach for the starter set as you can play straight from the box if need be and have a strong indication of which side is which.
The main issues with the rackham pre-paints I found was that they used a spray of some sort for the infantry and it often meant that you were left with a residue effect and models rarely matched up that well.
The striders were really nice though, the paint jobs I had were top notch. Some you could just rebase and they looked fantastic.
The promise of regular tabletop miniatures rules is great news as well as it opens up the doors for more free form play. Over all this is looking pretty good.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
All the future releases will be preprimed. Today I bent some weapons with hot water and there was no problem with the primer, so it is waterresistent and does not chip wen being bent. After first painting tests I can say that the primer is areally good one and Vallejo- and GW-colors work quite well with them.
I will post mor regarding the future boxes in a few hours.
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Post by: BrookM
It is pretty ambitious of them to announce their future add-ons and contents like that.
edit.
Future releases:
DUST TACTICS: ARTILLERY STRIKE
“OPERATION CYCLONE”
The first expansion will introduce the powerful artillery robots. With their special weapons,
they can strike targets all over the battlefield. You will also find out about command
squads, which influence battles with their many abilities.
DUST TACTICS: BLUTKREUZ ATTACKs
“OPERATION PAPERCLIP”
This expansion will take you to a terrifying castle at the heart of Germany. The strange
creatures dwelling there are not the hospitable kind. This box will contain a complete Axis
army and an Allies commando force, as well as new terrain tiles.
DUST TACTICS: BATTLE FOR BRITAIN
“OPERATION SEELÖWE”
With this expansion, the battles in the world of Dust start picking up pace! New fast and
lethal robots make their appearance. New Axis and Allies technologies create a new
generation of soldiers… And new heroes join the world of Dust!
DUST TACTICS: VRILL INVASION
“OPERATION DOWNFALL ”
This expansion brings forth the mysterious Vrills, with a complete ready to play army! You
will be getting robots, troops, and some of the most famous heroes of this alien people. It
will come with a new campaign and new tiles to create exclusive battlefields!
DUST TACTICS: AIR STRIKE
“OPERATION HARPOON”
The battles of Dust Tactics are not only fought on the ground, but also in the air! This expansion
will allow you to play the aircraft provided in the box. These powerful vehicles can
ravage the battlefield in one pass… But keep away from those anti-aircraft weapons!
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Post by: Manchu
I am now about one hundred times more enthusiastic about this product line.
But the devil on my shoulder is cackling "yeah right!"
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Infos on Wave 2 and 1
> The units in Wave 1 are the same as the 6 units that come with the Core Game.
> Wave 2 sees the release of Walker-boxes. Axis gets 3 variants, Allies get 4 variants. You switch between the variants simply by exchanging the "arms". Unit cards for all variants are included and one variant in each box is an artillery walker.
> Dust Tactics is translated into German and will probabaly be available via Heidelberger Spieleverlag ias PDF.
> Infantry in Wave 2 gets snipers, artillery observers and command units consisting completly of officers.
> Operation Cyclone Expansion comes with new boards that allow landings of troops via sea vessels, tank traps, ammunition boxes, terrain squares, 2 new heroes and an 8-szenario-campaign. Rules for artillery are also included.
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Post by: Manchu
How are things supposed to shake out time-wise?
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Post by: BrookM
Wasn't this release already off by a year or so?
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Post by: Osyr
Seems to have a lot of potential. If only they would set the regular boxs as the default on the store page instead of the pre-painted versions. (The button to go to regular boxes is on the left.)
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Post by: Fiend
Based on the quality and number of models and the amount of other stuff in the box, I'd say this is a very reasonably priced starter. Besides, miniaturemarket has it for $62.
I think just priming was a great way to go, differentiates the sides nicely without consistency issues. I've always felt that pre-built models were a dis-inhibitor for conversions though.
Anyways, does anyone familiar with the fiction know if Germany + Russia are considered the Axis, or can we expect a third faction in the future? That is, the Axis models appear to be Nazi Germany and that'd be nice if Russia was added as well. And the UK for that matter. Or are the Allies bunched too?
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Post by: His Master's Voice
BrookM wrote:Wasn't this release already off by a year or so?
Yeah, but that was more due to the transitionf from AEG to FFG, right?
FFGs release schedule and it's adherence to set deadlines is another matter though...
Fiend wrote:Anyways, does anyone familiar with the fiction know if Germany + Russia are considered the Axis, or can we expect a third faction in the future? That is, the Axis models appear to be Nazi Germany and that'd be nice if Russia was added as well. And the UK for that matter. Or are the Allies bunched too?
Soviets are part of the Sinosoviet faction, I believe.
Anyway, I'm so doing a small AK force with looted Axis walkers.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
There are four factions at the moment:
>Axis (Germany, Italy, Japan)
>Allies (Free France, USA, Commonwealth)
>Sinosoviets (Russia, China)
>Vrill (one of their ships has been discovered by the Axis in Antarctica)
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Post by: grizgrin
I would only have interest in the walkers, and here only the Axis walkers. That being said, I will be waiting for when I can buy me some. Those allied walkers are just kinda meh for me.
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Post by: AAN
Moloch wrote:AAN wrote:I just received my $300 Deluxe Edition.
Worth every cent! The paintjob is very good. Not Golden Demon, but definitely worth the $ 300!!!
THIS is MY game! I love Dust for so long, it is almost unreal to finally have it in my hands.
BTW: All minis are the same size as AT-43 minis, might be a good time to get some UNA or Red Bloc...
Yo Agis,
fancy a game of DUST versus me ?
Hi Moloch, please check your PMs!
:-)
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Post by: Manchu
Has anyone read the Dust comics?
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Post by: doghouse
Those campaign box sets sound really good, looks like this game is going to be brilliant.
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Post by: Osyr
This topic got buried fast. Anyone who has it: how are the rules?
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Post by: Achilles
Download them for free from the DUST website dude. They're a bit simple... But there may be a fatter rulebook in the future if the AT 43 release model is followed at all.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Rules will grow with future expansions and also an TT-ruleset will be added. Will post a rules review soon.
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Post by: MiloticMaster
this looks really interesting never heard of this game before, Warlord Cheezit is confused
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Quick Info
There will be quite regular releases in 2011 for Dust Tactics and for a new product the number of products is quite healthy.
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Post by: grizgrin
Jesus one can only HOPE that comes to pass. In a world of Rackhams and others just not releasing gak at any kind of pace or even at all, I guess you just hear about new blood like this and hope they do better.
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Post by: BrookM
This is FFG we're talking about.
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Post by: grizgrin
So much for new blood.
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Post by: Achilles
I'll be really happy if a tabletop rulebook is done at some point. I should get my two boxed sets monday and that will definitely motivate me to paint em all!
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Post by: AAN
Manchu wrote:Has anyone read the Dust comics?
I have read them all.
The artwork and setting is very good, the stories are OK, but definitely not as good as the art...
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Post by: Mad4Minis
doghouse wrote:Those campaign box sets sound really good, looks like this game is going to be brilliant.
Agreed. Im a sucker for mecha as it is, alternate WWII mecha is a big +++. Looks like sometime this spring Ill be buying into this.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Since the comics are only afew pages up to now that was to be expected. There is more fluff in the books.
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Post by: BrookM
The comics, while sporting nice art, are rather vapid.
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Post by: AAN
Some pics of the Deluxe models!
I am a long time DUST fan. I read all the comics, I got the source books and even bought a 1/6 Playkit once...
That DUST now finally comes to the tabletop is IMO a real blessing. Being the fanboy I said I was foolish enough to order one of the Deluxe DUST Tactics sets. Boy are these prepaints good! specially the walkers need none or only very little retouches.
The only thing I do not like are the bases, so expect some re-basing soon.
Size comparison - AT-43 fits best!!! So get some of these cheap while you can... ;-)
More, including a AT-43 walker/ DUST comparison, here-> http://www.adpublishing.de/html/dust.html
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Post by: grizgrin
Dang German walkers are growin on me. It's 100 for the set and 300 for the deluxe painted set, right? So you are basically paying 2 x model cost for painted? Seems a bit chingy, but I dont price such things much these days; I'm pretty out of the loop. But the paint Does look nice, I must give it that.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
grizgrin wrote:Dang German walkers are growin on me. It's 100 for the set and 300 for the deluxe painted set, right? So you are basically paying 2 x model cost for painted? Seems a bit chingy, but I dont price such things much these days; I'm pretty out of the loop. But the paint Does look nice, I must give it that.
Thewarstore.com has the basic (unpainted) set for $69.99, FRPGames.com has it for $79.95. Id imagine there are others selling it for similar prices.
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Post by: Oshova
Well I've literally just played my first game of this.
I think the best way to describe it is as a complicated board game, more than a simplified tabletop game. But really it is a mix of the 2.
Sadly I can't see much depth in the rules, but then I thought the same when I first played AT-43, and I'm still playing that now.
The models are of a good quality, and the primer coat looks easy to paint over (shown very well by the studio painted ones)
I think if you were to buy the properly painted ones you wouldn't be dissapointed, definitely an improvement on Rackham's pre-paints (but they're also a lot more expensive)
All in all a good game, but I won't be buying it myself. Got 'proper' wargames to concentrate on first, with finishing off my Malifaux stuff, and starting on all the new DE stuff to add to my army.
Oshova
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Well, easy to read rules are the way to go. There is no need to make rules overcomplicated to, in the end, achive less than the games with the easier rules do.
Everyone can write complicated rules. But the real trick is making them easy to read and still give you all the options you need. The best example is Kings of War. Most are embarrassed when they see the few pages, but as soon as they have a few games under their belt they realize how concentrated the rules are.
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Post by: Oshova
Well I think the thing that takes this a step further than Kings of War (a game I'm certainly looking at getting into) is the simplification of measurements and dice rolling. You are just using the squares to measure, and you're either going to succeed on effectively a 3+, or on a 5+. Admittedly I do like not having to constantly ask what the toughness (or whatever) of the enemy's models is, you just need to know whether it is Infantry level 1-4, Tank level 1-6, or Flyer level 1-3 . . . A whole lot easier.
