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The newest update is out on Facebook. Here is the new updated Ferret.




From their Facebook post: Updated Ferret 3D Model.

Our 3D Modeler updated the Ferret torso and hip parts at the end of last week, based on feedback. It was noted that the torso was sitting to high on the hips when compared to the old metal miniature in both the walker and ground mode poses. This was due to the space needed for the ball joint between the torso and hips on the new model, the old metal mini didn't have a ball joint. So we have decided to remove the ball joint from this model, which has allowed for material under the rear torso to be removed like the old design. For the torso to work in the front/rear pull production molds we have gone with cylinder type connection between the torso and hips, that way the model can be posed with a torso twist. The cylinder surface on the hips was given an angle so that when the Ferret torso is placed on top its more angled down in the front.

The image below includes the old Ferret models on the left, along with the new Ferret walker and ground poses to their right. One of the new Ferret walkers was posed with a bit of a torso twist, so you see how it can look. Plus we put a new exploded parts view to show the new cylinder connection between the torso and hips looks.

Another improvement. Thanks for the update and I'll be keeping my paint stained fingers crossed for the grizzly family.

Witness the power of negative feedback.

It still looks off, to me, but it is certainly an improvement.

I think it still looks a bit "thin-nosed", as it were.

I agree that the redo's are better, but all of them still look blockier than the original metals. All of the renders shown so far are chunkier and have larger flat areas than the metals. I'm hoping at some point before they're done that they show us some of the actual test models, preferably painted (or at least primed).

Not saying that they're bad, just noticeably different. (Time for Hunter Mk IV?)

 HudsonD wrote:
Witness the power of negative feedback.

I think it's less negative feedback than constructive criticism. Calling someone stupid because they did something wrong isn't constructive. Telling someone precisely what they did wrong and how they can fix it is constructive. That's what I've seen on the DP9 forums and on the facebook page.

It looks less constipated, so that's a good step.

The added detail on the side of the torso is adding a weird effect, I think. It makes the end of the torso look bent at a more severe angle, but I don't think it actually is.

I strongly agree with Albertorius on getting some 3D prints done.

Nomeny wrote:
I suppose it vindicates the decision to avoid China.

Because Wyrd, DreamForge and Kingdom Death don't get excellent results from their Chinese partners?

Because we don't need everything from China.

BrandonKF wrote:
Because we don't need everything from China.

But OTOH, not everything coming from China is bad and wrong.

Personally, being not american and seeing as DP9 is canadian, I thought it was funny to see them tout the "all produced in America" fanfare at the KS.

 Albertorius wrote:

BrandonKF wrote:
Because we don't need everything from China.

But OTOH, not everything coming from China is bad and wrong.

Personally, being not american and seeing as DP9 is canadian, I thought it was funny to see them tout the "all produced in America" fanfare at the KS.

Exactly. Especially as "Made in America" usually means "vastly overpriced for low quality."

Given the quality of the Chinese kits I own, I have no issues with the Chinese ability to deliver.

 Albertorius wrote:

BrandonKF wrote:
Because we don't need everything from China.

But OTOH, not everything coming from China is bad and wrong..

China makes good stuff and cheap stuff. Problem is, people just want stuff on the cheap.

 fellowhoodlum wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:

BrandonKF wrote:
Because we don't need everything from China.

But OTOH, not everything coming from China is bad and wrong..

China makes good stuff and cheap stuff. Problem is, people just want stuff on the cheap.

They use to do what you pay for. I know, I have Dreamforge Games stuff and RRT stuff.

 JohnHwangDD wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:

BrandonKF wrote:
Because we don't need everything from China.

But OTOH, not everything coming from China is bad and wrong.

Personally, being not american and seeing as DP9 is canadian, I thought it was funny to see them tout the "all produced in America" fanfare at the KS.

Exactly. Especially as "Made in America" usually means "vastly overpriced for low quality."

It does?

Actually, no, it doesn't.

But...whatever, I suppose?

I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

Nomeny wrote:
I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

I think most Game companies wouldn't agree with this sentiment. The vast majority seem to think the added logistical challenges of producing in China are out weighed by other benefits.

All-in-all I don't think the demographic that Heavy Gear is catering too is really influenced by where something is produced.

 Catyrpelius wrote:

Nomeny wrote:
I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

I think most Game companies wouldn't agree with this sentiment. The vast majority seem to think the added logistical challenges of producing in China are out weighed by other benefits.

Yes - and the biggest benefit there is 'cost' which will equal higher margins.

