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@aka_mythos - Dark Eldar are actually pretty well off. Reavers very recently (like 2 months ago?) went Web Only, but there isn't anything else that isn't finecast that's Web Only.

Out of all the finecast models, the only one that's great is Lhamaean -- and like every other finecast hero is web-only, but Lhamaean is easy enough to kitbash yourself one out of wyches.

There's the marginally useful Grotesque, and I say marginally, because although he's great in terms of rules, the model is freaking expensive for $25 single finecast (considering you play them in a unit of 3, too...) and it's not exactly a stellar model. I own 6, and all 6 are terrible casts that required a lot of remediation.

You have a bunch of terrible heroes, but that's really the codex at work... Does anyone actually field Urien Rakkarth or Lelith Hesperax? Incubi and Mandrakes are difficult finecast models to work with and, charitably, aren't very exciting on the field. Medusa is okay, I guess. But again, finecast is not for a good medium for most players/modellers.

I don't know about the timing of Reavers going "Web Only" but I know about a year ago I went to a number of different FLGS and was told the same, that GW wouldn't let them restock them.

I was wondering why I could never find reaver jetbikes at the store anymore. I've been wanting to get another box but they've never had them when I wanted them.

I can't imagine the frustration of owning a store and trying to sell GW product. They won't let you sell what people actually want, and force you to stock a bunch of garbage that they can't even figure out how to get rid of to pay for the privilege.

 insaniak wrote:
GW's models are nice as game pieces, but are left well behind by miniatures made specifically for display. Their materials are nice (easy to work with, durable, etc) for game pieces, but as more and more of the range shifts to their soft polystyrene mix are left behind by model kits made for display in the right plastic for that use.

Could someone elaborate? What mix, which kits etc. I seem to have missed that, I mean I bought fairly recent kits like Glotkin or IK but those went to the queue and are still unpacked. I mainly buy old whfb kits atm before they're gone. Thanks.

Plumbumbarum wrote:
Could someone elaborate? What mix, which kits etc.

Most model kits use some form of polystyrene, which is cast in an injection mould under high pressure.

The specific plastic mix that is plays a large part in determining the quality of the final cast. A harder mix tends to result in crisper detail, but at the expense of being a little more brittle. A softer mix is a little more durable, but not as good at forming hard edges.

GW has always used a fairly soft mix (although it's changed a bit from time to time, and their current plastics are much softer than what they started out with) as they want the durability - these are game pieces after all, and need to stand up to frequent handling.

But that means that they're never going to have the same crisp detail as a good model kit made in a harder plastic, or that their own metal models had, or that Forgeworld (or anyone else) can achieve with resin.

Thanks, I know most of that but I get what you meant now. I am all for durability up to a point so it's fine with me, for a moment I snapped and thought GW went restic or sth heh. I know you wrote polystyrene but hey I'm drunk and all and you can't get enough of that lovely pvc after you try heh.