I would like to encourage you to leave comments about these miniatures; this may be the last chance for changes or revisions. Anything you love, hate, or feel you would like to see.... please speak up.
I will be starting another Kickstarter project to attempt to gain funding for these miniatures. I hope to see you there and will post here and on many of the gaming news sites when this becomes available.
Make it weapon-swap-friendly. I cannot emphasize this enough. Make the guns separate from the hands if you have to.
Make it out of the cheapest material that you find reasonable. Even failing that, you clearly have the quality department perfectly nailed down.
The Heavy Weapons Squad seems to have much less detail than the Assault Squad. There is a noticeable absence of the ridges in the top of the helmet and ribbed-thing on the torso.
Absolutionis wrote:Make it weapon-swap-friendly. I cannot emphasize this enough. Make the guns separate from the hands if you have to.
Make it out of the cheapest material that you find reasonable. Even failing that, you clearly have the quality department perfectly nailed down.
The Heavy Weapons Squad seems to have much less detail than the Assault Squad. There is a noticeable absence of the ridges in the top of the helmet and ribbed-thing on the torso.
If you Kickstarter this, I'm totally in.
Good suggestion, I can make some arms that are blank.. no weapons just posed. Just so you know.... the arm length is pretty close to a SM and as they attach on a flat surface at the shoulder, you could simply use SM arms and weapons. The only hitch is they are not as wide across the chest as a SM so you would have a tiny bit of work on the SM plastic arms, but not much effort to be sure.
These will be metal. My caster is doing an incredible job and they are some of the cleanest spincasts I have seen.. Thats not just me saying that..... Resin is more expensive for me and they cannot pop out a large number per day.... leading to long back orders :( plus some of the parts are just too thin for resin to set in less than an hour or two. If everything was "heroic" scale I might be able to get away with it due to the faster kick of the resin.
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nkelsch wrote:ooooooooooh, I like the designs, especially the head swap ones. Very pretty models. I actually like the heavyweapon designs as well.
My honest opinion as a designer (non-3d, but) is that the fluted design of the helmets on the Assault Squad doesn't go with the rest of the design. It seems discordant. I know what you're triing to go for, in terms of evoking actual old-school plate armor helmet design - I just think it would look better with the same style helmets from the first picture.
My 2 cents, for what it's worth. I hope that you can get a real company going, and provide some well-designed and produced alternatives to GW. I mention only GW because I don't think there are any companies out there who are even in the same universe of design quality (and CONSISTENCY, with notable exceptions) of models. Be nice if there were some models that weren't GW that didn't cost 2 arms and three legs (GW's give you the reasonable arm and a leg price point, 2 arms 3-4 legs for FW)
I love the fluted helmets, and was going to suggest they replace the ones in the first pic
The armor looks to have some additional fluting in the 3rd pic, too- personally, I just love the 3rd pic so much more than the 1st... I'd consider actually getting models styled like the 3rd, but not the 1st. I don't know if that's a majority or minority opinion...
I really do like the swap option, but I think it needs to go a little farther when setting the squads rolls apart from each other.
Right now the body's all have the same silhouette (a really nice one btw), and that muddies what they do (assault vs shooting). And yes, it needs more than JUST the weapons. Try adding something at adds extra info. TF2 did wonders with this:
Pic number 2 makes me wet... Pic 1 is meh... Pick 3 strikes me as a feeble attempt to imitate assault terminators... They just look too bulky and slow to effectively wield that sword with any degree of skill or speed. Dunno what their in universe role is but to me they look like should be armed with more of a spear or halberd type weapon (either thrust or chop, it also gives them added reach which keeps with their clearly defensive nature).
can't think of anything to suggest. they look great the frist kick start went well enough I'm looking forward to placing a pre order for these
just a question will each squad have exactly the same configuration of heavy weapons or could you for example equip all the troops with the same weapon.
NoseGoblin wrote:Good suggestion, I can make some arms that are blank.. no weapons just posed
NoseGoblin wrote:Just so you know, all three heads are going to come with each mini. So you can choose whatever style strikes your fancy.
Well, that truly solves pretty much any problem I could think of.
NoseGoblin wrote:These will be metal.
If you're going to provide empty arms or weapons that are easily removable, metal shouldn't be a problem. Clipping one of those swords should be easy for even a novice modeler. Removing one of those pistols would be fairly difficult. Empty hands solves all problems. Of course, compatibility with GW parts also alleviates this issue. However, with miniatures so awesome-looking, it would be a waste to buy these only to throw the arms into the bits box.
As Kanluwen said, those swords are amazing.
If you're actively seeking complaints, a far stretch of a complaint would be that those Heavy Weapons are slightly static. The one with the huge cannon/grenadelauncher is awesome. However, the rest look too identical and static in comparison to one another.
Very nice - I get a "male sister of battle" vibe off the first pic. I don't care much for the headswap heads. But the other ones are great - so I'm not too bothered.
Being metal just totally kills my interest though. Sorry :/
I don't like the one-handed heavy weapons (the fact that they're held one-handed, that is) - the two-handed poses look much better.
And I'm not keen on the swords, they look a bit too Manga Toy to me. Others above clearly disagree...
Otherwise really nice. The choice of heads is a good idea, and having them swappable will even please those who want to swap for different heads entirely.
Loving these guys. Couldnt justify the previous kickstarter but this one I think I could find a use for and with the optionb of direct feedback it is too good to pass up.
Is there any chance to get a shot of their backs to get a better idea what that side looks like? I am especially interested in the Heavy Backpacks and how different they are or if they are all the same.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Never mind, the link shows all the backs, sorry.
The shoulder pads stick out to much.. why would a pad be that shape? are these meant to contain human beings? combined with the flatish heads, the whole top of the miniture looks to flat, which makes the whole pose look a bit to static.
The assault guys are awesome but the legs really need to be more dynamic/running forward.
From a sales point of view.. it cant hurt to make the torso peices the same width as Marine torsos (12mm).
Loving them all, fairly static heavy weapons seems right and the assault squad look good.
However I was wondering if the ammo belts and power cables are separate or otherwise easy to remove because I personally would be using Zinge-Industries'.
I agree about the "two-handed" heavy weapons being the best poses. The quad-cannon makes more sense to have on 2 separate arms (it's also smaller) but the two guys with the large gun in a single hand are begging for a support to hold it with their other hand, like the guy 2nd from the right has.
This is all great feed back! thank you for taking the time.
I will try to answer your questions......
Gamingdog wrote:can't think of anything to suggest. they look great the frist kick start went well enough I'm looking forward to placing a pre order for these
just a question will each squad have exactly the same configuration of heavy weapons or could you for example equip all the troops with the same weapon.
