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No, this isn't a rant about how much FW suck or anything, I just want to ask peoples opinions.

I'm thinking of buying a couple of the FW epic Warhound Titans and a couple of the Shadowswords, and not having seen any posts about FW quality recently, I just wondered if it had improved, or if it was still basically a lottery on getting good casts.

I know my potential purchases don't exactly break the bank, but I still don't want to waste money on junk, or have to spend ages messing about getting replacements.

So, yay or nay

I've generally had good experiences with FW stuff.
The only thing I've had that was bad was a Valkyrie, the cabin walls were a little off, but it was ok with a little work.

No problems here.
Even my LR Achilles (which if I recall correctly received a lot of bad press about being a bad kit in terms of fitting) fit together perfectly without any bending and just a little gs in the joints.

Jayce_The_Ace wrote:or have to spend ages messing about getting replacements.

Do you consider one week 'ages'? That's how long it takes them to get a replacement across the pond to Australia. Being in England already, a replacement will take a day or two. They express post replacements as soon as you let them know, and the most they ask for it the batch number on the packet.

Quality: Still hit and miss

shipping and handling times are usually in excess of 2 weeks in my experience... but you are in the UK...

-Loki- wrote:

Jayce_The_Ace wrote:or have to spend ages messing about getting replacements.

Do you consider one week 'ages'? That's how long it takes them to get a replacement across the pond to Australia. Being in England already, a replacement will take a day or two. They express post replacements as soon as you let them know, and the most they ask for it the batch number on the packet.

Well, I was more meaning that I understand that they don't always respond to e-mails, and I know from experience that getting through on the phone can be a bit hit or miss sometimes (even in the UK), so perhaps 'taking ages' was the wrong thing to say, and 'don't want the hassle' would be a better phrase, especially over such a small order, especially if I have to to it more than once.

@everyone - thanks for the replies so far.

Simple rule of thumb for FW:

The older the kit, the more likely it is to be horribly warped, badly miscast and generally terrible. The more and more into the future you go, the better and better everything gets.


The Epic stuff ain't exactly 'new', I'm afraid.

I have quite a few of the epic warhounds and they all came through fine.

@H.B.M.C - bugger!! - that's kinda not what I wanted to hear.

@Captain Jack - cool, but if you don't mind me asking, how long ago did you get them?

Two packs towards the end of last year, and another pair around march-ish this year for conversons that I am still to get around to... They are all fine, no slippage and very little flash. Contrary to belief the moulds are replaced frequently - I used to work the production line for a while just to keep money going into the bank account bottomless pit!

I've spent well over $1K on FW. I'e had to get a replacement for exactly 1 thing. A set of Rhino armor that was missing a piece.

I have had good luck with FW and have most of the kits they make for orks. Only on the ork halfftrakk did I get some warped pieces.

But they replace things quickly with no issues. If they are willing to replace anything not acceptable then they are fine with me.

As for 'epic' stuff... it isn't like we are getting new ones so it is take your shot on older molds or not have any. Personally, if I wanted it... I would go ahead and get it because FW will always make you whole if something is bad.

I would have to agree it a hit or miss, but all the product I have purchased in the past were great.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Simple rule of thumb for FW:

The older the kit, the more likely it is to be horribly warped, badly miscast and generally terrible. The more and more into the future you go, the better and better everything gets.


The Epic stuff ain't exactly 'new', I'm afraid.

I agree. I have a couple Epic Warhounds and the mold shift on them was HORRIBLE. Easily 3+ millimeters on the legs and torso. Getting them in workable condition was difficult. So, consider yourself warned on the Warhounds.

-Loki- wrote:

Jayce_The_Ace wrote:or have to spend ages messing about getting replacements.

Do you consider one week 'ages'? That's how long it takes them to get a replacement across the pond to Australia. Being in England already, a replacement will take a day or two. They express post replacements as soon as you let them know, and the most they ask for it the batch number on the packet.

A week, I wish. It takes FW anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks to get me stuff.

So far as quality, it's usually nice kit but you need to be prepared to fix it with hot water and possibly wait for a replacement part if you get something badly miscast. HBMC called it pretty accurately; you get a really new kit you're golden. Anything old and you're rolling the dice. My tomb stalker was in fairly good condition (a lot of flash but nothing difficult) but my older stuff, like my chapter specific doors, were warped pretty bad and had some pitting in spots requiring replacement. Cost of doing business with them, I have no beef with them since I knew it going in.

I do wish they were run like part of a multimillion-dollar global company, and not a garage business with 2 guys in it, though.

I've bought a couple of things from FW in the past few weeks, a dreadnaught autocannon and some iron hands decals (for my roommate) and an ork biker boss and a set of grot tanks, there was also an order for some IG drop troopers that my brother paid me to buy for him. The quality is definitely still up there as there was very little flash and moldlines were nearly nonexistent. Delivery was relatively prompt as well, taking only a week and a half to ship internationally, so I've had no real qualms with them as of late.

The FW epic pieces are great. I have several of the titans and never had issue. In fact I have never had issues with their quality.

Thanks for all the replies - looks like I'll have to give it some more thought...

I've had some FW figures arrive with miscasts, goobers, bubbles, and other imperfections. I've always been able to recover from these fairly easily. That being said, most of the stuff I've ordered has been extremely nice and everything was intact.

FW resin is only slightly more difficult to work with than plastic and far less difficult than most other companies' resin products.

i say go.. its worth the bet..

-Loki- wrote:

Jayce_The_Ace wrote:or have to spend ages messing about getting replacements.

Do you consider one week 'ages'? That's how long it takes them to get a replacement across the pond to Australia. Being in England already, a replacement will take a day or two. They express post replacements as soon as you let them know, and the most they ask for it the batch number on the packet.

No, still takes a week here as well.

Quick update:

I decided to take the plunge and order them - guess we'll see what we'll see.....

Even though you've already ordered...

I ordered 26 of the Hostile Cadian troops, the bodies and a few with Melta guns.

Not found any bubbles or warping or anything.

A minor bit of flash but very small and on the exterior or the models, so easily cleaned up.

Arrived in a week to republic of Ireland.