Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I've been hemming and hawing about a Forge World Hell Talon Model. I have a Hell Blade but have been looking at Hell Talon auctions on ebay. I always balked at the price. So I play Death Guard and planned a Hell Talon based around a HUGE fly based on a the defiler model. My Defiler is fly based so I have the technical elements worked out.

So the question is, what do people prefer for their more esoteric elements of their army. The Forge World model if it's available or would they rather have something scratch-built?

Depends on the model, some things can be built effectively out of plastic card. Some thing I like just the way Forge World have done them and I don't see myself improving. A decision may also depend on how much use I could see in it, something getting use every game might be more attractive than something that would live in the display cabinet.

I haven't got much Forge World stuff, but those are the factors that might sway me. Though I'm more of a painter than a gamer anyway, so something nice to live in the display cabinet might be a winner.

The main factor of course, is that Forge world is prohibitively expensive.

Difficult question. As Howard, I could also go both ways on this (and indeed have in the past).

I love FW models, their Krieg line is some of the best stuff ever, but I also like scratch building stuff.

For mr, the deciding thing is often seeing some set, or part of a set, that gets me going creatively, and I´ll start from there.

So it´s not as much about the model being available or not, more about making something unique once in a while...

Convert a fw model and enjoy the best of both choices.
For me both options are equally good... its not much who does what but more if the model is cool or not.

I'd love to have some FW models or even just some bits. But since I cannot afford them, scratch built is totally the way to go; inspired by the FW models of course.

If a model exists, I would always prefer to buy it rather than convert something else into it.

Xanthos wrote:... I could also go both ways... (and indeed have in the past).

Well, THERE is an interesting tidbit of information.
Quite siggable, indeed. LOL

As for the OP's question... it all depends. I had to vote "other."
If you want your flyer to look like a giant fly, then you need to go the conversion route. if you just want a flyer, then either is fine.

I have the fortune of gaming with a group whose FW models (excluding terrain) model in the dozens, if not scores. As a result, it's not all that "new" to me. I love their models but sometimes I'm even more impressed with a good conversion, as it shows JUST how much time and effort the individual put into the model.

In this case, since you know WHAT you want, go with the conversion. it'll be cheaper in the long run anyway, I'm sure.

Just be certain to take lots of images and post a WIP log!


Eric

MagickalMemories wrote:
In this case, since you know WHAT you want, go with the conversion. it'll be cheaper in the long run anyway, I'm sure.

Just be certain to take lots of images and post a WIP log!


Eric

Always do

A lot of the scratch built large minis I've seen don't compare in quality to the forge world miniatures.

Some of them, however, break that trend.

I really love the minis that look outstanding and are unique. However, in those cases it isn't so much a matter of thrift (you have to spend tons of time putting a giant mini together, and getting fine details in there, then that is making up for any money saved).

So... if it is done awesomely, then do it yourself. If it is done halfway, just get the forge world mini.

It is a really difficult question - my answer is that while , yes, I'd love to be able to have FW models or FW components for my central models, as expensive as they are, I need to find other ways to do this and scratchbuilding is generally the cheapest way.

I'm of two thoughts about this. Part of me would love the FW version. But there are other people who have them. So it's almost like when you field it people will think, "Cool, I've seen it on the site but not in real life. Neat."

With a good scratch built concept that is applied well, you get people looking at the idea and either staring at it in jaw dropping amazment or even better, coming up with their own ideas. Besides, having a model totally match your theme makes your army that much more unique.

Armorcast, because its cheaper. However I counted Armorcast as 'Forgeworld' rather than 'other'.

I have a Tempest and a Reaver. No doubt as two what stands out in my armies.

sorry double post

I can't scratch build to nearly the standard of Forge World, however I really do enjoy big conversion projects. I've been playing for about 18 years and have an awful lot of old models and bits to use.

I guess I prefer Scratch-Converted if i really want the model to be unique. But I still buy Forge World stuff..

I can't afford Forge World stuff, so if I can't find an easy way to scratch-build it, I just don't worry about it. However, I just finished making an Ork Fighta out of a $15 plastic model of a F-86 Falcon. I used lots of parts from my bitz box and it looks good enough to me, especially for 1/10 the price.

Scratchbuild everytime for me. I hate resin...

It really depends on the army. Orks - scratchbuilt is better in most cases, although the FW squiggoths are better than what most (including myself) could do.

Something that's meant to look standardized? Forgeworld. All the tanks in my guard army have Ryza pattern turrets for that reason. There's nothing I'm going to do with plasticard that will look nearly as good.

ya it really depends on what your using i mean stompas arent supposed to be uniformed but titans are so in other words forgeworld is better quality(usually) while scratch build is cheeper

the advantage in scratch building is the extra kudos for building it yourself. I buy the odd FW thing but am especially proud if my scratch built stuff.

Sure it eats up a lot of time but its enjoyable and as much a part of this hobby as painting and gaming.

I'd much prefer to scratch-build , but my building/painting skills are not as hot as I'd like, so I end up buying, and maybe doing some minor conversions.

Playing Orks does make it a bit easier to scratch-build/kustomize.

its a good question and one i have thought about when planning my death gaurd.

i decided to buy the forge world DG kits and dreads BUT only once. i bought the box set of 7 metal plague marines from GW but again, only once. and the rest i shall use gree stuff on.

basically i decided to go with the skills of the proffesionals when i could, but not to have duplicates of anything in my army.

voted 'other'

hope that helps

phill