For the kickstarter the sqauds will be as shown but for retail sales they will be available as singles or squads.
Vain wrote:Loving these guys. Couldnt justify the previous kickstarter but this one I think I could find a use for and with the optionb of direct feedback it is too good to pass up.
Is there any chance to get a shot of their backs to get a better idea what that side looks like? I am especially interested in the Heavy Backpacks and how different they are or if they are all the same.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Never mind, the link shows all the backs, sorry.
Marrak wrote:I'm curious, would someone be able to purchase a single figure, or will they only come in a set?
For the kickstarter the sqauds will be as shown but for retail sales they will be available as singles or squads.
ChaoticMind wrote:Loving them all, fairly static heavy weapons seems right and the assault squad look good.
However I was wondering if the ammo belts and power cables are separate or otherwise easy to remove because I personally would be using Zinge-Industries'.
These are multi part models, heads, arms, legs and backpacks are seperate... and yes the cables and ammo feed are too
RiTides wrote:I agree about the "two-handed" heavy weapons being the best poses. The quad-cannon makes more sense to have on 2 separate arms (it's also smaller) but the two guys with the large gun in a single hand are begging for a support to hold it with their other hand, like the guy 2nd from the right has.
Getting tempted!
If you check the links you would learn that these are energy weapons, and therefore dont have recoil, etc. They are also wearing powered armor, no reason for support whatsoever...
RiTides wrote:I agree about the "two-handed" heavy weapons being the best poses. The quad-cannon makes more sense to have on 2 separate arms (it's also smaller) but the two guys with the large gun in a single hand are begging for a support to hold it with their other hand, like the guy 2nd from the right has.
Getting tempted!
If you check the links you would learn that these are energy weapons, and therefore dont have recoil, etc. They are also wearing powered armor, no reason for support whatsoever...
Someone needs to take physics.... Energy generation and expulsion still follows the rules...
This are great figures but you are suffering one big problem.
These are all CAD designed models. It is easy to tell. The lack of organic sculpting done my a person shows through in a real really big way. You need to "Humanize" the sculptures. They are far too robotic and unnatural in their poses and appearance.
Unless you make some changes to these figures I am afraid you are looking at a big fail. No matter how cool. and they are very cool.
Its a great idea though. So what is the whole plan? Do you have a universe design etc?
RiTides wrote:I agree about the "two-handed" heavy weapons being the best poses. The quad-cannon makes more sense to have on 2 separate arms (it's also smaller) but the two guys with the large gun in a single hand are begging for a support to hold it with their other hand, like the guy 2nd from the right has.
Getting tempted!
If you check the links you would learn that these are energy weapons, and therefore dont have recoil, etc. They are also wearing powered armor, no reason for support whatsoever...
Someone needs to take physics.... Energy generation and expulsion still follows the rules...
Last I checked the 500W laser and flamethrower I had an opportunity to use in the past didn't have any recoil...
My only thought is to make the "holding the side of the weapon" such as the artillary cannon a swapable part so you can be 1 handing or 2 handing any of the weapons.
they all look great, though I would want the guy on the far right with the railgun-looking gun to be 2 handing
I'm hoping one of the higher options of the kickstarter have an option for a few of your previous things too *holding onto money for kickstarter* ^^
Yeah, im still pissed I didnt have 800+ dollars to get the two platoons and 2 leviathans... I still dont have that kind of money, but heres hoping i get a legit job soon
Pic 1 looks a bit bland, love Pic 3 although the fluting seems a bit odd from a purely design perspective (needless ornamentation on an otherwise very functionally designed set of armour). Heads in Pic 2 seem to fit the most, but not nearly as epic as the fluted ones! If you want to go with non-fluted helmets, consider changing the angle of the slope so they don't look so top heavy.
I agree with the points on swappable weapons, but arm blanks should solve that problem in the short term.
My vote is for option 2
The heads look perfect on the bodies that way. but maybe a shield option?
Option 3 seems to need a fluted shield to round out that gothic look.
Love the heavy weapons railgun, LOVE the assault squad, with one exception: that shotgun/pistol thing they are holding looks terrible compared to the rest of the model. It looks really unbalanced and well ... like a wierd pistol/shotgun thing.
chaos0xomega wrote:If you check the links you would learn that these are energy weapons, and therefore dont have recoil, etc. They are also wearing powered armor, no reason for support whatsoever...
I did check the links, I'm a huge fan of DreamForge! I just think they'd look a LOT more balanced with another hand to support the weapons, with the exception of the quad guns. I also think it makes them look a little more dynamic, supporting the weapon rather than standing very stiff/straight and firing it one-handed. Aesthetics are what I'm talking about... I tend to "check my physics at the door" when considering these things although if anything, supporting it makes more sense, even from a simple aiming standpoint.
chaos0xomega wrote:If you check the links you would learn that these are energy weapons, and therefore dont have recoil, etc. They are also wearing powered armor, no reason for support whatsoever...
I did check the links, I'm a huge fan of DreamForge! I just think they'd look a LOT more balanced with another hand to support the weapons, with the exception of the quad guns. I also think it makes them look a little more dynamic, supporting the weapon rather than standing very stiff/straight and firing it one-handed. Aesthetics are what I'm talking about... I tend to "check my physics at the door" when considering these things although if anything, supporting it makes more sense, even from a simple aiming standpoint.
RiTides does have a good point.
That other arm just kinda hanging at the side feels wrong. It's why I've given my Assault Cannon Terminators for my Deathwing the "striding forward" legs and the powerfist held out as a counterbalance. Even if it's not necessary, it might look better as a kind of "dramatic posturing". Maybe give the energy weapon wielders something else for their off-hand, Nosegoblin?
Some kind of rangefinder built onto their gauntlet's outside, a datalink or something techy that they'd want to be doing something with could go a long way to add a bit of character to the model.
(P.S. Sorry I keep adding these silly little bits to your completed design ideas! They really do look good except for a few minor nitpicks!)
I love the models but the machine guns (both the ones on the assault troops and the belt-feed heavy machine gun) don't pop for me the way the rest of the weapons do. they look very bland compared to the energy weapons. They lack that certain pizazz.
chaos0xomega wrote:If you check the links you would learn that these are energy weapons, and therefore dont have recoil, etc. They are also wearing powered armor, no reason for support whatsoever...
I did check the links, I'm a huge fan of DreamForge! I just think they'd look a LOT more balanced with another hand to support the weapons, with the exception of the quad guns. I also think it makes them look a little more dynamic, supporting the weapon rather than standing very stiff/straight and firing it one-handed. Aesthetics are what I'm talking about... I tend to "check my physics at the door" when considering these things although if anything, supporting it makes more sense, even from a simple aiming standpoint.
