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Maybe I'm just spoiled because I joined at the beginning of 6th, but I think the "Old school" 40k models look terrible. They're lumpy, goofy, and generally unpleasant to look at. Sure, some of the newer 40k is just as silly (looking at you, BA with nipple plates), but I'd take these models over anything old school.

I don't get your post. People have different tastes. Some like older models, others like newer models.

You weren't there man, that's why . The main reasons I (and other people I know of ) like them are because of nostalgia and the fact that they represent another age of warhammer (one in which orks actually got pregnant ), mimicking the art of the books and all that.

Nostalgia.

Rose colored glasses.

Personal stylistic preferences.

Take your pick.

I definitely think Nostalgia is a factor. But, for me, that's only part of the reason. In some cases, I find the older models can be more realistic in proportion and lacking some of the more modern over the top additions (Skulls on skulls, un-necessary decorations, etc). For instance, these are some of the Original Imperial Guard that I've got:



Yes, they look dated and are lacking in modern techniques. But they are much less over the top than their modern Cadian counterparts, less skulls and their hands are smaller than their heads!

Also, you have to remember, that the aesthetics have changed over time. 40k Chaos went from a kind of biomechanical horror to the silly and naff skulls and spikes mess you get today. Though Forgeworld's efforts at updating the classics are much welcomed. They've been digging through old Jes Goodwin sketches form the late 80's and early 90's and finally realising some of them. The Word Bearers sculpts for 30k for instance are an attempt to update the biomechanical look for the modern age and they look like true Chaos should in my mind, not the silly death metal look you get on most of the plastics

Kids these days, no respect for their elders...

/oldmanrant

Some of them have an elegant simplicity missing in modern sculpts. Some have more flavor/personality.

But rose colored nostalgia does play a hefty part. That and personal history. The new kits might be nice, but I’ve beep purging heretics with my old stuff for 25ish years. Forms a bond.

the same reason some people will till you "the X that came out when I was 12 is the best"
Nostalgia goggles are strong.

A lot of them are crappy, but some of them are nice.

Nostalgia is one thing, but there's a very fast and loose and exciting aesthetic to them. Modern GW models are very predictable - the level of detail is always similar, the art direction is a lot more unified, and the proportions and sculpting quality are generally at a similar level. This is good generally, but you can sometimes lose out on character. Rogue Trader sculpts were all over the goddamn place, and things changed so much from sculptor to sculptor that you got models with a lot of character.

As for 2nd ed models, I like them best because they're a bit more refined than Rogue Trader models, but nowhere near as overburdened with detail as a lot of modern models. There's a purity in the design I really appreciate, and every model has a distinctive silhouette.

http://kofler.dot.at/40k/units/Tyranid_Carnifex_1.gif

Just saying. That guy looks stiff as a board

I collect old RT IG figures because the character models were unique and definitely more interesting to me than smooth faced plastic guards.
Hell, you show me something more charming than a commissar in a shirt and tie.

 jreilly89 wrote:
http://kofler.dot.at/40k/units/Tyranid_Carnifex_1.gif

Just saying. That guy looks stiff as a board

But at least you can instantly recognize what he is. With modern tyranid bugs they all look alike. Is it a tyrant? Cranifex? Some other odd bug? With the old screamer-killer, you knew where you stood.

Preferably far, far away.

 jreilly89 wrote:
looking at you, BA with nipple plates

THANK you. At least make them smoke launchers or something (ala FemBots).

Fair enough. I'm not really trying to attack anyone's preference, I just never really loved the look of old RT models. I think the Orks and Terminators bugged me the most. They just look so...stiff.

I miss getting 20 marines in one blister pack for $8. Those were the days!

SJ

 Brother SRM wrote:
As for 2nd ed models, I like them best because they're a bit more refined than Rogue Trader models, but nowhere near as overburdened with detail as a lot of modern models. There's a purity in the design I really appreciate, and every model has a distinctive silhouette.

Oh, yes. I much prefer the 1st/2nd edition metal Grey Hunters, Blood Claws and Long fangs, because the Space Wolf details were restricted to a wolf tail or necklace here and there, and perhaps the odd wolf skull or rhomboid gem on the helmet or chest plate, rather than the plastics where every single piece has something added to it.