 Catyrpelius wrote:

All-in-all I don't think the demographic that Heavy Gear is catering too is really influenced by where something is produced.

Almost definitely!

 JohnHwangDD wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:

BrandonKF wrote:
Because we don't need everything from China.

But OTOH, not everything coming from China is bad and wrong.

Personally, being not american and seeing as DP9 is canadian, I thought it was funny to see them tout the "all produced in America" fanfare at the KS.

Exactly. Especially as "Made in America" usually means "vastly overpriced for low quality."

Given the quality of the Chinese kits I own, I have no issues with the Chinese ability to deliver.

You've been buying the wrong Made in America stuff. Everything I've bought that's made in the US is decidedly quality compared to other options. Granted, they are usually more expensive, but you get what you pay for and then some more.

China produces good things and also loads of junk. They're also on the other side of the world, and there isn't much (aside from future business) that prevents them from doing a shoddy job compared to using US manufacturers. I think that's one reason for them using a US source. They probably look at it more as Made in North America.

 Catyrpelius wrote:

Nomeny wrote:
I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

I think most Game companies wouldn't agree with this sentiment. The vast majority seem to think the added logistical challenges of producing in China are out weighed by other benefits.

All-in-all I don't think the demographic that Heavy Gear is catering too is really influenced by where something is produced.

I don't think it matters what other game companies think in this case, and rather what matters is that DP9 appears to agree. When I was in a similar position to get a game produced in China, I looked at the benefits to doing so, and didn't find they outweighed the costs to me. Maybe other companies can handle China because they have contacts or direct experience in getting stuff produced there, and maybe some don't. It's kind of silly to generalize across companies when the specifics are so important.

 Albertorius wrote:
DP9 is canadian, I thought it was funny to see them tout the "all produced in America" fanfare at the KS.

Yes. It very much was, speaking as a Canadian whose government has spent years (decades) telling us to shop at home, and a media that implies we're vaguely traitorous when we don't.

They've been touting the line "Made in America" for a while now. Since the US are their main market, it suppose they think it's a good commercial move.

Incidentally, their books were pure garbage (in term of print and binding quality), more expensive than colour hardcover and were proudly presented as "made in America!!!!".
The latter was supposed to compensate for the formers.

Nomeny wrote:
I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

Canada and the USA still have borders, yes? And customs offices, I guess? I'm guessing that to sell stuff to americans their stuff will have to cross the border twice. That's what I found funny.

 Albertorius wrote:

Nomeny wrote:
I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

Canada and the USA still have borders, yes? And customs offices, I guess? I'm guessing that to sell stuff to americans their stuff will have to cross the border twice. That's what I found funny.

Does the Pod not have distribution centers in the US?

 Grey Templar wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:

Nomeny wrote:
I think it simplifies the logistics to keep production in America.

Canada and the USA still have borders, yes? And customs offices, I guess? I'm guessing that to sell stuff to americans their stuff will have to cross the border twice. That's what I found funny.

Does the Pod not have distribution centers in the US?

... You're joking right ? They don't even have a distribution center, never mind distribution centers.

They do at least have a mailing address in Plattsburgh, NY that they've mailed packages out of for US customers. Wouldn't be too surprising if the US and Canada orders get processed in the separate locations. But, as far as the US/Canada border goes, generally it's less of a big deal the closer you live to it. (Depending on the state, you can cross the border using an "enhanced" drivers license and not even a real passport, after all. ) And the Pod looks to be pretty close.

Either way, there is a lot to be said for having something manufactured in your same general time zone.

That's Mr Dubois driving south 80km from Montréal on fridays to get stuff shipped directly from the US.

How he deals with the customs, I don't know.

"Good afternoon sir, do you have any commercial merchandise to declare?"

"No sir."

"Then what's in the van?"

"These? Oh these are gifts... for my grandson."

"......"

He's a little spoiled."

maceria wrote:
"He's a little spoiled."

Not if he's getting HG minis, he isn't.

[ba-dum, tish!]

Thank you! Thank you! I'm here all week. Tip your waiter!

In all seriousness, this whole thing has gone better than I expected, but that's really just because DP9 actually appears to be listening to some small amount of feedback. Still, the only renders that look decent to me are the Caprice Mounts, and I wouldn't say they look good, just okay. Most of the others look like a combination of poor modeling and attempts to cut corners/costs (which I think is a function of not raising enough money for what they said they would deliver). But again, at least they're listening to feedback and making some positive changes. As ever, we'll see.

GHISLAIN'S BACK FOR COVER ART.