Thats true actually... I think they would look nicer if the weapons were held across the torso being supported from above by the other hand...
Mad4Minis wrote:Nice looking stuff as usual. Sadly Im not in need if scifi infantry. However, Ill be all about the smaller scale Leviathans if/when you start on them.
Cool idea with the mid evil style plate mail look , but they look to much like the bastard son of rowboat Girlyman and something Tau. They're too clean, and too plain for my taste. The weapons look kinda lame, and yes, claymores not katanas. :/ these guys just have no feel to them, they just look like mass produced tin can coated men. I thought these were awesome for about a minute then I realized the bland appearance. But hey, alot of people seem to like them here already, I only wish you the best
Redaxe13 wrote:Cool idea with the mid evil style plate mail look , but they look to much like the bastard son of rowboat Girlyman and something Tau.
You mean this?
Spoiler:
Can't say I agree with you on the weapons, to me they look awesome. If only the swords would have an =][= style prong half way down the blade I would love them to bits.
The assault pistols arent my cup of tea but with the separate hands that is no problems.
Redaxe13 wrote:these guys just have no feel to them, they just look like mass produced tin can coated men.
So these early works don't have any feel? Can you give any specific examples of why other than something nebulous like they look "Mass Produced"?
That way the NoseGoblin guy cant take it on board and act on it if he agrees with you or ignore you if he doesn't.
I’m actually surprised by just how few incoherent and unspecific responses there have been… Thank you!
-So the general consensus, (two or more mentions of the same issue) so far seems to be-
Make for easy weapon swaps: Will do…. I will make a few blank arms without weapons.
Make all three helmets available as options for each figure: Yep, all three will be included with each mini.
Energy heavy weapons need to be supported by free arm: I will rework this, I agree the left arm need something to do
Some issues with the size or design of the shoulder pads: I probably won’t make huge changes to these, it’s a design decision that defines the minis silhouette but I think they could use some tweaking to make the minis less top heavy while maintaining a heavily armored look.
Need to re-design the sword to more medieval two handed sword look: Easy fix… will do.
Need to redesign the auto-grenade launcher to be more interesting: Agree, but I’m completely uninspired here…. If you have examples of what you would like to see or a direction for me to take these in please speak up. (More input please)
There are a couple of comments that reference them feeling like CAD models or stiff or what I call wooden. Simply meaning, that they lack life and movement or individuality. I must agree to some extent that this is true. It’s a side effect of making what I call a troop choice model rather than a character model.
I can pose these as dramatically as any hand sculptor but the nature of making a multi-part, posable mini to represent a mass troop means that there is a certain amount of generic feel to them. I could make these as dynamic as a Corvus Belli mini but then you would have sixty minis that all look over posed, like a space ninja attack. I would also need to charge more for each mini because I would not be able to swap parts from one mini to another, so every mini would be an individual print. This would quadruple the cost for each print and mold.
You need to keep in mind that the ability to pose these will gives you the freedom to make them more dramatic if you choose, and it also keeps a line of twenty from looking like clones. Making accessory packs will allow me and you to add bits, pouches, etc. that will also humanize the minis.
I don’t mind doing dramatic character models if you don’t mind paying the price the market is charging for them.
It makes them far less durable (resin and plastic bounces, can be weighed down and paint is more immune to being scratched off) and much harder to convert.
NoseGoblin wrote:Need to redesign the auto-grenade launcher to be more interesting: Agree, but I’m completely uninspired here…. If you have examples of what you would like to see or a direction for me to take these in please speak up. (More input please)
For my personal tastes I would prefer not to see that chunk missing out of the front of the barrel. I assume it is supposed to be some sort of cooling thing but I am not loving it. In fact the ribbed part forward is not really my cup of tea.
I would love to see a nice chunky front section, possibly like this...
Spoiler:
Though with a much nicer back.
The solid construction and magazine/clip/whatever that fits into the body looks pretty bad-ass (though the pistol back does let it down in that picture)
Alternatively who says it has to be the traditional magazine? Why not a pistol grenade launcher with six shooter style, kinda like this:
Spoiler:
mixed with this
Scale the revolver chamber wheel thing to make it look capable of holding the grenades and then have a few "replacement" chamber wheels on the sprue so that you can add them to belts of where ever to make it look like these soldiers can eject the empty wheel and replace the whole chamber wheel with a new one.
I actually like the current sword. Perhaps you could include both options? Also, as I said on your blog, I'd love to see a shield option.
I'm a big fan of making the guns look like the ridiculously large nerf revolver above.
Also, I'm not a huge fan of the German flag on the cloth part of the back of the model. It somewhat limits the models' uses. If they were resin, though, it would be easy to remove! So there's another vote for resin.
those look amazing, will the models be as good as the renders though? i followed the shock troopers from conception to production and the end result was a bit lacking ?
If you know me, you know I love resin; I have been working with it for more than 18 years making model kits. With small items such as these the kick times on the resin makes it simply impractical to use this medium for mass production. The thin arms and small weapons would need to sit in the molds for an hour or more before being removed. This has to do with the small size of the components and the mass needed to cure the resin. The caster has to charge me for the time I tie up his equipment.
Add to this the fact you only get about 30-40 pulls from each mold before they start to tear compared to 200-500 plus for a metal spincast mold and you end up paying more for each mini in time, materials and labor. I also need to think about the production side. If I can only get 100 minis made per day compared to 1000, it causes a lot of backorders and supply issues.
Yes I know that some of you love the resin, but you need to understand upfront that they cost more, that they cannot be produced in great quantity and that they are more likely to have casting defects. I would be happy to have some limited production in resin, but I will warn you now that it costs more, likely 20-50% more per mini when I have to fold in the re-mold costs.
So how will you go from the 3d renders to the masters for the metals? sorry if its a secret im just interested in how you get from those pictures to a rubber mold?
If you know me, you know I love resin; I have been working with it for more than 18 years making model kits. With small items such as these the kick times on the resin makes it simply impractical to use this medium for mass production. The thin arms and small weapons would need to sit in the molds for an hour or more before being removed. This has to do with the small size of the components and the mass needed to cure the resin. The caster has to charge me for the time I tie up his equipment.
Add to this the fact you only get about 30-40 pulls from each mold before they start to tear compared to 200-500 plus for a metal spincast mold and you end up paying more for each mini in time, materials and labor. I also need to think about the production side. If I can only get 100 minis made per day compared to 1000, it causes a lot of backorders and supply issues.
Yes I know that some of you love the resin, but you need to understand upfront that they cost more, that they cannot be produced in great quantity and that they are more likely to have casting defects. I would be happy to have some limited production in resin, but I will warn you now that it costs more, likely 20-50% more per mini when I have to fold in the re-mold costs.