I guess I just don't see it as a game I will get hooked to, and therefore a game I'm not going to buy when there are so many games I already enjoy playing.
Oshova
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Well, don't forget that this game is a hybrid and that TT rules will be released further down the line.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
I got a big LOL out of this bit from that review : "and in reality that’s what 40k has come down to is just moving your squad close enough to another players troops to compare the # of dice rolled and remove casualties". Does seem to be a bit of truth to that...how many times do you see people judging the value of a unit simply by the amount of dice it throws?
It was a nice review to read. Every day Dust moves farther up on my list of things to get.
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Post by: Scottywan82
Mad4Minis wrote:
It was a nice review to read. Every day Dust moves farther up on my list of things to get.
Same. If only I could convince someone else to buy it.
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Post by: Alpharius
Duncan_Idaho wrote:Well, don't forget that this game is a hybrid and that TT rules will be released further down the line.
That sounds... vaguely familiar.
I hope it happens, but, you know, no breath holding and all that.
I'll buy some though - for use in Secrets of the Third Reich!
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Post by: kenshin620
Good read
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
@Alpharius
To be honest, the AT-2D part was never more than an afterthought. There was a reason most switched rather fast to the 3D-version.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Scottywan82 wrote:Mad4Minis wrote:
It was a nice review to read. Every day Dust moves farther up on my list of things to get.
Same. If only I could convince someone else to buy it.
Im not sure if Im going to get the starter box or not. Im still debating whether I want to use the Dust rules, or use the minis in another system. I may hold off until more minis and factions come out. No sense in buying the set w Germans and Allies then decide I want to use the Russians.
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Post by: RiTides
Thanks for posting the review link... enjoyed reading more about whats in the box and how the games play out
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Post by: overkill76
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a quick review of the deluxe version of the box set.
Models Review
1) Infantry: Imagine if you were a very experienced and good painter but had limited time to work on a project. That is the quality achieved here. More experienced painters with several years under their belt can certainly try to improve the paint job but most of us would end up doing more harm than good. That's my verdict there.
2) Walkers/Tanks: What can I say? These are amazing! The camo, weathering (OMG!) and paint schemes strongly complement the highly detailed models. These walkers are also much bigger than i thought. Easily more than twice the size of a SM dreadnaught. I love them so much I bought "Fury of Ivan" and the "Jagdluther" too! These arrived today and are just as good if not better. 
The weathering on the walkers are so good I got to mention it again. The paint studio uses weathering powders that textures the large empty surfaces. When coupled with the skilled use of an airbrush, they look truly real... feels real too!
On a side note, there are filddly bits on the walkers (such as machine guns that swivel) that might come off if roughly handled. The plastic is also not as hard as that of GW but they still feel high quality. Edit: the plastic is still hard, dun get me wrong... just that the machine gun barrels for instance, bend more easily. 
Another hit are the lightly/boring colored bases. Still, this is easy to solve for most folks.
Other box contents:
- Print-outs are high fidelity and printed on high quality paper. It will take some doing to spoil them. Years even...
- Dice, feels a bit cheap to me (same quality as GW dice that come with the box sets) but hey, I use Las Vegas dice so I may be biased.
I can't comment on the game as I've never played it. Take it from me though, as a regular customer of commissioned models. The quality you get from the pre-painted versions of walkers/tanks from Dust Tactics is just as good as those done by pro studios. When you look at the prices being charged, the purchase becomes a no brainer.
You OWE it to yourself to purchase a Dust Tactics Walker so you can judge for youself if thats what it takes. Me, I'm waiting for new products so I can pre-order them IMMEDIATELY.
P.S. I had a faulty crate and Dust customer service replaced the offending part in 2 weeks. They beared all the costs too. Just sharing in case anyone'e worried.
Kapow! Boom!! <plays happily with new toys umm... engines of mayhem...>
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Post by: CptJake
Speaking of the crates and barriers, I painted mine up a few weeks ago:
more here: http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/images-4402-11016_Dust%20Tactics%20Ammo%20Crates%20And%20Barriers.html
I know the crates need weathering. I wanted to show what less than an hour of time (total on the project) could accomplish. I'm going to go back and weather them when I get the chance.
Here is my review of the deluxe set: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/567968/deluxe-edition-initial-impressions-now-with-pictur
Jake
20206
Post by: overkill76
Nice work on the crates! I really dig them!
Read your review and agree on most points. I disagree with your assessment of the walker attachments (searchlights, machine-guns... etc). Only 1 searchlight and 1 machine gun (1 of each faction's walker) did not fit.
I simply used a hobby knife and drilled the hole slightly so the attachments went on snug and tight.
Still, everyone has an opinion but I think we can both agree that this is overall, a high quality product and well worth our money.
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Post by: Scott-S6
kenshin620 wrote:Scrazza wrote:I like them. Might pick them up someday. If I can find them. The rule set looks very ellaborate. The walkers remind me of a PS2 video game I have lying around somewhere. But I can't remember the name.
SLAI?
I suspect he was thinking of Ring of Red.
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Post by: Alpharius
Scott-S6 wrote:kenshin620 wrote:Scrazza wrote:I like them. Might pick them up someday. If I can find them. The rule set looks very ellaborate. The walkers remind me of a PS2 video game I have lying around somewhere. But I can't remember the name.
SLAI?
I suspect he was thinking of Ring of Red.
Yeah, we figured that out back on page one!
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/325313.page#2073973
And my "Blue Thunder"/Helicopter "joke" was clearly lost on all you youngsters!
No one remembers the movie?
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Post by: grizgrin
Yeah, I remember Blue Thunder, back before the Apache was common in civilian knowledge.
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Post by: sonofruss
Lol I didn't want to admit how old I was. There was also the tv show wasn't there?
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Post by: grizgrin
Several, if you count some of the other "super duper techno helo" shows it inspired like Airwolf. And that one with the Aussie rugby player Jacko (JEEEEzus what a bomb!). And there was one other that was a step down from airwolf.....hmmm. cant recall.
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Post by: Balance
grizgrin wrote:Several, if you count some of the other "super duper techno helo" shows it inspired like Airwolf. And that one with the Aussie rugby player Jacko (JEEEEzus what a bomb!). And there was one other that was a step down from airwolf.....hmmm. cant recall.
Do you mean the season of Airwolf where they recast everyone, didn't have a helicopter to shoot new footage, and generally made the show for a budget that wouldn't cover a 40k army?
Or perhaps the one with the super bike?
Basically, I guess someone could draw a 'family tree' of Cool Vehicle shows between Airwolf, Knight Rider, and a few others...
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Post by: grizgrin
Aaaaaaaand Balance just proved he's older than me, or at least was more engaged with pop culture during the early 80's, lol. I think that family tree may best be left where it lies, but yeah I hear ye.
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Post by: AAN
@ overkill76 review of box content...
I can't agree more to all you set. I very good set and absolutely worth every Cent!
I will post pics of some re based infantry next weekend.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
I think the bike you are looking for is Streethawk.
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Post by: Osyr
My box finally came in, so heres my veiw of it.
Models) The infantry models are really well proportioned and distinctive, but there are moldlines. I almost don't want to file them off due to the high quality primer. The models are delicate and the plastic is not as hard as I'm used to, but they don't seem to break easily after testing from their flexibility. The Axis walkers are surperb, but the Allies walkers look ridiculous being Shermans with legs welded on.
Rules) Simple but NOT dumbed down, there are rules mentioned for units not out yet. (fliers, super infantry, super tanks) The rules are better if you have more than a single blue thunder box, the simple rules lend themselves to larger battles than 3 squads a side. I would get a friend to buy a box too and trade sides. Alone a single box lacks tactical depth.
Other) The carboard tiles are high quality, fluff moderate at this point, terrian is okay but I would prefer shipping crates, and all the cards/dice/box it came in/etc are all really high quality.
Verdict) Good overall, need more than a single blue thunder box to have tactical depth, all Axis are great models, Allies have good infantry models, minor mold lines, good price.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
As it looks the boxes containing extra-infantry (identical with the ones in the starter box) will be available at the beginning of 2011 and at least one set for each side will contain a little extra.
@primer
The few mold lines that were there were easily filed of with a good needle file. Don't use a knife or sandingpaper. Didn't hurt the primer much when i filed it and color sticks to it.
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Post by: The_0perator
I don't usually post for news and rumors, but I am so excited for this game, and I hate myself for mentioning it to the GF cause now I have to wait till Dec 25th as she bought it for me for Xmas, before I could run out and buy it myself...
I Flipping hate Christmas... But I love the look of Dust Tactics. And all the content in this thread has only made me like it more, everything I've been able to read on it so far points to a really good game that you can get through fairly quickly, and that is a major plus, as I had to stop playing 40K cause 2 hr games were just taking too much time I did not have.
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Post by: AAN
more DUST minis, Sturm and Lasergrenadiere
German Combat Grenadiers out of the DUST Deluxe box.
Then re-based and here and there repainted, some details, transfers etc.
German Laser Grenadiers right out of the Deluxe box + re-based and here and there repainted, some details, transfers etc.
Since I wanted a recognisable squad leader I used a head from SotR.
More here: http://www.adpublishing.de/html/dust.html
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Post by: Kanluwen
Damn. They weren't kidding about the quality of the prepaints.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
And the detail of the walkers is amazing. I wish some model kits would be that good at such a price.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
FFG to release first Wave
The following SKU are going to shops in the US soon and the rest of the world is soon to follow, too.
> DT003 Dust Tactics: Battle Grenadiers
> DT005 Dust Tactics: The Gunners
> DT006 Dust Tactics: Recon Grenadiers
> DT007 Dust Tactics: Recon Boys
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Post by: The_0perator
That's Great news, Since reading this thread, I have bought a Dust Comic,and am awaiting the arrival of my Dust Tactics box. I hope to see more widespread releases for this game. I will defiantly pick up a few, if not all four of the boxes. I want to see how the Recon guys preform before I buy 2 more squads.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
33033
Post by: kenshin620
Cool! Is that a chef with flamerthrowers or some other backback fed weapon?
