Secret Weapon Tablescapes - Kickstarter ended @ $311k

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**DarkTraveler777**

The pictures in that update are pretty cool. The overall content of the update not so much.

**scarletsquig**

New update, pretty cool pics, looking forward to my board and might get more now that I know the G&G stuff just isn't what I'm after:

Shipping, Spacers, and Production Updates
28 comments
6 likes

Greetings backers!

First up, I have to announce another totally unsurprising, terribly disappointing delay in the delivery of the Tablescapes Tiles. I'll save the details for the end of the post, for the TL;DR crowd, and just say here that I don't have a delivery date yet -- but we are working with the factory to get an update.
What I do have for you is a completely new tile spacer!

The new spacer was actually part of the delay. The original spacer design accounted for only minor variations in the height of the tiles. As we kept pushing the limit on tile sizes we effectively made the original spacer design obsolete. The new one isn't as pretty, but it's much sturdier, can be expanded to handle any tile height, and keeps the tiles more secure in storage.
ADD-ON ITEMS ARE SHIPPING NOW!

Those of you with add-on items that aren't Kickstarter specific will be happy to know that we have begun shipping them. We have 286 orders sitting on the shipping table in the warehouse, and the team is packing them up and getting them out the door.
Scrap Yard - ACTION SHOTS!

The team at the factory decided to put some painted Dream Forge models on the display board, and they sent me these photos.

And I love them. it's nice to see painted models on the board, and these give you a great idea of just how much detail, and height variation, is packed into all of the tiles. They're flat enough to support models and terrain, and varied enough that they don't just look like laser cut/etched MDF, but take full advantage of the injection molding.

TL;DR - Production Update

We had to completely re-engineer the tile spacers, which led to a delay. This was caused by the incredible variance in our tile heights. See above for the new pics.

We also ran into problems with packaging, as the original designs also assumed a limited variance in tile height. We're now having to redesign the packaging to accommodate the tile variations, as well as the new spacers.

I am working with my designers, and the factory to ensure that we can get all of the tiles delivered in Q1-2014. I don't have a date for this yet, but the milling won't be slowing us down at this point.

I don't like delays, and I like them even less when I can't give you a more definitive update on when the tiles will ship. We're working as quickly as we can to get this resolved, and I will update as soon as I have more information.

In the interim this just gives me more time to get the Scrap Yard table painted up, and get you lot an action shot... or twenty.

**Snrub**

Alright scarlet, did you not see the thing about this being backer only?

I'd imagine if MisterJustin wanted this made public he would have put it as a public update. S'all I'm saying.

**Breotan**

I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.

**Redemption**

Not sure why he made them backer only anyway. I didn't back the Kickstarter as I'd only like a few river and street tiles to add to my Realm of Battle board, and there was no option to order a mix of a few selected tiles.

But that doesn't mean I'm not interested in progress of the project, and seeing the actual product before buying it when it does become available. So I'm happy squig posted it, as the pictures look cool and the detail of the board looks crisp. Can't wait to see the finished Rolling Hills and Urban themes.

**Alfndrate**

Breotan wrote:
I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.

There are some cases in which backer only updates are indeed only for backers, Through the Breach has been doing backer only updates since September because every update contains a link to the playtest files and not a link to the playtest forums where you had to be approved to join (not the smartest way to do it, but w/e). But these, these aren't really secret updates that we can't know. These are the type of updates that everyone can get excited for because they're awesome (especially the shots with actual models on them!) :-D

I think from here on out, "backer only updates" shouldn't really be hidden since there isn't any secret data that if it got out would be a bad thing, in fact I think letting people see these images will only serve to get people interested for when it hits retail release.

**Azazelx**

Snrub wrote:
Alright scarlet, did you not see the thing about this being backer only?

I'd imagine if MisterJustin wanted this made public he would have put it as a public update. S'all I'm saying.

Let's face it, while the minutia or might end up being kept backer-only, there's next to no chance of the pictures being kept "secret", none of us signed an NDA, and I'll talk about this stuff and delays as much as I like. I posted a message on the comments last week asking about fulfilment, since it was pretty much obviously going to miss a December delivery date...

me wrote:
Any info on updated timelines for previously-December fulfilment?
Because that stuff kinda needs to be on a moving boat already at this point to be getting to us in Dec, since it's now Mid-November...
Should we expect January-Feb at this point (if they go out soon) or April-May? Because Chinese New Year pretty much closes the country down for all of Feb. And what's likely to hit that timeline?

Justin wrote:
Secret Weapon 6 days ago
That is a very, very fine question - and I'm waiting on an update from the factory. They haven't told me we've missed our deadline, but like you I'm fairly sure it happened.

So now it's a more generic "Q1 delivery". So being realistic, we can expect our board(s) in March. Or May.

I have to also say that the reasoning given for the delays (spacers, tile height, packaging) wouldn't on the surface seem to be an issue for urban streets (damaged - or especially clean), and both of those were supposedly on track for December as well.

**SlaveToDorkness**

That's what I was thinking as well, Az.

Was really looking forward to having these under the Christmas tree this year.