I totally understand that. So maybe no flag on the cloth then? They will just be too time consuming to remove from metal.
I like the suggestion of making it sort or resemble a drum chambered revolver. shorten the overall legenth of the weapon by 1/3 but thicken it up a bit so there is no doubt it's a grenade launcher or at least reinforces the idea it's a large caliber weapon.
I wonder what it would look like to incorporate a gun into a shield
shoulder pads
don't change them or don't change them much. I like them as is.
I wouldn't mind seeing one model with both hands holding one of the swords above his head moving forward ready to make a killing blow. I always liked that kind of pose.
I know this is a little off topic but when could we expect to see some of the other factions made into miniatures from your universe?
If you know me, you know I love resin; I have been working with it for more than 18 years making model kits. With small items such as these the kick times on the resin makes it simply impractical to use this medium for mass production. The thin arms and small weapons would need to sit in the molds for an hour or more before being removed. This has to do with the small size of the components and the mass needed to cure the resin. The caster has to charge me for the time I tie up his equipment.
Add to this the fact you only get about 30-40 pulls from each mold before they start to tear compared to 200-500 plus for a metal spincast mold and you end up paying more for each mini in time, materials and labor. I also need to think about the production side. If I can only get 100 minis made per day compared to 1000, it causes a lot of backorders and supply issues.
Yes I know that some of you love the resin, but you need to understand upfront that they cost more, that they cannot be produced in great quantity and that they are more likely to have casting defects. I would be happy to have some limited production in resin, but I will warn you now that it costs more, likely 20-50% more per mini when I have to fold in the re-mold costs.
I'd be happy to pay 50% extra for a single squad, not a whole army though. So if you could do a premium limited release or something, that would be cool. That, or make the individual pieces for sale (I really want some of head variants).
You guys demanding Resin have to see it from the business persepctive, it costs a lot of money to set up tooling etc. to produce minis. He is not running a charity or a hobby shop for all of you guys to get whatever it is your heart desires, he is running a business to make what he wants to make and make money for himself. Metal is more economical than resin, as was already stated, asking him to ALSO produce resin minis, even as a limited release, is not only going to double his cost, but its going to take a lot longer for him to get the metals into production. His casters time is a finite resource, the time taken to produce resin minis is time taken away from metal production, yadda yadda yadda. Point is, give it a rest already, he said they would be metal.
First of the changes up for review.... Reading the posts here and on my blog there have been a few mentions of shoulder pads and the foot size. I don’t want oversized clown feet but there was a suggestion for an overshoe or ankle armor that I think worked out well.
I widened the stance, added ankle armor and made some very slight tweaks to the shoulders. My desire was to ground the mini a bit and deal with some top heavy issues.
Please let me know what you think.
I will try to post up some weapon changes for review to see if they are well received or if thing should stay as they are.
Grundz wrote:I like the ankle armor and stance.
Sort of like the original shoulders better but I suppose I am in the minority with that one.
As above, I really like the original power-machete styled swords much more than I would a grey-knight style one.
Shoulders and all changes are up for popular consensus... I like the leg changes but I am ambivalent as to the shoulders, so the feedback either way is great, and as to the sword, I will make one up for review and see how all of you feel.
these are really nice models and i would certainly buy some, then again i would buy some of the storm truppen but cant find anywhere on the net that sells them! i can find dreamforge but all thats for sale are the mahoosive titan a likes.
So, are these guys "non-terminators"? Like, going on a 40mm base? or more like "not-space-marines"? Was thinking about using your regular guys as counts-as stormtroopers, but I'll need to find a place for theses fellas too
Are you planning any vehicles other than your leviathans? like tanks? I was gonna pair these up with a Secret weapon rapid assault vehicle as a not-leman-russ-tank kind of thing.
sar mikael wrote:these are really nice models and i would certainly buy some, then again i would buy some of the storm truppen but cant find anywhere on the net that sells them! i can find dreamforge but all thats for sale are the mahoosive titan a likes.
I am waiting on a shipment of arms from my caster, so some time next week I will post them on the website and open general sales.
Im not gonna speak for Mark, but the minis are being made for the forthcoming game "Iron Core" thus they are not really intended to fill any 40k related role
I've been thinking a bit more about these models, and have a few more ideas.
The "cloth back" that you have is cool and all, but why not alter it from being a piece of cloth hanging down to something which hangs down from the belt ala the Clone Officers from the Star Wars prequels?
Necros wrote:So, are these guys "non-terminators"? Like, going on a 40mm base? or more like "not-space-marines"? Was thinking about using your regular guys as counts-as stormtroopers, but I'll need to find a place for theses fellas too
Are you planning any vehicles other than your leviathans? like tanks? I was gonna pair these up with a Secret weapon rapid assault vehicle as a not-leman-russ-tank kind of thing.
30mm round lip base just like the Sturmtruppen. Yep vehicles, tanks, terrain, more mechs and so on... it all comes down to $$ and time.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Kanluwen wrote:I've been thinking a bit more about these models, and have a few more ideas.
The "cloth back" that you have is cool and all, but why not alter it from being a piece of cloth hanging down to something which hangs down from the belt ala the Clone Officers from the Star Wars prequels?
Changing the tunic would be a major remodel at this point, so I cant look at doing that.
chaos0xomega wrote:You guys demanding Resin have to see it from the business persepctive, it costs a lot of money to set up tooling etc. to produce minis. He is not running a charity or a hobby shop for all of you guys to get whatever it is your heart desires, he is running a business to make what he wants to make and make money for himself. Metal is more economical than resin, as was already stated, asking him to ALSO produce resin minis, even as a limited release, is not only going to double his cost, but its going to take a lot longer for him to get the metals into production. His casters time is a finite resource, the time taken to produce resin minis is time taken away from metal production, yadda yadda yadda. Point is, give it a rest already, he said they would be metal.
Chill dude.
We aren't demanding, we are just suggesting that it is our (potential buyers) preference. Not knowing the complexities of resin casting had me begging the question 'Why metal'. We also are not demanding a limited release, I was merely confirming I would be happy to pay whatever extra in order to get some in resin IF NoseGoblin could produce some.
BTW, I'm grateful of the explanation into the con's of casting in resin Nosegoblin.
it is very nerf though I imagine a close combat guy's gun being more bullish though.
Most modern close quarters weapons (and flashlights, ect) have ridged protrusions to deal more damage when used as a bludgeoning device.
FacelessMage wrote:As awesome as 3 is, it is a little too nerf..
If you maby lost the bar under the cilinder that would make it less nerf and more sci-fi.
I'm in agreement... give this a look.