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Post by: BrookM
I think that's one of the Sino-Russian specials.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Nope, he is an Allies Covert-Ops agent.
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Post by: Alpharius
Thanks for the preview/future pics!
These things all look fantastic!
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Post by: The_0perator
I Bet those pics look amazing, can't see them because I'm at work, but you can bet I will be breaking speed records to get home and check them out. Does anyone have an idea on a release date for them, or is this to early in the timeline for that info.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Let`s say you will get some of them quicker than their AT-43 counterparts back then.
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Post by: wildger
The_0perator wrote:I Bet those pics look amazing, can't see them because I'm at work, but you can bet I will be breaking speed records to get home and check them out. Does anyone have an idea on a release date for them, or is this to early in the timeline for that info.
Ask FFG. They are the exclusive publisher of the game for the entire world.
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Post by: grizgrin
feth. Yeah. That looks 5 different shades of awesome.
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Post by: Orinoco
walkers a very good.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Two further boxes from Wave 1
FFG just announced two further boxes from Wave 1.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1777
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Post by: Vertrucio
How are you guys liking the game now after it's been out for a while?
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Post by: Element206
That game looks awesome! Im gonna have ot look for that in the States! I love that the mechs basically look like sherman tanks with feet!
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
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Post by: wildger
I wonder how many will be put into 1/48 scale for Dust Tactics and when. All of them are amazingly detailed but too fragile to be used for frequent game play.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Probably all of them. The 1:48 are a little bit less detailed and some parts are fragile (MG weapon mounts) but so are the mounts on quite some GW models, too.
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Post by: grizgrin
Yeah, fragility is something you learn to deal with as a wargamer or you get another hobby. Part and parcel. Good of you to mention it, however.
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Post by: Orinoco
How tall is the Recon-Walker Heinrich?
edit: I can't see any actual mention of size on the site, I realise there is a scale but there is nothing to say how big something is at all. Does anybody have any experience or able to give me a frame of reference 
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
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Post by: Alpharius
Whoa! That's a bit taller than I was thinking!
Any pics of it next to a figure from the game?
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Post by: sonofruss
Can not handle awesomeness if this magnitude this will break my bank
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Post by: wildger
Very awesome models. 1/35 is way too big for tabletop gaming. It is unclear how many of them will be changed to 1/48 and when with FFG controlling all the publishing and marketing of Dust Tactics.
Latest news form DT.com: "Whether pre-painted or unassembled, these stunning model figures are of the highest quality and are sure to be the pride of your personal collection. Please be aware, however, that Dust Models products and collector pieces are NOT part of the Dust Tactics line, and as such do not include any game-related stats or unit cards."
What this means is that some will be turned into 1/48 collector piece but not recognized by FFG for the Dust Tactics game.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
I can`t for several reasons tell you the exact number of minis that will be converted, but have a look at the pictures of the Monde du Jeu I recently posted. Those are 1/48 for the game and you will surprised how many are already converted.
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Post by: His Master's Voice
Of all the stuff they have in 1/32 scale on the Dust page this is the one I want in 1/48 the most
Yeah, a Nazi chick with a pet hyena. Ain't that sweet?
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Manfred has been available at the Monde du Jeu and some other heros are already in the pipline. So, I would say that there is at least a 50% chance that some day we will see her in 1/48.
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Post by: grizgrin
Oh MAN when will we stop seeing re-engineered gorillas?
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Post by: Orinoco
those mechs are fecking awesome. If anybody has some recon walker heinreich pictures please post them as I would dearly like two to make a walker out of (mammoth tank mk 2 from command and conquer) but of course need to have a good idea of the size before I buy.
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Post by: Alpharius
grizgrin wrote:Oh MAN when will we stop seeing re-engineered gorillas?
I'm going to go on record with a "I hope... never!" here!
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Post by: grizgrin
Least it wasn't the gimped chimps AT-43 kicked out. Man, this line is filled with so much cool stuff; it's like all that is bad and vile wiht it is focused in those things.
Least the walkers are coolness.
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Post by: Orinoco
Hi guys,
I emailed dust and a chap called Clement kindly emailed me this photograph when I asked him about scale.
have no idea what the heck this means or what the unit of measurement means.
What does this mean? What the heck does this mean?!!!!
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Post by: Alpharius
It translates into "Too big for the standard 28mm heroic scale we all know and love"...
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Post by: Kanluwen
Orinoco wrote:Hi guys,
I emailed dust and a chap called Clement kindly emailed me this photograph when I asked him about scale.
have no idea what the heck this means or what the unit of measurement means.
What does this mean? What the heck does this mean?!!!!
It's giving you the measurements of what the "real" vehicle would look like, and how it would compare to 1:35 scale
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Post by: Orinoco
Kanluwen wrote:Orinoco wrote:Hi guys,
I emailed dust and a chap called Clement kindly emailed me this photograph when I asked him about scale.
have no idea what the heck this means or what the unit of measurement means.
What does this mean? What the heck does this mean?!!!!
It's giving you the measurements of what the "real" vehicle would look like, and how it would compare to 1:35 scale
Well if it is 1:35 that means it is only 5 inches tall. how is this too large?
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Post by: Kanluwen
Compare a 54mm Inquisitor model to a standard 40k model.
The scale is wrong. That's what would happen in this case too. The weapons, etc are going to be far too large.
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Post by: Orinoco
Well wouldn't the basic chassis serve as a good basis as something else, weapons and that sort of thing aside?
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Post by: AAN
Honestly I do not get the scale questions.
1:35 and are 1:48 are scales and that's it.
Are you asking for comparison shots next to 40K minis?
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Post by: bubber
I want the Ubertoten & the Big Joseph now!!!!
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Post by: Orinoco
AAN wrote:Honestly I do not get the scale questions.
1:35 and are 1:48 are scales and that's it.
Are you asking for comparison shots next to 40K minis?
that would be helpful
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Post by: BrookM
AAN wrote:Honestly I do not get the scale questions.
1:35 and are 1:48 are scales and that's it.
Are you asking for comparison shots next to 40K minis?
Yes please.
29190
Post by: CURNOW
im likeing the SOVIET KV-47/A COMBAT ARMOUR mite have to get me one as xmas pressie..
33661
Post by: Mad4Minis
Man, back in the day when i was into 1:35 scale armor I would have gone crazy over those things. As great as they look I dont really have much need for them, though I may pick up some of the 28mm scale walkers eventually.
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Post by: Alpharius
Once they hit in 28mm, I'll be buying ALL of them!
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Post by: AAN
OK, infantry comparison:
and
Girl comparison - Tannhäuser Yula, DUST Sigrid and Incursion Gretel
Walker:
All DUST minis are from the Deluxe prepainted box.
As for comparison shots of the 1/35 walker next to 28mm minis, see here:
http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=2650.0
Pappa Midnight has done some serious cool stuff...
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Post by: Orinoco
AAN wrote:OK, infantry comparison:
All DUST minis are from the Deluxe prepainted box.
As for comparison shots of the 1/35 walker next to 28mm minis, see here:
http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=2650.0
Pappa Midnight has done some serious cool stuff...
Thank you, my old bean! Automatically Appended Next Post: Ok guys, found some good stuff here.
this guy here is a 1:35 scale gunther from dust.
Here it is next to a scout
Here it is with some autocannons:
Follow the build here:
http://sadoukad16.blogspot.com/search/label/titan-knight
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Nice comparison pics.
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Post by: AAN
Thanks Duncan, I am on it! ;-)
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Modelling article
Fantasy Flight Games have posted a preview of a Dust Tactics modelling article they will soon be posting:
Today we’d like to offer a teaser for an article that is scheduled to post next week. You might ask, why bother with posting a preview to an article? The reason is the moment we laid eyes on the photographs below, we were so excited that we had to share them with you immediately.
The article, by master modeler José Brito, is an exhaustive description of his personal method for detailing, painting and weathering the two Axis walkers found in the Dust Tactics core set. His results are spectacular, as you can plainly see. Please join us next week to read the step-by-step tutorial of his entire process, including a full set of photographs that reveal every one of his techniques.
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Post by: bubber
I will definately be looking at that!
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Post by: Alpharius
NICE STUFF there - thanks for posting!
Looking forward to the full article...
You can pick up DUST TACTICS cheap on Amazon right now, so this should come in handy!
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
"Operation Cyclone"-Expansion anounced
A rich mine of VK has been discovered in the subzero wastes of Antarctica, and its direct access to the sea makes it a dangerous new focal point of the war. As the Axis forces fortify their defenses on the icy shores, the Allies plan a swift and daring amphibious assault in the hopes of claiming the enemy position. Who will gain control of this bountiful energy source and the waterways necessary to transport it? And what will this mean for the outcome of the war? It will take monumental courage to defend your prize, or heavy casualties to take it! Prepare for fierce amphibious landings on the frozen tundra of Antarctica... this is Operation Cyclone.
Operation Cyclone is an exciting new campaign expansion for Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures board game of explosive battlefield combat! Coming later this winter, Operation Cyclone brings the fight from Antarctica’s frozen waterways to its icy shores. With an exciting scenario guide including eight new battles, as well as the supplemental rules for artillery, amphibious assaults, and more, Operation Cyclone includes everything you need to expand your Dust Tactics experience!. Also included in Operation Cyclone are six new terrain tiles, four ammo crates, four tank traps, nine terrain squares, and two amazing new heroes!
Two New Heroes Enter the Fray
Amphibious Landing terrain tiles allow attacking forces to pour onto the battlefield, while artillery rules bring a whole new dimension to the game. Leading their forces to glory or the grave, two new heroes also enter the fray.
A rich mine of VK has been discovered in the subzero wastes of Antarctica, and its direct access to the sea makes it a dangerous new focal point of the war. As the Axis forces fortify their defenses on the icy shores, the Allies plan a swift and daring amphibious assault in the hopes of claiming the enemy position. Who will gain control of this bountiful energy source and the waterways necessary to transport it? And what will this mean for the outcome of the war? It will take monumental courage to defend your prize, or heavy casualties to take it! Prepare for fierce amphibious landings on the frozen tundra of Antarctica... this is Operation Cyclone.
