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.

So recently I've been working on some of the warpwolves from Privateer Press's Hordes product line. There's plastic versions out, but I've always had a fondness for metal models. However, perhaps it's because I rarely assemble big metal models, but I'm really not liking this experience. I'm trying to pin but I'm having alignment issues which require me to yank a piece off and try to reassemble it, and in the process of pinning I'm starting to pick up several blisters (makes work in the construction field all sorts of fun).

I'm starting to feel the urge to switch to plastic for the larger figs, but stick with metal for the smaller ones.

I guess I like metal because of the durability? Some part of me equates heavy with being of high quality, but I've got to say large metal models are the pits. I've got the warpwolf assembled and painted, now I'm scared to death to transport him anywhere for fear he'll break apart.

Anyone else have this issue?

Metal allows me to at least kind of justify the prices I pay for the stuff. I can at least believe they cast them in white gold.

I like metal. The PP plastics don't have the same mass or detail that the metals had - and they don't often have the same sense of menace.

Agreed with chromedog... I don't mind plastic, and actually prefer it in some cases, but there's something awesome about metal and some of PP's older metal sculpts beat their plastic counterparts (although not all).

chromedog wrote:The PP plastics don't have the same mass or detail that the metals had - and they don't often have the same sense of menace.

You obviously haven't compared the plastic Khador jacks to the previous versions then. The Plastics tower over the older metal with so much extra height and bulk, it isn't funny.

The old metals look like kids toys next to the plastics.

Also, ANY non-Cryx light jack vs the metal version of the same jack. My poor Renegades feel utterly inadequate next to Magnus' "acquired" Charger.

chromedog wrote:Metal allows me to at least kind of justify the prices I pay for the stuff. I can at least believe they cast them in white gold.

You know, I think that might be my issue. I think paying large sums of cash for plastic figures is idiotic, but paying that kind of money for metal seems to make things justified.

I'm curious, of the two, which do you think will better withstand the test of time?

Necroshea wrote:

chromedog wrote:Metal allows me to at least kind of justify the prices I pay for the stuff. I can at least believe they cast them in white gold.

You know, I think that might be my issue. I think paying large sums of cash for plastic figures is idiotic, but paying that kind of money for metal seems to make things justified.

I'm curious, of the two, which do you think will better withstand the test of time?

Honestly? In the case of PP, Plastic.

Why? Magnetizing the models due to being given multiple variants in a single box.

I'd rather spend $35 and get the option of a running a Spriggan, Demolisher, or Devastator when I chose than spend $38 and only have a Spriggan as an option(saying that, I DO own a metal Spriggan).

I don't mind metal jacks because they just feel right..and stuff, but plastic war beasts would be so much better. My Legion's spikes all have the paint rubbed off and I only ever put together one of each skorne elephant because they were such a pain. With the release of the newer plastics my grand idea of an elephant herd can finally be realized without losing my sanity!! Bwahahahaahahaha!!!!!

I like metal, but really only for people sized models. Anything like ogre sized or bigger these days should be plastic or resin, IMO.

I don't mind gluing on a metal hand or arm, but I do mind pinning and gluing big heavy pieces. Maybe it's more because I just don't have the amount of free time I used to, so I like stuff to be quick and easy to build, and quick and easy to paint

Gluing large metal models is a freaking nightmare.

And having them come apart mid game because it tipped over is rather annoying.

I'm a fan of the plastic larger models.

I agree, good for smaller models, but for the bigger models they quickly become a hassle to keep together. Especially if they have little thin bits (can't pin them... ) or require 3 or more parts to align perfectly (the best you'll usually get is close then coming back to fill gaps with GS).

Necroshea wrote:

chromedog wrote:Metal allows me to at least kind of justify the prices I pay for the stuff. I can at least believe they cast them in white gold.

You know, I think that might be my issue. I think paying large sums of cash for plastic figures is idiotic, but paying that kind of money for metal seems to make things justified.

I'm curious, of the two, which do you think will better withstand the test of time?

They will both be around after you are so probably not an issue.

Platuan4th wrote:

chromedog wrote:The PP plastics don't have the same mass or detail that the metals had - and they don't often have the same sense of menace.

You obviously haven't compared the plastic Khador jacks to the previous versions then. The Plastics tower over the older metal with so much extra height and bulk, it isn't funny.

Of course not. Why would I ever bother looking outside the Cygnar range? When you have already found perfection, then you need look no further.
(Khador are lumpen and unlovely. Cryx are creepy-for-the-hell of it. Neither appeal to my aesthetic sense.)

Large models are so much better in plastic/resin.

I have just re-built 2 of my Exorcist tanks after they fell apart (just used glue first time around), and I have had to pin each one in about 25 places just to get them stable, then had to go back and fill in a multitude of gaps with GS. I like to believe (I am ever the optimist) that if GW had produced these in plastic I would have been able to put them together with minimal fuss in a couple of hours rather than an entire weekend.

I personally love metal models. They are a lot easier to paint in my opinion. Only down side: They chip all too easily.

Metal models that are a solid metal piece (non cadian/catachan guard models) or only one or two pieces are great.

I love the plastic Warjacks. The Menoth ones in particular, considering how feeble their legs are under all that bulk. But small-based models I'm neutral about.

I found metal model assembly to be a frustrating experience to say the least. And the low (if any) level of customization is annoying. That being said, it's tiresome how fragile finecast is and rifles especially snap like twigs.

I do enjoy the solidity of metal. I've yet to work with resin, so I can't speak to it. While I like converting plastic models due to the ease of working with the material, metal figs just carry a certain gravitas that plastic minis lack.

I've been a metal apologist for a while. I assembled a GUO without pinning and it stayed together for 2 years. Really not sure what all the fuss is, honestly. I am hesitant to get any more resin figs... ever, just on my experiences with it.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote:I've been a metal apologist for a while. I assembled a GUO without pinning and it stayed together for 2 years. Really not sure what all the fuss is, honestly.

I've had an unpinned Lord of Change stay together since '98, so I'm right there with you about not knowing what the fuss is.

The only things I pin these days are really fiddly bits(the flags on Exemplar Seneschals, Scaverous' arms and hands) and REALLY heavy parts with small contact points.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote: ...I am hesitant to get any more resin figs... ever, just on my experiences with it.

Have you assembled FW resin or just Finecast?

FW resin is warped quite a bit (mainly due to old molds and lack of proper curing time), but they're pretty easy to work with. The resin terrain FW makes is awesome.

I actually just hurt myself trying to disassemble my unpainted metal Hive Tyrant.

I've been playing Tyranids for a while now, and large metal models have never really been a problem.

I like large metal models and metal characters.

I've never had a problem with metal models. I started gaming in '98, so I have plenty of experience putting things together. I pin when necessary, and I enjoy the modeling and painting aspect of the hobby. When it comes to PP, I haven't had any experience with their plastics yet, and so far have had no trouble assembling their metals. Nothing's ever fallen apart on me mid-game either.

I like the weight of metal models, and generally have no problems with them (although it is a pain in the ass to convert). My main issue with metal is when it chips.

My favourite medium would have to be resin. All the detail of metal, light, and doesn't chip too easily.