Still between 1 2 and 3
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Grundz wrote:Yeah, fancy up #3 and I love it
it is very nerf though I imagine a close combat guy's gun being more bullish though.
Most modern close quarters weapons (and flashlights, ect) have ridged protrusions to deal more damage when used as a bludgeoning device.
I like the original shoulders and quite like the upgraded ankle armour.
I actually quite liked the original #3, but maybe I don't spend enough time looking at nerf weapons for that to be an issue. I still prefer the revised #3 to the others. #1 is too non-descript and #2 just looks like a Bolt Pistol to me.
As someone who recieved his Kickstarter Sturmtruppen squad a few weeks ago, I look forward to having more DreamForgemodels to buy and then not have time to do anything with.
NoseGoblin wrote:Shoulders and all changes are up for popular consensus... I like the leg changes but I am ambivalent as to the shoulders, so the feedback either way is great, and as to the sword, I will make one up for review and see how all of you feel.
I love all of the changes. Also, I vote to include gun options 2 and 3, but if I had to make a choice, I'd go with option 3.
Still looking for a shield option, though.
I love that stuff but smacking someone with a grenade launcher? sounds risky
well, making the assumption you wont pull the trigger while beating someone with your weapon, even modern 40mm launchers have a safety incase it clips something close to the firer the shell won't go off. But I think whatever you decide on making the weapon more "close combat-able" without turning it into a gears of war rifle is the way to go.
I like gun 3 the best but gun 2 isn't terrible and wouldn't look out of place. I love the new stance it looks like the trooper is properly supporting the weight of his weapon. I kind of like the original shoulder pads better than the new version, I like the new ankle guards and the cloth around the waist is fine too and doesn't need to be changed. I like the sword as is.
really they are near perfect IMHO. now get the kick start ready and I'll sign up for a platoon
So, I was digging around your site... do you have an online store where I can buy your regular troopers? couldn't find it.. or are they not available yet?
I agree with Grundz here. That x4 is pretty awesome, but a bit overly decorative for the regular Joes I think. I could see it having a lot of conversion value too.
Sword #3, but lost the Iron Cross. GW has made that so that we can't see it without thinking "Black Templar." I'd use the eagle from #4.
I also like sword #2 as an option. Maybe mix it up, or provide a couple extra swords?
For the grenade launcher, I like #3, but that barrel just strikes me as being too short. I'd lengthen the barrel & add in a "supporting" left arm. That thing's going to have killer recoil and, power armor or no, your average gamer's going to see id and think it's (a) a really large revolver [pistol] or (b) not going to shoot accurately without a second hand to steady it.
Maybe the left hand, instead of UNDER it, could be on top of it, palm down, as if keeping the GL from kicking?
Eric
I'm liking these a lot. Did I miss the kickstarter link, or has it just not started yet?
I especially like the eagle hilt of sword 4 and the flat tip of sword 4
Lucker; I agree the fourth sword would function like a club but in my minds eye that's how I see these guys fighting not really parring or dueling but smashing through the enemy with massive weapons
Gamingdog wrote: NoseGoblin any chance we could maces or hammers?
If everything sells well I hope to expand all the troops to have more options and accessories. So yes, no, it depends Its all up to my customers and how they vote with their wallets.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Seems like # 3 is the most endorsed option.... Here are some shots on the fig. What are your thoughts?
I like it but I think its too large on the figure as a pistol type weapon. Perhaps I should shorten the chamber?
Here is #3 with a shortened cylinder.... I think this looks a bit more balanced. What do you say keep it or not?
By the way, there is an easter egg in the sword. No one has mentioned it but I made it as a combi weapon. Let me know if you find it.... (hint: it uses the handle of the sword as a barrel and is modern submachine gun with some mods)
Kanluwen wrote:Are you meaning the fact that the "power weapony" bits look like a P90?
+1 geek cred
ph34r wrote:
Kanluwen wrote:Are you meaning the fact that the "power weapony" bits look like a P90?
Sounds like a really dangerous gun to use.
Indeed, thats why I abandoned it as a true use option... but I liked the sword design, so I kept it the way it was and started giving them the grenade pistols as their range weapon. I figured it looked generic enough that it would not stand out as "hey look at my combi-weapon". Now I just look at it as a part of the power system for the sword.
I like 1 & 2 for sword and both versions of the new gun are great.
If possible though I think releasing all 4 swords as upgrades/options would be a great idea
sar mikael wrote:bloody hell! just do all four swords as an extra pack to buy. ill be getting those bad boys!
ChaoticMind wrote:I like 1 & 2 for sword and both versions of the new gun are great.
If possible though I think releasing all 4 swords as upgrades/options would be a great idea
Sounds good, I wont scrap the CAD file.
I just cant do it for the Kickstarter. Each weapon like this costs about $35.00 to have made and then if I put too many options in the mix, the spincaster will need to make an additional master mold at $300.00 so I need to stay as lean as possible for the Kickstarter and do a second round of add ons, bits, arms, pouches, heads, etc. later, or the Kickstarter project will have such a high funding level that I run the risk of nothing getting made.
Never scrap CAD files buddy, hard drives are cheap and you never know when you can grab a chunk of something old to make something new
Any thought as to differentiating the close combat guys from the heavy weapon guys a little more? I'm not sure what parts they do/dont have in common but I think the armor itself could stand apart a little more, maybe the shield will do that!
Grundz wrote:Never scrap CAD files buddy, hard drives are cheap and you never know when you can grab a chunk of something old to make something new
Any thought as to differentiating the close combat guys from the heavy weapon guys a little more? I'm not sure what parts they do/dont have in common but I think the armor itself could stand apart a little more, maybe the shield will do that!
Well thats three or four requests for a shield... I was not intending on making one before we opened it up for feedback (which has been awesome btw.)
If you guys have preferences for shield shape or size, just post some pics or links so I know what your thinking.
I like #1 and #3 for the grenade launchers. As for the swords #2 and #3. The detail on #4 is nice, but its less of a fighting weapon more of an executioners sword with the flat end.
MagickalMemories wrote:I prefer the longer chambers of the first Grenade launcher. This one just looks like an oversized 6-shooter.
I'd like to reiterate my suggestion for a longer barrel on the GL and an arm option for holding it 2 handed.
Eric
Two handed is a bit of a problem with heavily armored troops. Clearing the chest and still reaching the supporting arm far enough to grip the front of the weapon can be problematic for small arms like rifles and two handed grenade launchers.
I'll see what I can do, but these guys are meant to have one handed assault weapons. I would love to do some heavy armored troopers that are the mid ground between the HUGE weapons and the assault weapons, kind of like your standard SM but that may need to be an additional set of arms for these, released after the Kickstarter. dunno... I have to see how much of an issue it is with the clearance problems.