Operation Cyclone is an exciting new campaign expansion for Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures board game of explosive battlefield combat! Coming later this winter, Operation Cyclone brings the fight from Antarctica’s frozen waterways to its icy shores. With an exciting scenario guide including eight new battles, as well as the supplemental rules for artillery, amphibious assaults, and more, Operation Cyclone includes everything you need to expand your Dust Tactics experience!. Also included in Operation Cyclone are six new terrain tiles, four ammo crates, four tank traps, nine terrain squares, and two amazing new heroes!
Two New Heroes Enter the Fray
Amphibious Landing terrain tiles allow attacking forces to pour onto the battlefield, while artillery rules bring a whole new dimension to the game. Leading their forces to glory or the grave, two new heroes also enter the fray.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1836#edgecomment
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Post by: Alpharius
Any better pictures of the new heroes out there?
They sound interesting, but I can't tell what is what on them in that picture!
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Post by: Earthbeard
The poor rocket launcher girl is going to freeze in that get up 
My biggest grumble with the sets are the tank traps, they just look a tad naff.
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Post by: BrookM
For the allies, Master Sergeant Rosie Donovan is the brilliant engineer who designed the Allies’ first combat walker, and her mechanical know-how is a constant asset on the battlefield. Her Tank Head repair skill lets her fix damaged tanks... but don’t underestimate her destructive prowess. She has personally adapted her massive bazooka to take down enemy walkers with a single shot!
Meanwhile, the Axis officer Manfred Kreuzer is well respected amongst his peers, having been part of the expedition that first discovered alien technology in the remote caves of Antarctica. This hearty soldier boasts five health, meaning he’s able to protect his men longer than any other hero. What’s more, his Assault skill and unlimited Panzerfaust give him exceptional tactical flexibility.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, Axis and Allied command squads: http://new.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1843 Automatically Appended Next Post: Aaaand a walker expansion: http://new.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1841
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Medium Walkers announced
The approach was relatively painless, a fact that left Rosie vaguely unnerved. Her landing boat had cut through the floating ice, its ramp slamming onto the icy shore and releasing her anxious squad to rush inland. Intel had warned of heavy Axis resistance, but aside from some light machine gun fire... nothing. But before she had to make sense of it, her answer dropped from the sky with a deafening wail. The mortar shell landed mere yards away, knocking Rosie into a snow drift and leaving her ears ringing. Then, through the carnage, she saw it: an enemy walker like none she had ever encountered, with massive gun racks lining its imposing frame... and it was preparing to fire again.
Fantasy Flight Games is pleased to announce the upcoming release of two new expansions for Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures board game of explosive battlefield combat! The Medium Assault Walker and the Medium Panzer Walker (for your Allied or Axis armies, respectively) bring tremendous firepower and flexibility to your Dust Tactics forces.
A Range of Tactical Options
Each walker body includes multiple weapon configurations, allowing a new level of tactical versatility. You can customize the walker that comes in each, or, when fielded along with the walkers from the Dust Tactics core set, a range of exciting combinations become possible. Will you bathe your enemies in fire with two Hot Dog walkers, or will you combine Hot Dog’s crowd control abilities with the heavy ordnance of Steel Rain? By tailoring your walkers for each fight, you’ll bring new strategies to your Dust Tactics experience.
What’s more, each walker comes with an attachment that utilizes the awesome destructive power of Artillery, the rules for which are included in the Operation Cyclone Campaign Expansion!
Rain Fire on the Battlefield
For the Allies, the Medium Assault Walker expansion contains one Allied walker that can be customized to multiple types – including the Allies’ newest walker: the Steel Rain! Altogether, the Medium Assault Walker expansion delivers all the parts you need to field a Pounder, a Hot Dog, a Mickey, or a Steel Rain.
The Medium Combat Walker M2-F, or “Steel Rain,” is a mobile dispenser of mass destruction. Although its mighty rockets don’t leave any space to carry the .50 cal, and the weight of the frame and the artillery shells prevent “Steel Rain” from jumping over obstacles, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by an impressive armament. Its 4.2’’ rockets can set sizable areas of the battlefield aflame and annihilate the enemy, and its massive mortar fires explosive shells weighing 20 kilos each!
A Barrage of Rockets
The Axis’ Medium Panzer Walker expansion likewise contains one walker that can be customized to various types – including the Axis’ newest tank: the Lothar! Included are all the parts you need to field either a Luther, a Ludwig, or a Lothar.
The model Pz. KpfL. D is affectionately nicknamed “Lothar” by the Axis troops. Its enemies, however, don’t share the same affection. The recognizable shape of the Lothar provokes fear in any soldier who sees it. It carries a formidable armament of Nebelwerfer missile-launchers on each arm, and can deliver a deluge of fire to fill the battlefield with destruction. The missile racks are big enough to carry an incredible number of rockets, and can strike from great distances on the battlefield.
Keep checking back for more on these exciting new walkers for Dust Tactics, including an announcement for premium painted versions. Then, later this winter, get ready to duck and cover!
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1841
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Post by: His Master's Voice
Alpharius wrote:Any better pictures of the new heroes out there?
Here's a 54mm version of the chick. For some reason she's Axis when in larger scale and Allies when downgraded to 28mm. A double agent perhaps?
http://dustgame.com/products_d.php?nid=2&id=29
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Post by: AAN
His Master's Voice wrote:Alpharius wrote:Any better pictures of the new heroes out there?
Here's a 54mm version of the chick. For some reason she's Axis when in larger scale and Allies when downgraded to 28mm. A double agent perhaps?
http://dustgame.com/products_d.php?nid=2&id=29
No, no, Bianca is based on the Rosie character.
They are two different characters!
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Post by: Alpharius
These models are awesome, and an absolute God-send for the Weird War II fans, such as myself!
Good times!
(And, thanks for posting as I'm blocked from FFG at work!)
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Post by: Kroothawk
They made two news announcements today, here the other one:
Fantasy Flight Games is pleased to announce the upcoming release of two exciting new expansions for Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures board game of explosive battlefield combat! With The Boss, an Allied Rangers Command Squad, or Kommandotrupp, an Axis Sturmgrenadiere Command Squad, you’ll gain a new level of control over your Dust Tactics forces.
Both The Boss and Kommandotrupp have the Command Squad ability, making them indispensable in overseeing your other forces. Their exceptional motivational skills even allow them to reactivate units that you’ve already used! What’s more, both squads have the Artillery Strike ability, meaning they can serve as spotters for any friendly tank armed with Artillery (as described in the Artillery rules in the Operation Cyclone Campaign Expansion)!
The Boss is a squad of Allied officers, and they’re on the battlefield to ensure that every order is perfectly executed. Like other Rangers, the Allied Command is equipped with assault rifles and a machine gun, but their real strength lies in their ability to coordinate the attacks of other units. Known for its powerful leadership capability, this unit is a high-priority target that must be protected at all costs. But used wisely, they’ll tip the balance in your favor!
For the Axis forces, Kommandotrupp is a special unit of field officers whose skills are invaluable. They too are equipped with assault rifles and a machine gun, and like their Allied counterparts, their presence on the battlefield can change the entire course of battle. A wise general should take care to protect these experienced officers.
Keep watching in the coming weeks for more on these versatile squads, including an announcement for premium painted versions, as well as how they can be used to maximum effect along with the recently announced walker expansions and Operation Cyclone Campaign Expansion!
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Post by: The_0perator
I'm really excited for these releases, cant wait to upgrade my Dust Armies!
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Model Masterclass, Part 1
The first thing most people notice about Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures board game set in an alternate historical timeline where alien technology fuels gigantic machines of war, are the magnificent mechanized tanks. These stunningly detailed models arrive almost entirely assembled, so you can begin playing in minutes. However, they are begging to be personalized.
In this three part series, we’re going to follow master modeler José Brito from start to finish as he takes fully customizes two Axis combat walkers from the Dust Tactics core set. Are you ready?
First Steps - The Walker Body
Being partly assembled, the construction portion of this modeling project is very simple. If you haven’t yet examined the Axis models closely, you will discover that even some of the preassembled parts can be dismantled into sub-assemblies. Take care as you explore how the walker models are constructed, so you do not inadvertently damage any parts.
The models can be easily adjusted to a great variety of different positions. You can keep the model in standing position, or rearrange the pose so it’s more action-oriented. It truly allows you a huge number of possible options, very quickly.
During the first stage I customized the model in the following ways:
Model Preparation
* leave the arms separate from the body to make it easier to work
* remove the body from the legs with gentle twisting
* sand off the minor moulding lines from the legs and large guns using a small metal file or sandpaper
Replacement Cabling
* carefully cut away the plastic cabling with a sharp hobby knife
* use a standard pin vise to drill two shallow holes to attach our replacement cable
* using two different gauges of wire, wrap enough thin wire around a thicker section until it matches the length of the original plastic cabling
* attach new cable using a drop of cyanoacrylate glue at each end, e.g. Crazy Glue or Rocket Hot (Be careful not to glue your fingers together!)
Extra Details
* I chose to add metal rungs to be used as hand holds for troops as they climb in or out. First, I marked pairs of dots on the gun shield to help me drill accurately
* use a standard pin vise to drill shallow holes for the new rungs
* carefully bend small sections of thick wire into a metal rung shape, then cut
* using small pliers or other tool, attach rungs to shields using a drop of cyanoacrylate glue
Extra Armor, Pipes, and Much More
Check your local hobby, crafts or model railroad store for small sheets of thin, plastic card and other plastic detail elements. Flat sheeting can be cut into any shape using a sharp hobby knife, giving you an instant armor upgrade! Plastic tubing of different sizes will appear as pipes and other metal conduit. You can also find plastic I-beam sections at many hobby supply shops, which are perfect for figures, visible in the following pictures to hold the new shoulder armor. Thin metal or plastic mesh can be added almost at will, along with wiring of any kind. When you begin working on your own models, start slowly, be patient and have fun trying out new things. Use your imagination and give your models the personal touch!