Looks like my Easter basket will be full next year though!

**Bossk_Hogg**

So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.

**RiTides**

I'm getting a ruined temple display board. But if it's awesome maybe I'll turn it into a full one once these are released

. The border for the display board certainly looks ace!

**nkelsch**

RiTides wrote:
I'm getting a ruined temple display board. But if it's awesome maybe I'll turn it into a full one once these are released . The border for the display board certainly looks ace!

Ditto. I got in for a 4-tile display board Ruined temple, and if they are nice then I might adopt this system for my table.

**Breotan**

Alfndrate wrote:
There are some cases in which backer only updates are indeed only for backers, Through the Breach has been doing backer only updates since September because every update contains a link to the playtest files and not a link to the playtest forums where you had to be approved to join (not the smartest way to do it, but w/e).

I understand this and I'm willing to not post proprietary stuff like beta-test links and such myself but I don't think we should act like zombies have breeched the fence if someone does.

Alfndrate wrote:
I think from here on out, "backer only updates" shouldn't really be hidden since there isn't any secret data that if it got out would be a bad thing, in fact I think letting people see these images will only serve to get people interested for when it hits retail release.

Agreed, especially since most everyone who reads these threads are likely to be backers anyway. Not everyone keeps their KS emails on file like I do.

**Azazelx**

Bossk_Hogg wrote:
So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.

Sure, but urban roads don't appear to be something that is suddenly going to have a lot more depth to them over the original plans....

**Cyporiean**

Azazelx wrote:
Bossk_Hogg wrote:
So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.

Sure, but urban roads don't appear to be something that is suddenly going to have a lot more depth to them over the original plans....

The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.

**Bossk_Hogg**

Azazelx wrote:
Bossk_Hogg wrote:
So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.

Sure, but urban roads don't appear to be something that is suddenly going to have a lot more depth to them over the original plans....

For some reason I'd thought those were due next year anyways, but they did have an original goal of December. Still, a few month delay is about par for Kickstarters (actually better than average, but we'll see).

**Azazelx**

Cyporiean wrote:

The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.

Nope. The clean and ruined ones are each their own, distinct SKU. It's not half-and-half. Even the ruined ones don't appear to be especially deep or high - especially being urban streets rather than urban ruins.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1084069684/tablescapes-by-secret-weapon-miniatures/posts/601684

**Cyporiean**

Azazelx wrote:
Cyporiean wrote:

The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.

Nope. The clean and ruined ones are each their own, distinct SKU. It's not half-and-half. Even the ruined ones don't appear to be especially deep or high - especially being urban streets rather than urban ruins.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1084069684/tablescapes-by-secret-weapon-miniatures/posts/601684

3 SKUs: Clean, Ruined, Mixed.

**Azazelx**

Bossk_Hogg wrote:

For some reason I'd thought those were due next year anyways, but they did have an original goal of December. Still, a few month delay is about par for Kickstarters (actually better than average, but we'll see).

Yeah, it just becomes tiring. Especially when producers constantly tell us "everything is on schedule" until just a few weeks before fulfilment is actually due before saying "oops - add 4-6 months!". Especially when it was going to be something I planned to put together over my Christmas break.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Cyporiean wrote:
Azazelx wrote:
Cyporiean wrote:

The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.

Nope. The clean and ruined ones are each their own, distinct SKU. It's not half-and-half. Even the ruined ones don't appear to be especially deep or high - especially being urban streets rather than urban ruins.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1084069684/tablescapes-by-secret-weapon-miniatures/posts/601684

3 SKUs: Clean, Ruined, Mixed.

So as I said, the clean set won't have had any changes. Ruined might, but probably not, and mixed depends on the ruined. Thanks for proving my point.

**DaveC**

They've had to remill the Urban sets as the road level was below the dirt level on the other boards when they tested them this is being corrected so that they are level that's the reason for the delay on the Urban boards.

**Snrub**

Breotan wrote:
I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.

Azazelx wrote:Let's face it, while the minutia or might end up being kept backer-only, there's next to no chance of the pictures being kept "secret", none of us signed an NDA, and I'll talk about this stuff and delays as much as I like. I posted a message on the comments last week asking about fulfilment, since it was pretty much obviously going to miss a December delivery date...

Alright, maybe I'm being a bit of a backer only nazi. I dunno. Really, yeah this stuff isn't super secret. I know that. But like I said before, if Mr Justin wanted this stuff known why didn't he just make it an everybody update? I figure they're backer only for a reason. What ever that reason may be. But what evs.

If someone else wants to put the backer only updates up then that's fine. If Mr Justin gives the all clear on posting them, then sweet as.

**Alfndrate**

Snrub wrote:
Breotan wrote:
I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.
Azazelx wrote:Let's face it, while the minutia or might end up being kept backer-only, there's next to no chance of the pictures being kept "secret", none of us signed an NDA, and I'll talk about this stuff and delays as much as I like. I posted a message on the comments last week asking about fulfilment, since it was pretty much obviously going to miss a December delivery date...
Alright, maybe I'm being a bit of a backer only nazi. I dunno. Really, yeah this stuff isn't super secret. I know that. But like I said before, if Mr Justin wanted this stuff known why didn't he just make it an everybody update? I figure they're backer only for a reason. What ever that reason may be. But what evs.