Are these large slabs of reinforced alloys or do they have some kind of force-field attachment to help them out? Well my argument is the same either way but the latter will need some gubbins on the outside to make it look tech-like.
What I can see happening:
Spoiler:
The Basic Rounded Knightly Shield
Nice solid design that people can see as "oh yeah, that is a shield. Some rivets and gubbins on the outside to make it look chunky and hold some definition for paint and a nice clean inside for designs or for people to glue or GS their own 3d designs.
The Basic Longish Knightly Shield
Same deal as above but is longer.
The Sectioned Knightly Shield
Same as above bit has the face sectioned for multiple pictures/designs. Probably more for a blinged out option than a standard.
Variously Shaped Knightly Shields
Something to catch the eye.
Ok, so those are shields I can expect to be able to be done. Now this is what I would LOVE to see.
Spoiler:
Eagle Shield.
This can reflect both the German-y feel of them as well as a general "Space Roman" theme. I would have the sheild actually being the Eagle design with the sides of the shield being the eagle's down sweeping wings. Not unlike this.
or this
So you have the wings to the left and right edge of the shield, if not actually being the edge. The upper plane can have the interesting profile with the wing tips (or are they pinions?) and head (or heads) poking out of the general shield design and giving some cool factor.
The feet and tail feathers may need to be blocked together but with a styalized version with a lot of hard lines it could look freaking awesome while still staying within the feel of faux german/space roman.
The only thing is you need to do is just make sure it specifically doesn't look like a certain eagle design.
Anything who is familiar with Moore's law need not click the link
http://www.usmbooks.com/images/STANDESBEAMTE/Standes1.jpg
MagickalMemories wrote:I prefer the longer chambers of the first Grenade launcher. This one just looks like an oversized 6-shooter.
I'd like to reiterate my suggestion for a longer barrel on the GL and an arm option for holding it 2 handed.
Eric
Two handed is a bit of a problem with heavily armored troops. Clearing the chest and still reaching the supporting arm far enough to grip the front of the weapon can be problematic for small arms like rifles and two handed grenade launchers.
I'll see what I can do, but these guys are meant to have one handed assault weapons. I would love to do some heavy armored troopers that are the mid ground between the HUGE weapons and the assault weapons, kind of like your standard SM but that may need to be an additional set of arms for these, released after the Kickstarter. dunno... I have to see how much of an issue it is with the clearance problems.
I definitely see the issue. There's not a lot of room to make their arms hug their chests. Would keeping the longer chamber AND extending the barrel not give enough? I was picturing a hand on top the gun, palm DOWN, as if holding it down from kicking upwards.
What about an extended support stock, kind of like the old Chewbacca Star Wars miniature or a sling shot? LOL
MagickalMemories wrote:I prefer the longer chambers of the first Grenade launcher. This one just looks like an oversized 6-shooter.
I'd like to reiterate my suggestion for a longer barrel on the GL and an arm option for holding it 2 handed.
Eric
Two handed is a bit of a problem with heavily armored troops. Clearing the chest and still reaching the supporting arm far enough to grip the front of the weapon can be problematic for small arms like rifles and two handed grenade launchers.
I'll see what I can do, but these guys are meant to have one handed assault weapons. I would love to do some heavy armored troopers that are the mid ground between the HUGE weapons and the assault weapons, kind of like your standard SM but that may need to be an additional set of arms for these, released after the Kickstarter. dunno... I have to see how much of an issue it is with the clearance problems.
I definitely see the issue. There's not a lot of room to make their arms hug their chests. Would keeping the longer chamber AND extending the barrel not give enough? I was picturing a hand on top the gun, palm DOWN, as if holding it down from kicking upwards.
What about an extended support stock, kind of like the old Chewbacca Star Wars miniature or a sling shot? LOL
Eric
I need time to play around with it.
The one thing I do know is the weapon cant have a stock. It creates collision problems with the chest and the arms. I had to work pretty hard to get the strumtruppen to work with rifles with stocks. If you look at DUST figs, they don't have stocks. I can tell you from experience that thats the reason why...
MagickalMemories wrote:I prefer the longer chambers of the first Grenade launcher. This one just looks like an oversized 6-shooter.
I'd like to reiterate my suggestion for a longer barrel on the GL and an arm option for holding it 2 handed.
Eric
Two handed is a bit of a problem with heavily armored troops. Clearing the chest and still reaching the supporting arm far enough to grip the front of the weapon can be problematic for small arms like rifles and two handed grenade launchers.
I'll see what I can do, but these guys are meant to have one handed assault weapons. I would love to do some heavy armored troopers that are the mid ground between the HUGE weapons and the assault weapons, kind of like your standard SM but that may need to be an additional set of arms for these, released after the Kickstarter. dunno... I have to see how much of an issue it is with the clearance problems.
I can appreciate that you want them to have one handed assault weapons, but honestly I think that's a tad generic.
Why not have the grenade launchers be something mounted on their backpack or something like that? It'd let you do shields too, so these guys could supply their own covering fire when they assault!
MagickalMemories wrote:I prefer the longer chambers of the first Grenade launcher. This one just looks like an oversized 6-shooter.
I'd like to reiterate my suggestion for a longer barrel on the GL and an arm option for holding it 2 handed.
Eric
Two handed is a bit of a problem with heavily armored troops. Clearing the chest and still reaching the supporting arm far enough to grip the front of the weapon can be problematic for small arms like rifles and two handed grenade launchers.
I'll see what I can do, but these guys are meant to have one handed assault weapons. I would love to do some heavy armored troopers that are the mid ground between the HUGE weapons and the assault weapons, kind of like your standard SM but that may need to be an additional set of arms for these, released after the Kickstarter. dunno... I have to see how much of an issue it is with the clearance problems.
I can appreciate that you want them to have one handed assault weapons, but honestly I think that's a tad generic.
Why not have the grenade launchers be something mounted on their backpack or something like that? It'd let you do shields too, so these guys could supply their own covering fire when they assault!
That’s not a bad suggestion. The problem I was having with the shield idea is that the way they are configured at present two hands are in use for all models. One holding a sword the other an assault weapon. so how does the shield attach? How do you wield it? I can attach it to the left arm but they would need to be small to allow for the two handed sword pose.
MasterSlowPoke wrote:All those swords are pretty awful, honestly. They're too large and too thick.
That comes down to how thick the item needs to be to cast and survive shipping. You need a "minimum" of 1mm thickness. They look like oversize tonka toys when you blow them up to this scale. Thats a bit deceiving. when you see a real world fig, they don't look as thick.
Large, yes these are two handers so they are large.