Coming Up Next…
At this stage, our walkers are ready for a white base coat of primer, which is where the real magic begins. All of the customization will suddenly appear as if they were original details of the figures. Once they have been fully painted, the walkers will take on a new life.
We hope you’re beginning to see how a few simple additions to your own figures can have a tremendous impact on your tabletop. Get ready to be excited and we’ll see you next week!
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Post by: Alpharius
Quite simply... wow!
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Post by: AAN
Strange, this kind of hyperdetailing really does not work for me. Just too much wires etc.
The basic model looks better to me...
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
But still some good ideas.
Will probably add some grips and probably some extra-armour like the ones that were added in the field.
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Post by: Alpharius
What I am REALLY liking is the price of the walkers/mechs - VERY nice indeed!
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Post by: deleted20250424
Alpharius wrote:What I am REALLY liking is the price of the walkers/mechs - VERY nice indeed!
Seriously, $25 for the kit.... I'm speechless.
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Post by: Kanluwen
Remember:
It's $25 for the "standard" version. The painted version will be far more expensive.
Also, the price and size are about the same as a Sentinel...not sure why it's "speechless" worthy.
That being said, I'm liking what I'm seeing. The Grenadiers look like they'll be a fantastic thing for me to work on.
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Post by: deleted20250424
Kanluwen wrote:Remember:
It's $25 for the "standard" version. The painted version will be far more expensive.
Also, the price and size are about the same as a Sentinel...not sure why it's "speechless" worthy.
That being said, I'm liking what I'm seeing. The Grenadiers look like they'll be a fantastic thing for me to work on.
Here comes the Kan! Just have to make sure you get in some GW action......
They look a hell of a lot better, and more sturdy/solid, than a Sentinal IMHO and actually expected something more along the lines of a Dread price.
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Post by: Kanluwen
TalonZahn wrote:Kanluwen wrote:Remember:
It's $25 for the "standard" version. The painted version will be far more expensive.
Also, the price and size are about the same as a Sentinel...not sure why it's "speechless" worthy.
That being said, I'm liking what I'm seeing. The Grenadiers look like they'll be a fantastic thing for me to work on.
Here comes the Kan! Just have to make sure you get in some GW action......
They look a hell of a lot better, and more sturdy/solid, than a Sentinal IMHO and actually expected something more along the lines of a Dread price.
Oh look. A smartass remark from someone who I have no clue who the hell they are.
Color me surprised!
Anyways:
They look about the same as a Sentinel, aesthetic wise and size wise. They're also not that impressive in person. They're single pose, and not very dynamic for the most part.
Not sure why that is "getting in some GW action". If they were a GW, Privateer, or West Wind product, I'd likely be saying the same thing.
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Post by: deleted20250424
Kanluwen wrote:TalonZahn wrote:Oh look. A smartass remark from someone who I have no clue who the hell they are.
Color me surprised!
Just another one of your fans that enjoys you running around carrying the GW banner in any thread you can.
Merry Xmas my little GW troll.
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Post by: A Black Ram
Rule #1.
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Post by: Grot 6
Any word on army books, yet, or is the fluff and rules for each unit specific to the expansion?
Great value for the price, and a heck of a deal!
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Post by: BrookM
Them cyber-gasmask Germans will make excellent ONI mercenaries, if AT-43 was still around. I guess they'll make good ersatz Krieg. The Walkers look nice enough as well, good value, seeing as all options are included and primed.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Where did you get the 25$ for the walkers? At the Monde du Jeu in August it was stil a SRO of 40 Euros.
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Post by: BrookM
The FFG site lists them for $25,- but chances are that we'll be charged extra.
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Post by: Alpharius
I've seen the walkers/mechs listed at $25 on various sites, so hopefully they do end up staying at that price.
The scale is a bit more 'correct' in the Dust Tactics world as well, so comparing them to Sentinels does seem a bit 'off', but probably not by much!
Same price point - sure! And I'll take that!
Cheaper?
I'll definitely take that!
http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=71109
http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=71108
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Post by: BrookM
The only problem: A rough estimated release date that is still two to three months away, with possible delays. Though with FFG products it should come as no surprise really.
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Post by: Alpharius
Too true, sadly!
Still, I'm glad that they'll be here sooner or later...
And these are billed as "Medium Walkers" - can't wait to see some more "Large Walkers"!
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Post by: Scottywan82
BrookM wrote:The only problem: A rough estimated release date that is still two to three months away, with possible delays. Though with FFG products it should come as no surprise really.
What?!?! *Rageragestompstomp*.... Oh wait, sorry, no, wrong company, my B.
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Post by: BrookM
I'll be picking up the core game sometime next week, that should hopefully keep me happy until the rest of the stuff trickles in.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'll be picking it up post Christmas.
Probably during the War Store's "Extra 5% Off Sale"!
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Post by: BrookM
I'll be gracing my FLGS and their generous 10% discount on everything.
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Post by: Alpharius
At the Warstore, this will get the price into the very low $60's!
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Post by: BrookM
A nice bargain, but I lack patience and faith in my countries postal service, which has a massive backlog due to strikes for the last three weeks. I'm still waiting for my mahoosive pile of Mantic nazi zombies. Nein, I shall send forth loyal family to fetch it from ze FLGS.
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Post by: Kanluwen
Alpharius wrote:At the Warstore, this will get the price into the very low $60's!
There's already a coupon code that should have been sent to you in an email that works I got it, some Vallejo Primers I've been meaning to get, and some other assorted stuff my FLGS doesn't carry for the low price of $98.
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Post by: BrookM
Got a few games in today and it's good fun, easy to play and all those other words of praise really! Can't wait for some of those expansion boxes to hit the shelves in a few months.
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Post by: Alpharius
It is "Tactically Deep" enough for you then?
What's the overall miniature quality and plastic quality like?
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Post by: Morathi's Darkest Sin
This looks very tempting if I'm honest. The only issue is I'd need to find someone to plya it with me. Boys aren't quite old enough yet.
Dang.
On a side note - quick some one send the FFG exec's some kind of dream message on how this is a good example on how they could re-release Warhammer Quest for GW.
Just with a big box to kick it all off, then the add on boxes to bring in new Dungeon areas, heroes and villians etc.
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Post by: BrookM
Alpharius wrote:It is "Tactically Deep" enough for you then?
What's the overall miniature quality and plastic quality like?
It's not as deep as 40k in terms of movement, shooting and ranges, but it does the job well enough for us. The simplistic rules actually made us play more and think about them less, which is always good around here. It's the whole I go with all my forces, U go with all your forces thing, but with some of the stuff from AT-43 really: Move-shoot, shoot-move, move-move or shoot-shoot, but in proper English and in a manner that you can pick up and play in ten minutes tops with a squad or two to give things a try. All you really need is the quick start rules, a few of those tiles, the relevant unit cards and them fancy dice, off you go!
Models.. The walkers are nice and well done, my only complaint with the adorable American walkers are the two search lights, which are too fragile and the .50 mountings, those might need glue to stay where they need to go. Infantry wise the models are of great quality, though I am a bit annoyed that most models just have a head and arm swap for the most part to keep them apart. I'm also spying a lot of poses that are the same horrible ones as found over at AT-43. I am already hating the future mechanics they are going to be releasing, complete with the awkwardly slung weapons and the dopey oversized wrench they hold.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Actually both players activate their units alternatingly.
And the wrenches are quite in size with the wrenches used in WWII. OK, there is an ape with a big wrench but every big ape needs a big monkey wrench when he goes bananas.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'm wavering between going in whole hog or just buying the expansion sets for the excellent Weird War II walkers for use in Secrets of the Third Reich...
Decisions, decisions!
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Post by: Kanluwen
Buy the boxed set, so you can have walkers and unique infantry for SOTR?
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Post by: sonofruss
I am waiting till after my holiday pay comes in to jump in I know somebody who might jump in with me if he sees the walkers in person.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
@Alpharius
I do know both games and I really prefer DT over SotTR. In nearly every aspect DT is way better.
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Post by: Alpharius
Are they still planning on releasing a 'true' wargame supplement/rules for DUST TACTICS?
I'd jump in instantly if I knew they were...
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Post by: Kanluwen
Alpharius wrote:Are they still planning on releasing a 'true' wargame supplement/rules for DUST TACTICS?
I'd jump in instantly if I knew they were...
Absolutely no clue. The general "consensus" on the Dust forums at FFG is that it will likely happen after the supplement introducing the aliens and flyers.
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Post by: Alpharius
Well, at least there's hope!
Weird War II is one of those genres that oddly enough doesn't have enough games (actual wargames) out there!
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Post by: Kanluwen
Alpharius wrote:Well, at least there's hope!
Weird War II is one of those genres that oddly enough doesn't have enough games (actual wargames) out there!
I think that's more simply because when you think "Weird War II", you don't think of massive engagements first.
You think of things like Hellboy, where you have small engagements of commandos fighting to stop some SS doomsday plan on a remote island where the SS had few troops; in the hopes of not drawing attention.
If that makes any sense.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Well Gearkrieg seems to be the only large engagement sytem at the moment. But it is 15mm and uses minis from other companies (FoW, etc.) too.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'm more than OK with a skirmish level rules set too, and earlier 40K versions did that well...
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Post by: Kanluwen
All I know is I get my box tomorrow from the Warstore, so I'll make sure to post a review from my POV!
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Post by: Kanluwen
So, got my box today!
I'm actually impressed, for the most part, by the quality of the models in the "standard" box.
The rulebooks and Battle Book are both also quite impressive, as is the limited amount of terrain given in the box set.
The only issues that stick out at me right now? Bent gun barrels. But that will be easily remedied later today, after I finish cleaning around the house and sit down to do detail and clean-up work on the models.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Use hot and cold water and they will get into shape in no time.
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Post by: Alpharius
Looking forward to your review of the GAME itself - that's what I'm most interested in, and as you're clearly a 40K fan, how it compares to it, for better or for worse...