If someone else wants to put the backer only updates up then that's fine. If Mr Justin gives the all clear on posting them, then sweet as.

I believe from misterjustin's point of view, the updates are really only interesting to the backers because we're the people that are waiting in anticipation for this product to get to us, so we get the update and we drool over it, and go, "OH MAN I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MINE!" But we're mother fething DakkaDakka here, and we all love to see our toys get made, whether we bought them or not. So by posting these 'backer only' updates for all to see, we're effectively promoting Tablescapes for those that are interested in such a product, but missed out on the kickstarter. The more exposure the product gets the more sales Justin is going to get after he puts these up for retail.

**RiTides**

I approve of that post, Alf

. And agreed! I'm almost positive that if you ask him, Snrub, he won't mind the updates being discussed here. I think everyone who has posted on this page has been a backer, anyway- this is probably where his largest concentration of backers communicate most, so it makes sense to talk about the updates here.

**Aerethan**

Can't wait for updates on the Rolling Fields set. Us Fantasy players get no love these days!

**H.B.M.C.**

Well the scrapyard tiles fully show off one of the issues with these sorts of tiles - nice terrain features tucked neatly into a single square giving the odd impression that someone intentionally swept them up and left them in small piles.

**DarkTraveler777**

H.B.M.C. wrote:
Well the scrapyard tiles fully show off one of the issues with these sorts of tiles - nice terrain features tucked neatly into a single square giving the odd impression that someone intentionally swept them up and left them in small piles.

Well, the tiles shown are from a design concept called a Scrap Yard and not a Debris Field. Scrap Yard to me implies some sort of agency involved to organize and contain scrap parts rather than having them randomly distributed. YMMV.

**Snrub**

The ball is rolling.

Update #88

Nov 21, 2013
And so it begins....
4 comments
6 likes

Shipping has begin on the add-on items from our standard catalog.... and this is what the crew packed on the first day. The orders aren't sealed up yet as we use a double audit system to ensure accuracy. One person packs the order, and highlights the items, and then it is inspected and sealed by the person shipping them.

For those of you that haven't seen our warehouse pics before, that's the casting room just visible on the left -- and mold master storage cabinets on the right.

**AlexHolker**

Bossk_Hogg wrote:
So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.

At this point, I think the best solution would be to create a second sprue of the corner clips which adds half an inch of clearance or so, so that you could use shallow tiles and deep tiles on the same board.

**Genoside07**

Azazelx wrote:

Yeah, it just becomes tiring. Especially when producers constantly tell us "everything is on schedule" until just a few weeks before fulfilment is actually due before saying "oops - add 4-6 months!". Especially when it was going to be something I planned to put together over my Christmas break.

Funny you say that...just a few weeks ago the robotech kickstarter did the same thing.. Scheduled to ship out in December and the first week of November they say its been delayed a "few" months. You cant tell me these companies don't know delay issues months ahead..

**Valhallan42nd**

Secret Weapon, I'm okay with. Projects involving Paladium, however, are notorious for delays.

**Azazelx**

DaveC wrote:
They've had to remill the Urban sets as the road level was below the dirt level on the other boards when they tested them this is being corrected so that they are level that's the reason for the delay on the Urban boards.

Thank you, Dave.

Snrub wrote:
Alright, maybe I'm being a bit of a backer only nazi. I dunno. Really, yeah this stuff isn't super secret. I know that. But like I said before, if Mr Justin wanted this stuff known why didn't he just make it an everybody update? I figure they're backer only for a reason. What ever that reason may be. But what evs.

If someone else wants to put the backer only updates up then that's fine. If Mr Justin gives the all clear on posting them, then sweet as.

Sure. I'm simply saying that I'll talk about whatever is pertinent regardless of whether it is discussed in a "backer-only update" or not. Not because I'm a rebel who plays by his own rules, but there's no NDA and nothing is about it is especially Super Sekret enough to stop me from discussing things like a KS delay, some pics, spacers, etc. I wouldn't openly post links to playtest rules, etc - but that's a different kettle of fish.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Genoside07 wrote:
Azazelx wrote:

Yeah, it just becomes tiring. Especially when producers constantly tell us "everything is on schedule" until just a few weeks before fulfilment is actually due before saying "oops - add 4-6 months!". Especially when it was going to be something I planned to put together over my Christmas break.

Funny you say that...just a few weeks ago the robotech kickstarter did the same thing.. Scheduled to ship out in December and the first week of November they say its been delayed a "few" months. You cant tell me these companies don't know delay issues months ahead..

I'm in on the Robotech KS as well. Also Cthulhu Wars! Hell Dorado! Judge Dredd! Dreamforge Games Mecha and ground troops! Raging Heroes Wave 1, Alien Assimilation Host! I tell you, it's going to be a glorious Christmas 2013 when they all come in!

...oh, wait...