MagickalMemories wrote:I prefer the longer chambers of the first Grenade launcher. This one just looks like an oversized 6-shooter.
I'd like to reiterate my suggestion for a longer barrel on the GL and an arm option for holding it 2 handed.
Eric
Two handed is a bit of a problem with heavily armored troops. Clearing the chest and still reaching the supporting arm far enough to grip the front of the weapon can be problematic for small arms like rifles and two handed grenade launchers.
I'll see what I can do, but these guys are meant to have one handed assault weapons. I would love to do some heavy armored troopers that are the mid ground between the HUGE weapons and the assault weapons, kind of like your standard SM but that may need to be an additional set of arms for these, released after the Kickstarter. dunno... I have to see how much of an issue it is with the clearance problems.
I can appreciate that you want them to have one handed assault weapons, but honestly I think that's a tad generic.
Why not have the grenade launchers be something mounted on their backpack or something like that? It'd let you do shields too, so these guys could supply their own covering fire when they assault!
That’s not a bad suggestion. The problem I was having with the shield idea is that the way they are configured at present two hands are in use for all models. One holding a sword the other an assault weapon. so how does the shield attach? How do you wield it? I can attach it to the left arm but they would need to be small to allow for the two handed sword pose.
I am still not sure where to go with that one.
I don't think it would have to be that small for allowing the 2h poses.
But maybe have a "buckler" as the center of it on the left vambrace, and see about doing some clear-ish convex pieces to show it's an energy shield or something?
I'm sorry I keep teching your game setting up NoseGoblin!
Gun 3 with the shortened chamber is by far and away my favorite.
Sword 2 is fantastic, while sword 4 links up nicely with the Titan's sword you've made previously. I like the idea of having sword 4 be an officer or squad leader's sword.
Hmmmm the more I think about it the more issues and problems we are creating with shields.
For the initial release, I need to hold off on the shields and deal with just the details and designs we currently have. I don't want to head down the road of re-designing everything I need to consider not only the miniatures, but the universe I am trying to create.
Ideas I am tucking away for an expansion: Shields, other melee weapons, pack mounted launcher, one handed swords.
A choice of swords does make sense, either simply to give customers a choice or to easily differentiate officers from troops etc. I personally don't like the blunt edge on #1 and 2 (although I realise many real world swords are only sharp on one edge) - the blunt edge is too thick for my taste. #4's 'cleaver' look is quite fun, obviously no good for stabbing but great for swinging wildly
Here you go... a shield. I went as large as I could with these.
The issue is how to attach them to the arms. The best way would be to have the arm and shield as a single piece but I cannot do that.
Depending on the pose, you will need to rotate the shield to get the clearance you need so as not to collide with the shoulder or the weapon they are holding. Making an extra clamp on part for the arm that would have a socket to receive the shield would be too small... I am left with very few options here. At this point the best option seems to be a peg off the back of the shield, you would need to drill out a hole in the arm or use green stuff, but that makes a blobby mess on the back of the shield.
I went with a shield designed after a German tilting shield circa 15th.c. It has a curved fluted design.
Thought: rotate shield 90 degrees so eagle head faces elbow, have it attach via replacement hand (i'm assuming weapons have attached hand ah-la grey knights) and add spikey bits or claws to the "front" of it ?
Grundz wrote:Thought: rotate shield 90 degrees so eagle head faces elbow, have it attach via replacement hand (i'm assuming weapons have attached hand ah-la grey knights) and add spikey bits or claws to the "front" of it ?
Yep, I tried that it collides with the grenade launcher, the drum mag is too large to allow clearance. I think the best way for me to handle this is to put an over-sized peg and cut a slightly larger than needed groove in the direction of the lower arm. This will allow a large surface area for gluing and give some slight adjustment for a tilt where needed. It should work on most of the poses and this will leave only a very small amount of trimming or filing of the groove for one or perhaps two poses.
Grundz wrote:Thought: rotate shield 90 degrees so eagle head faces elbow, have it attach via replacement hand (i'm assuming weapons have attached hand ah-la grey knights) and add spikey bits or claws to the "front" of it ?
Yep, I tried that it collides with the grenade launcher, the drum mag is too large to allow clearance. I think the best way for me to handle this is to put an over-sized peg and cut a slightly larger than needed groove in the direction of the lower arm. This will allow a large surface area for gluing and give some slight adjustment for a tilt where needed. It should work on most of the poses and this will leave only a very small amount of trimming or filing of the groove for one or perhaps two poses.
well, i mean it would be in place of the grenade launcher not in addition to it like a lightningclaw/shield hand
This is what I was talking about. its about .5mm on either side to allow a very slight twist. This should be enough and make it easy for everyone to fit it where they need to.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Grundz wrote:
NoseGoblin wrote:
Grundz wrote:Thought: rotate shield 90 degrees so eagle head faces elbow, have it attach via replacement hand (i'm assuming weapons have attached hand ah-la grey knights) and add spikey bits or claws to the "front" of it ?
Yep, I tried that it collides with the grenade launcher, the drum mag is too large to allow clearance. I think the best way for me to handle this is to put an over-sized peg and cut a slightly larger than needed groove in the direction of the lower arm. This will allow a large surface area for gluing and give some slight adjustment for a tilt where needed. It should work on most of the poses and this will leave only a very small amount of trimming or filing of the groove for one or perhaps two poses.
well, i mean it would be in place of the grenade launcher not in addition to it like a lightningclaw/shield hand
I hear you. You can always mod to your hearts content but I need to focus on making it work with the weapons and poses we currently have.
The shield you showed is VERY cool. I've got nothing negative to say about it.
That said... maybe the problem is that you're limiting yourself? These aren't real shields. A real shield isn't going to block a plasma shot. These are hunks of metal with a protective charge in them. Why do they have to meet stereotypical shield designs?
If you're having a problem with the shield, you could always change the shape to something that will fit without needing to be turned every-which-way.
I like this a lot:
I like the way it cups the arm. If that doesn't work with the shield design, then why not change it's shape? I mean, if it's got a peg and we've got to drill a hole in the arm for the peg to fit, that's going to turn a LOT of people off. It's shocking how many people can't line up a drill bit.
I'd virtually guarantee that you'd lose sales over it. Maybe not many. Hell, maybe only one (not mine, though)... but sales.
MagickalMemories wrote:The shield you showed is VERY cool. I've got nothing negative to say about it.
That said... maybe the problem is that you're limiting yourself? These aren't real shields. A real shield isn't going to block a plasma shot. These are hunks of metal with a protective charge in them. Why do they have to meet stereotypical shield designs?
If you're having a problem with the shield, you could always change the shape to something that will fit without needing to be turned every-which-way.