Get going!
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Post by: Kanluwen
Oh I know Duncan! It's just like working with resin!
But again, still have to finish cleaning the house before I get my treat Automatically Appended Next Post: Alpharius wrote:Looking forward to your review of the GAME itself - that's what I'm most interested in, and as you're clearly a 40K fan, how it compares to it, for better or for worse...
Get going!
I flipped through the fluff(most important part, period, of any game to me ) and was impressed.
The game itself, just from glossing over the rulebook seemed pretty solid.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Dice Tower Review of Dust Tactics
Dice Tower has posted a review of Dust Tactics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHFK5JnFMso&feature=sub
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Post by: Alpharius
Definitely from a different perspective there - he admits to not caring about miniature gaming at all!
And, when he says he's heard hints about miniature wargame rules coming (Yeah!), he then goes on to say he doesn't care about that, so he's not sure if it is true or not (Boo!).
Thanks for the link.
I'm ALMOST sold.
IF they would only confirm a miniatures wargaming ruleset...!
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Post by: Kanluwen
Alpharius wrote:Definitely from a different perspective there - he admits to not caring about miniature gaming at all!
And, when he says he's heard hints about miniature wargame rules coming (Yeah!), he then goes on to say he doesn't care about that, so he's not sure if it is true or not (Boo!).
Thanks for the link.
I'm ALMOST sold.
IF they would only confirm a miniatures wargaming ruleset...!
From what I gather: We won't see a miniatures gaming ruleset until 6 expansions or so in. We're only, with Cyclone, at #1.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'll probably buy it well before then anyway... Damn them!
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Post by: BrookM
Good value for what you get, so what's keeping you? $25 per walker (Granted, upcoming kits come with all weapon variants), $15 - $20 per infantry squad, big savings so far and good quality for your greens.
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Post by: Alpharius
The only thing stopping me is lack of a TT ruleset.
But, I can use them in SoTR, which has some fun 'build a mech' rules in it!
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Actually it is not much of a hassle to design prliminary TT-rules from the rules in the book since they are already geared in that direction. The only thing that needs to be added is improved measuring and scenery-rules, the rest is already there.
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Post by: Alpharius
Sounds good then!
Argh!
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Post by: Kanluwen
Just order it from Neal already, Alph
As a sidenote, I've almost finished painting up the US special character from the box. Fun lil' bit that one was!
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Post by: Alpharius
Pics - post pics!
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Post by: Kanluwen
When he's finished, jeez
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
We want them NOW!
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Masterclass and available Boxes
The first four expansion boxes are send to the shops.
> Recon Rangers Squad
> Combat Rangers Squad
> Kampf-Sturmgrenadiere Squad
> Aufklärer-Sturmgrenadiere Squad
The boxes are also available as Deluxe versions and the apinting quality is equal to the one in the pics below:
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1863
The second Masterclass article has gone online.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1866 Automatically Appended Next Post: Decals
Dust Studios offers Decals for 1/48 and 1/35. Price incl. shipping is 4.99$.
Link to the shop:
http://www.dustgame.com/products.php?nid=12
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Alpharius wrote:I'm more than OK with a skirmish level rules set too, and earlier 40K versions did that well...
Id be more interested if it was wargame styled and didnt use the tiles. Everything being prepainted would be great too. Something along the lines of AT-43 quality and price. Im not gonna pay several hundred $$ for a painted set. I already have so much to paint...and more to come in a month or so.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'm with you on the 'no tiles' thing, but you lost me at 'prepainted'.
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Post by: BrookM
No thanks, not another AT-43 debacle of poorly-painted minis for premium prices.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Alpharius wrote:I'm with you on the 'no tiles' thing, but you lost me at 'prepainted'.
I wouldnt mind painting the walkers...but the troops Id rather not have to do. Guess I could just base coat and wash them. Save the paint work for the bigger/better stuff.
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Post by: Kanluwen
Mad4Minis wrote:Alpharius wrote:I'm with you on the 'no tiles' thing, but you lost me at 'prepainted'.
I wouldnt mind painting the walkers...but the troops Id rather not have to do. Guess I could just base coat and wash them. Save the paint work for the bigger/better stuff.
Honestly?
For most of the troops, especially the Axis...you can get away with just a strong black wash and painting the weapons/boots a different color.
For the Allies, a little more work is needed since they don't have units with gas masks covering their faces like the Axis. Flesh, rifle stocks, gun barrels, boots and if you feel the need to paint the trenchcoats you can.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
OK, Ive got a question for you folks more fmiliar with DT...they are offering 2 series of models 1:48 scale and 1:35 scale...which of them matches the walkers in the game, or are they just display models?
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Post by: Alpharius
The FFG series of models, for DUST TACTICS are roughly 28mm scale.
DUST also has a series of fantastic looking models that are 1/35, and also rather pricey.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Alpharius wrote:The FFG series of models, for DUST TACTICS are roughly 28mm scale.
DUST also has a series of fantastic looking models that are 1/35, and also rather pricey.
Yeah, Ive seen the official game models and the 1/35. Like you said the 1/35 are sweet but way to pricey.
They also make a series of 1/48, its only 2 models and some decals so far, heres the link:
http://dust-models.com/products.php?nid=12
I really like the Soviet walker in 1/48, was kinda hoping that it would fit with the models that are game specific. I guess if you figure that 28mm = 1/54 then 1/48 would be close enough.
EDIT: dust-models.com is now the official place to go for the Dust model kit series. Looks like they also offer the premium pre painted stuff onthe site as well.
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Post by: Alpharius
Good catch, I forgot about their 1/48 stuff - but as you mention, there isn't a lot of it available...
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
The game is in 1/48, so no worries about buying the models from Dust Studios, the only thing is they don`t come with cards for the game. The 1/48 Dust Studio sells are pre-release models, i.e. you can get the walker now (resin/plastic-kit) or you wait until it is released as a full-plastic model later by FFG. The FFG model will also be cheaper.
1/35 are display models, but some japanese guys use even those models for games....
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Alpharius wrote:Good catch, I forgot about their 1/48 stuff - but as you mention, there isn't a lot of it available...
Its not cheap, but not nearly as bad as the 1/35 stuff. Think I may pick up the Soviet walker in 1/48 to hold me over until the separate boxes become available in a couple months. I doubt Ill buy the box game as Im not interested in the Allied stuff at all. German and Soviets are catching my eye.
Could always buy the box and ebay the Allied stuff though...
Who knows. Ill be broke for the next few weeks anyways so it gives me time to plan it out. Automatically Appended Next Post: Duncan_Idaho wrote:The game is in 1/48, so no worries about buying the models from Dust Studios,
Glad to have it confirmed, the way it looked thats what i was thinking. Either way 28mm is aprox 1/54 anyways, and thats so close to 1/48 only a true scale modeler would really notice. SO even if it was 28mm it would still be ok.
I think Ill pick up a 1/48 “Fury of Ivan” KV 152(i) as soon as I can spare the $55.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Actually I will get an Tamya 1/48 Tiger II for Dust Tactics as scenery piece. (The pic on the Dust Studio website showing a walker beside a Tiger II is just too tempting.)
What´s really funny, the model costs 17 € and the body is a cast metal piece but the rest is plastic.
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Post by: BrookM
Tamiya always has been a manufacturer that supplies super affordable kits paired with supreme quality.
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Post by: Alpharius
And that's why I'm really hoping for a "tabletop wargame rule set" - the sheer amount and quality of WWII kits in 1/48 is awesome.
It is part of what makes Secrets of the Third Reich so much fun!
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Alpharius wrote:And that's why I'm really hoping for a "tabletop wargame rule set" - the sheer amount and quality of WWII kits in 1/48 is awesome.
It is part of what makes Secrets of the Third Reich so much fun!
Truth there. Another bonus for me would be combining my old hobby of scale armor modeling with my current one of gaming. Automatically Appended Next Post: BrookM wrote:Tamiya always has been a manufacturer that supplies super affordable kits paired with supreme quality.
Agreed. ive built many a Tamiya kit in my day.
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Post by: Kanluwen
Alpharius wrote:And that's why I'm really hoping for a "tabletop wargame rule set" - the sheer amount and quality of WWII kits in 1/48 is awesome.
It is part of what makes Secrets of the Third Reich so much fun!
Yeah, but how many of those WWII kits are actually gonna have rules or a presence in Dust?
I've not read any of Paolo's stuff yet, so not too familiar with the universe aside from there's aliens(Vrill) and some occult-ish science, but for the most part it seems it's built more around an alternative timeline where tanks have been completely abandoned and warfare is quite different; rather than SOTR's "The WWII Flavor You Love, Now With Supernatural and Science Fiction Elements Inside!".
If that makes any sense.
Anyways: I still suggest you at least pick up the Core game. It plays more like Space Hulk than a "normal" board game.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Difference between normal and Deluxe version
Since its debut at Gen Con and subsequent worldwide release, Dust Tactics has received enthusiastic accolades for both its engaging mechanics and its professionally crafted miniatures... and with unpainted and premium painted editions available, players have plenty of options in how to battle for world supremacy.
Dust Tactics is available through retailers, and it features primed, unpainted miniatures with expansions packaged in flexible configurations. Meanwhile, Dust Tactics Premium Edition is part of the Fantasy Flight Collector line available through our webstore (and at select retailers). Aimed at high-end enthusiasts, Dust Tactics Premium Edition offers professionally painted figures, and its expansions are configured with an emphasis on unique visual detail.
What does this distinction mean for current expansions?
Last week, we announced the release of the first four expansions for Dust Tactics. The Gunners and Recon Boys for the Allies, along with Battle Grenadiers and Recon Grenadiers for the Axis, bring additional firepower and adaptability to your forces.
All four of these expansions are currently available in both unpainted and painted sets (at your local retailer or through Fantasy Flight Collector, respectively), but there is one important difference: In the unpainted versions, The Gunners and Battle Grenadiers each include a sixth figure and an additional Unit Card. The premium painted versions of these expansions do not.
Why are they different?
The Dust Tactics expansions were designed with an emphasis on playability and affordability, and the inclusion of an additional figure and Unit Card means more options for fielding your forces. For The Gunners, substituting the extra figure will convert the unit to the Bot Hunters. For the Battle Grenadiers, substituting the extra figure will convert the unit to the Tank Killers. In this way, each of these primed and unpainted expansions essentially offers two unit choices in one box.
Dust Studio has decided that the Dust Tactics Premium Edition expansions, on the other hand, will place an emphasis on the individual paint schemes and character of each unit. For example, The Gunners and the Bot Hunters are separate units in the world of Dust, and each unit has its own uniforms and color schemes. Therefore, offering these two units in a single box would limit the aesthetic distinctiveness that fans of the premium edition expect, and would diminish the overall thematic value of both units.
As a result, the premium painted versions of The Gunners and Battle Grenadiers expansions do not include the extra figure or Unit Card necessary to convert them to the Bot Hunters and Tank Killers, respectively. Instead, separate premium painted versions of both Bot Hunters and Tank Killers will be made available through Fantasy Flight Collector later this winter.
What about upcoming expansions?
In an effort to provide the best possible options for both players and collectors, we will continue to apply the above mentality to future Dust Tactics products. All unpainted expansions that include only one unit will release alongside their premium painted counterparts, as normal. For the rare cases in which an unpainted expansion contains multiple possible unit configurations, each configuration will get its own separate premium painted expansion.
As an example of another such case, two weeks ago we announced the upcoming release of two walker expansions, the Allied Medium Assault Walker and the Axis Medium Panzer Walker. As that announcement stated, each unpainted expansion includes one walker body and multiple weapon attachments, meaning players can configure several distinct walkers with just one purchase.
For Dust Tactics Premium Edition, each walker configuration will release as its own premium expansion, with these stunning miniatures painted according to their unique thematic elements. We’re confident that when you see the final result, you’ll agree that this approach contributes to the most immersive experience possible while providing plenty of options for collectors.
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Post by: Scott-S6
Just received some dust tactics minis in the post (all the axis stuff).
The infantry is bigger than it looks - those are 30mm bases and the minis stand approx 40mm tall. Some of the posing (head positioning in particular) is poor but the glue used is soft goey stuff and you can remove them if you're gentle. There are some bent weapons but these should be easy enough to sort. ETA, they were easy to sort.
The walkers are excellent models. The design minimizes exposed mould lines and sprue cuts and those that are exposed have been reasonably well cleaned. There are some nice fine details (like the air filter vent) which are better than we're used to seeing on GW kits. I'm not hugely taken on the pose of the legs or that both are posed the same, especially since the kit seems to have some leeway for posing in it.
Overall, I'm pretty impressed. My biggest complaint is that I didn't get to build them myself.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Actually the minis are 30mm. There is up until now no mini with more than 30mm. The mm are as always measured toe to eye level of an erect standing miniature. There will be bigger minis (apes e.g.) but scale is still 1:48/30mm.
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Post by: Scott-S6
The thing is - describing them as "30mm" to someone that is used to GW mini's isn't very helpful. GW minis are supposed to be 28mm so that's about the same right?
Except that the dust minis are significantly taller. Cadians are 26mm to the eyes while Dust troopers are 32-33mm
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Nope, measured all today again and they are 30mm and lower depending on how they stand. And GW´s Hero scale is fluctuating all the time, so taking them as standard ist slightly problematic.
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Post by: Terminus
This game seems like a great way to introduce people to miniature wargaming. It's not as convoluted as the usual GW or even PP fare, and games are super quick.
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Post by: AAN
Just some more detailing on the pre-painted DUST minis:
US Recon Ranger - as the Axis squads, rebased and some details added.
More here: http://www.adpublishing.de/html/dust.html Automatically Appended Next Post: Scott-S6 wrote:The thing is - describing them as "30mm" to someone that is used to GW mini's isn't very helpful. GW minis are supposed to be 28mm so that's about the same right?
Except that the dust minis are significantly taller. Cadians are 26mm to the eyes while Dust troopers are 32-33mm
Re-Post of the above posted size comparisoan pic:
That should help...
:-)
More on ym website.
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Post by: Scott-S6
Duncan_Idaho wrote:Nope, measured all today again and they are 30mm and lower depending on how they stand. And GW´s Hero scale is fluctuating all the time, so taking them as standard ist slightly problematic.
Well, you're incorrect. Take one of the mini's that's actually standing up and they are taller than that. This guy is 32mm to the middle of his lenses and he'd be a couple of mm taller if he was standing up properly.  Marines are 28-29mm, cadians are 25-26mm. Dust minis are 32-33mm. That's a significant size difference. 10% taller than a marine. Automatically Appended Next Post: AAN wrote:Re-Post of the above posted size comparisoan pic:
Exactly, taller than a marine. (who's on a landscaped base)
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Post by: Shrapnelsmile
Nice info here, and as a former Rackham Sentinel I can say DUST Tactics appears to be what I've always wanted.
A friend and I are jumping into DT, but here is the question:
Should I buy two starter boxes
OR
one starter box and one unit box of each of the currently releases expansions. A 2nd starter is practically the same price, but ...
Are the currently released expansions (two for axis, two for allies, their names are escaping me at the moment) the exact same figures as the starter? That is my one complaint -- actual unit names, or their differences, are not listed on the starter box.
Hope someone can help -- I'd like to buy Friday, but I won't do so going blind.
Thanks,
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Post by: AAN
Shrapnelsmile wrote:Are the currently released expansions (two for axis, two for allies, their names are escaping me at the moment) the exact same figures as the starter? That is my one complaint -- actual unit names, or their differences, are not listed on the starter box.
The same as in the starter set.
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Post by: Alpharius
Thanks for the scale comparison shot AAN - the Dust figs may be 'taller' than "GW 28mm" but they look to be the 'right' size nonetheless!
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Post by: BrookM
That they are, nobody ever said that people should be the same length and whatnot. Unless they happen to be filthy goose steppers.
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Post by: Shrapnelsmile
AAN wrote:Shrapnelsmile wrote:Are the currently released expansions (two for axis, two for allies, their names are escaping me at the moment) the exact same figures as the starter? That is my one complaint -- actual unit names, or their differences, are not listed on the starter box.
The same as in the starter set.
Precisely the same? Wow, two core sets it is then...
Thanks.
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Post by: Scott-S6
Shrapnelsmile wrote:AAN wrote:Shrapnelsmile wrote:Are the currently released expansions (two for axis, two for allies, their names are escaping me at the moment) the exact same figures as the starter? That is my one complaint -- actual unit names, or their differences, are not listed on the starter box.
The same as in the starter set.
Precisely the same? Wow, two core sets it is then...
Thanks.
They aren't quite the same. The battle grenadiers and gunners packs both include an extra figure and a second unit card (for an upgraded unit including the extra guy).
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Post by: Shrapnelsmile
Scott-S6 wrote:Shrapnelsmile wrote:AAN wrote:Shrapnelsmile wrote:Are the currently released expansions (two for axis, two for allies, their names are escaping me at the moment) the exact same figures as the starter? That is my one complaint -- actual unit names, or their differences, are not listed on the starter box.
The same as in the starter set.
Precisely the same? Wow, two core sets it is then...
Thanks.
They aren't quite the same. The battle grenadiers and gunners packs both include an extra figure and a second unit card (for an upgraded unit including the extra guy).
ahhh, thank you. Which of my choices do you recommend? Automatically Appended Next Post: Just read about the extra tile supplement coming out. I like that the Wave 1 unit expansions have bonus figs and cards for variety. Going to get one set and support my FLGS w/ the unit box purchases.
Thanks.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Not to be too picky, but maybe you should recalibrate your digital meter, my analogue meter tells me that the upper rim of his goggles is excatly 31mm and eye level 30,5, and this meter is the same that architects use for scale drawings.
Besides, Marines and Imperials differ in size quite substantially depending from from which edition they hail. GW is always hero scale (ham fisted guys), but DT true scale. This alone makes it nearly impossible to compare both lines.
@boxes
The cheaper infanntry boxes are the ones with 5 minis and one card and the other ones the ones with 6 minis and an additional card that makes them a different unit. Definitely go for the latter if you want to test new units and for the first if you want to expand on your butter and bread units. Buying one of each is not that bad an idea.
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Post by: BrookM
I'm eagerly awaiting the command squad and walker boxed sets myself, which are sadly still some time off. March wasn't it?
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Yes, march. Which is still faster tham AEG could have managed to release them, hence FFG taking over.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
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Post by: BrookM
If it has Kilroy graffiti it's always good!
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Post by: Shrapnelsmile
How is DUST Tactics playing out for people who own it? are you enjoying it?
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Post by: BrookM
I'm really enjoying it. Simple rules, great background, lovely models to fool around with (discovered that the heads can be twisted off and reposed, excellent)
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Post by: Mad4Minis
BrookM wrote:I'm eagerly awaiting the command squad and walker boxed sets myself, which are sadly still some time off. March wasn't it?
Im awaiting the Soviet stuff. Im considering ordering the 1:48 kit, but I dont like the idea of ordering from over seas...I prefer to keep my orders inside the US if possible. I guess if its gonna be a long wait for FFG to release the Soviet stuff I will have no choice.
Anyone know what country that stuff ships from?
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Post by: Kanluwen
I'd assume Spain or the UK. Not 100% sure though.
But, I think you're in for a long wait for Soviets. Considering they're not listed in any of the expansions, it's likely they'll only be released when we see the full-on tabletop game.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Kanluwen wrote:I'd assume Spain or the UK. Not 100% sure though.
But, I think you're in for a long wait for Soviets. Considering they're not listed in any of the expansions, it's likely they'll only be released when we see the full-on tabletop game.
Thats why I may end up ordering the model...or just putting DT on the back burner for a while. Im not interested in the allied stuff. Id also be using the minis with a different rules system, so I dont need those either. So I likely wont buy the box game.