I like this a lot:
I like the way it cups the arm. If that doesn't work with the shield design, then why not change it's shape? I mean, if it's got a peg and we've got to drill a hole in the arm for the peg to fit, that's going to turn a LOT of people off. It's shocking how many people can't line up a drill bit.
I'd virtually guarantee that you'd lose sales over it. Maybe not many. Hell, maybe only one (not mine, though)... but sales.
Eric
Its good, I tested it on the models. You should not need to drill anything, The tolerances are tight enough and there is enough surface area to glue it straight on, problem solved.
Loose sales over an optional glue on piece? Nah... its an add on, not part of the main design of the fig. If I thought I would loose sales, I would not provide it as an option, problem solved
MagickalMemories wrote:That said... maybe the problem is that you're limiting yourself? These aren't real shields. A real shield isn't going to block a plasma shot. These are hunks of metal with a protective charge in them. Why do they have to meet stereotypical shield designs?
How right you are Where I run into issues, is that the game universe (Iron Core) does not have that kind of tech level, no power shields. The closest thing Is the shield mounted on the Crusader, it acts more as a soft push and helps deflect slow moving RPG or thrown grenades. It uses the same tech that allows the Leviathans to move so it fits in the universe and the tech level.
Ah. I see.
Yeah. In that case, you definitely do need to keep to semi-realistic designs.
One thing I'm unsure about... The image you posted of the back if the sheild... was that how you are GOING TO make them, or how you CAN'T? Initially, i was thinking you were saying you could NOT do that and, instead, were going to do the post. I"m thinking now that I might've been wrong. : )
MagickalMemories wrote:Ah. I see. Yeah. In that case, you definitely do need to keep to semi-realistic designs.
One thing I'm unsure about... The image you posted of the back if the sheild... was that how you are GOING TO make them, or how you CAN'T? Initially, i was thinking you were saying you could NOT do that and, instead, were going to do the post. I"m thinking now that I might've been wrong. : )
Eric
Ahh... sorry for the confusion. When I first made the shield I was having a hard time deciding on a means to connect them to the arm. After playing a bit, I came up with what you see and tested it on the models to make sure it works with all poses. It does so we are go for the shields with the same connector shown on the back.... it all looks good.
Automatically Appended Next Post: The updated assault squad you created is posted on my blog... THANK YOU for all your help and input.
Now off to make changes on the heavy weapons crew and see if I cant work or some weapons being held with both hands to fill the middle ground between the BIG guns and the assault squad.
I love these. I liked the so much I checked out your website and would like to say the leviathans are very nice. my only complant is i couldnt find a store were i could by the Sci-Fi Germans
Demented duo wrote:I love these. I liked the so much I checked out your website and would like to say the leviathans are very nice. my only complant is i couldnt find a store were i could by the Sci-Fi Germans
I should havethem up for retail sales near the end of next week; I just need to push up some shopping cart software to the website to get thing rolling.
I don't like the shields. the shields themselves look very nice but they just don't look like they belong with the close combat guys. keep with your original vision of a hand held grenade launcher and sword it works better
the standard Heavy weapon guy looks great keep doing stuff like that. I support throwing some of these standard guys into the Heavy squads.
What do you think the squad/platoon structure will look like? will the parts be interchangeable with the 1st generation of minis you released, specifically could I equip one of my kriegsmarines with a heavy troopers grenade launcher?
one more suggestion flamethrower, I know flamethrowers migh be considered overused but with a close combat squad a flame thrower might be very useful as support
and on a side note thank you for making the tweaks and changes people ask for in this thread it's exciting to log onto each day and see what these guys might look like. I'm amazed you can respond as quickly as you have.
The assault squad looks ace, they've really come a long way from a promising start.
I like the longer barreled grenade launcher so far, and you're continuing to do a good job making convincing weapon 'families.' Would something like a light machinegun version fitting in somewhere between the kreigsmarine and heavy weapon machineguns work for this in-betweener squad? Maybe a mid-sized rocket launcher or something too.
Another thing that could be cool if you're still up for heavy weapons would be an even more upsized grenade launcher, along the lines of like the Mk 19.
Optional shields are a win-win! People can leave them off if they don't want them and the mount onto the arm looks perfect.
My criticism- I wish there was a more plain option, without the eagle! Or with perhaps another, slightly less pronounced logo... like a smaller eagle in the center. I.e., using just the fluting for the main design, and slightly less in-your-face than the full-on large eagle. Maybe that would be a quick change to try out?
I love the idea of the in-between trooper with the mid-sized weapon that you've posted. It just makes a ton of sense to have those guys, since every soldier wouldn't be a close-quarters fanatic or heavy weapons specialist.
Awesome how these are taking shape before our eyes and it's definitely getting me excited, and becoming something I could actually really want and use!
I love these models, and I would love the heavy weapons models as some counts as devastators. Are you going to run these as a kickstart or offer them for sale right away?
I really like everything so far. One thing I would suggest is gubbin up the front part of the Larger Grenade launcher. It is a big flat space that looks like it could be filled with something, be it...
A small styalised eagle head or
A traction plate (something like the Dakka default background's image) for the Knight to hold, or
Cooling vents/fins opposite of a handle for the left hand to grasp. something like the handle on this weapon system. (Though the Knight's handle would be horizontal rather than vertical)
Spoiler:
This latter option might be able extend the spacing between the body and arms/gun much in the way that the Cadian Grenade Launcher arms work. If you go that way it means that it is possible to use both hands but you arent absolutely required to use the left arm as it only has a handle on it and not a lot of the GL detail.
For reference this is how the Cadian GL arms look.
I'm loving the new grenade launcher models. Seriously cool.
My only critique is that I'd make them different (not that there's anything *wrong* with the direction you're heading). To just put it out there - everyone reading this that plays 40K is making Space Marine comparisons. Even you've done it.
What I'd like to see is contrast; some fundamental differences between these and Space Marines. IMO, you've got that going well with the heavy weapons troopers and pretty good with the assault models. This newest post, though... it really echoes Space Marine posing. I'd suggest a few minor changes.
For example, your model has his left hand cupped under the GL (which I'm taking to be a Bolter equivalent) for support. Why not add a handle to the bottom (like, as has been said, a Cadian IG Grenade launcher) or on top, like a Space Marine Heavy Bolter:
Or perhaps a vertical grip, rather than a horizontal one:
These models are really cool looking. I'm enjoying where you're going with them and watching them form and morph right before us. It's not every day that happens.
I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
I actually really, really like the 3-part-looking smartgun arm thing that he has currently on some of the heavy weapons far more than I would a vertical or side grip
What about if you made leg versions that didn't have the coat/cloth on it? I think they'd be great as 15mm small mecha suits if there was no more clothing on them.