There are so many things I want, but about 3-4 weeks before I have my money. Guess we will see whats out and what gets my interest when I have some cash in hand.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Dust Studios is located in Hong Kong and al stuff ordered will be send from their warehouse there.
This year all realeases will be Allies and Axis, next year will be Vrill and Sinosoviets.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Duncan_Idaho wrote:
This year all realeases will be Allies and Axis, next year will be Vrill and Sinosoviets.
Well, if that is the case then back into limbo DT goes. Im not even going to bother thinking about things that are over a year away. Too many things, both for me and the game, can change in that amount of time.
The Soviet walker might make it into my just for display collection someday though...
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Post by: Kanluwen
Where have you seen that the "Sinosoviets will be released with the Vrill"?
The only one that I saw regarding a "new army entering the fray" was about the Vrill, and that's the aircraft expansion.
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Post by: Alpharius
Mad4Minis wrote: Id also be using the minis with a different rules system, so I dont need those either. So I likely wont buy the box game.
What game system is that, if you don't mind?
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Post by: BrookM
Kanluwen wrote:Where have you seen that the "Sinosoviets will be released with the Vrill"?
The only one that I saw regarding a "new army entering the fray" was about the Vrill, and that's the aircraft expansion.
No.. You are mixing up Operation Downfall, which brings the Vrill and Operation Harpoon, which is about aircraft.
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
@Kanlunwen
The information is right from the source and everything else is covered by an NDA.
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Post by: Kanluwen
BrookM wrote:Kanluwen wrote:Where have you seen that the "Sinosoviets will be released with the Vrill"?
The only one that I saw regarding a "new army entering the fray" was about the Vrill, and that's the aircraft expansion.
No.. You are mixing up Operation Downfall, which brings the Vrill and Operation Harpoon, which is about aircraft.
Well damn. That explains it.
Still, I hadn't seen anything discussing the Sinosoviets though.
Duncan_Idaho wrote:The information is right from the source and everything else is covered by an NDA.
Gotcha. Neat.
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Post by: Mad4Minis
Alpharius wrote:Mad4Minis wrote: Id also be using the minis with a different rules system, so I dont need those either. So I likely wont buy the box game.
What game system is that, if you don't mind?
Most likely Shockforce, by demonblade games. Its been OOP for quite a while now. To many fans of 40k it would be too simple, but thats part of the attraction. The biggest part is the full creation rules...troops, elites, characters, vehicles, weapons, etc. I get bothered by games that are 100% fixed like 40k, I like to be able to tweak things, and have it still be useable against other players without argument. Though the chance of running into another Shockforce player is virtually nil. Good thing the wife and kid will play anything.
Ive also been toying with a system of my own for a while. Its somewhat along the lines of how Warmachine started...focused on vehicles/walkers with foot troops being essentially just light support. Its not complete yet, but doesnt really need much more to be able to play test.
Either way, bottom line is I have no need for Allied stuff or the rules. For now Im gonna keep an eye out for people parting oput the box set on ebay...pick up the German walkers and the terrain.
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Post by: Maurin
I'm really liking the look of DT. Gonna grab the box soon. Seems easy enough that I can get friends/family into it
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Post by: Shrapnelsmile
My Blue Thunder box is on its way from Miniature Market. I am purchasing two of the squad expansion boxes from my FLGS this Friday.
I'm still debating getting a second starter box; the amount you get, for the money is excellent compared to the expansions. if I enjoy my first match as much as I feel I am going to tomorrow, I will double my collection to allow 4' x 5' of tile to be the standard (or more if I like).
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Post by: Scott-S6
Duncan_Idaho wrote:Not to be too picky, but maybe you should recalibrate your digital meter, my analogue meter tells me that the upper rim of his goggles is excatly 31mm and eye level 30,5,
No, I've checked the meter against one of the shop gauges and it's fine, thanks. Duncan_Idaho wrote:this meter is the same that architects use for scale drawings.
Nice appeal to authority though. Curious as to why you think you're measuring the exact same mini - you're assuming that the same torso and legs are matched in all the kits and that I haven't swapped any of them around (I have). I'm not sure where you got the idea that 1:48 = 30mm. Most conversion charts seem to list it as around 33mm, which is exactly what the DT minis are. http://theminiaturespage.com/ref/scales.html
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
Special Ops Boxes
His squad had been concealed in a frigid foxhole for nearly 30 hours, having escorted the observers perilously close to the enemy base. Now, finally, the sergeant spotted the target through the scope of his massive .50 caliber sniper rifle. “It’s her, alright. Sigrid. Range 1300 meters.” He concentrated to keep her in his sights, but the Axis Colonel moved like a woman possessed, weaving between tents and behind tanks as she barked orders to her men. “Damn,” he finally conceded, “I can’t get a clean shot.”
“Time’s up, Sergeant” grumbled a nearby radioman. “You had your chance. We’ll take it from here.” Peering through his binoculars, the observer lifted his radio’s mouthpiece. “13 Foxtrot to Steel Rain. You have the coordinates. Commence bombardment.”
Sometimes you want to eliminate your opponents with pinpoint accuracy... and sometimes you just want to reduce their position to a smoking crater. This spring, you’ll have the firepower to do both. Fantasy Flight Games is pleased to announce the upcoming release of two new expansions for Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures board game of explosive battlefield combat!
With the Allies’ Special Ops Rangers and the Axis’ Special Ops Grenadiers, you’ll wield the deadly precision of expert snipers and the superior tactics of long-distance observers. Each expansion contains two units consisting of two figures, for a total of four figures per box.
Precision and Power
The Allies’ Special Ops Rangers expansion contains figures and cards for both a sniper squad and an observer squad. These highly trained units specialize in frustrating their enemies from afar, whether by picking off individual targets with high-powered rifles, or by providing coordinates for artillery-bearing units. Crack Shots have the devastating “Sniper” ability, and can individually pick their targets — officers beware! 13 Foxtrot, observers best kept off the front lines, can use their “Artillery Strike” ability to provide useful coordinates to friendly walkers.
Meanwhile, the Axis’ Special Ops Grenadiers are deadly squads formed in response to recent devastating losses at Stalingrad. The Sturmgrenadiere Sniper Squad, secretly trained by the Blutkreuz Korps in the heart of the Black Forest, use a highly specialized weapon: the Sniper Gewehr. The Sturmgrenadiere Observer Squad (also known as Beobachter), like their Allied counterpart, is adept at collecting the coordinates needed to guide a devastating artillery strike.
Looking for premium painted versions of these exciting squads? They’ll be released concurrently with their unpainted counterparts, and they’ll come in the same box configurations.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1913
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Post by: wildger
This is a must buy for further expansions
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
And as you can see, some writing errors are already corrected on the german units .
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Post by: Mad4Minis
The online hobby shop Squadron.com has a list of scales used in modeling...they show 32mm equal to between 1/48 and 1/55. 28mm is 1/60. No listing of 33mm.
I would consider them to be relatively accurate. They are one of (if not the) largest mial order/online hobby shops. I used to use them a lot when I was about 14, thats 19 years ago.
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Post by: Eisenhorn
Check out this neat scale conversion site I found
http://www.wwmodelclub.org/extra/sd_scalecalc2.htm
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Post by: Kanluwen
I wish they'd get their crap together and give us firm release dates.
Those snipers look like they'll be a joy to paint.
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Post by: Alpharius
That site IS awesome - thanks!
(Bookmarked!)
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
@Kanlunwen
There are release dates, ask your dealer.
The minis from the box in seperate boxes are scheduled for January and February and the others for March.
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Post by: Kanluwen
What dealer? Nowhere locally stocks it, and The Warstore only stocks the core game.
FFG's site doesn't even have the snipers or artillery boxes up for preorder, at least that I can find anywhere.
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Post by: Alpharius
Two places that carry more of the line are:
http://www.miniaturemarket.com/inc/searchresults?s=dust%20AND%20tactics&ss=dust%20tactics&n=594319
and
http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=search&s=dust+tactics
Though I don't think either has the sniper box set up yet...
And, who knows about the release dates listed!
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Post by: Noble713
I'm trying to get away from 28mm skirmish but these Germans are making it much harder.
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Post by: BrookM
This is FFG, so release dates are known to shift..
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Post by: Duncan_Idaho
But not much, January releases are on time in our stores.
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Post by: BrookM
Hmm, well the stuff I want isn't popping up until March, so I've still got a bit of a sit ahead of me.
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Post by: Scott-S6
Mad4Minis wrote:
The online hobby shop Squadron.com has a list of scales used in modeling...they show 32mm equal to between 1/48 and 1/55. 28mm is 1/60. No listing of 33mm.
I would consider them to be relatively accurate. They are one of (if not the) largest mial order/online hobby shops. I used to use them a lot when I was about 14, thats 19 years ago.
Exactly - 32mm is a little smaller than 1/48. The tallest of the Dust mini's is 32mm but would be 33-34mm if he was standing up straight. Not the 30mm that Duncan_Idaho is insisting on.
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Post by: Ebonsword
Shrapnelsmile wrote:How is DUST Tactics playing out for people who own it? are you enjoying it?
So far I own the Deluxe Blue Thunder Box Set and the two special edition walkers (with cards) released via Paolo's site.
Overall, I'm really liking the game. It's shaping up to be what I always wanted AT-43 to be. I know a lot of folks here feel differently, but I find the "measure than move" mechanic used in AT-43 and most other minis games to be tedious--the simplified, boardgame-style movement is exactly what I was looking for.
Right now my biggest concern is lack of unit variety (it's kind of boring to always field the same units in a 16 point game). I'm thinking of getting a second box set to help with that.
My other concern is with unit balance. The BBQ Squad that the Allies have seems way overpowered, for example. The Recon Rangers, on the other hand, seem kind of weak (as do the Laser troops on the Axis side).
Now that individual unit boxes are coming out, I'll be interested to see if Allies players start to field large numbers of BBQ Squads. 16 points of BBQ squads is 8 units, which seems like it could crush just about any Axis setup (except maybe one specifically built to be entirely anti-infantry).
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