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Hey all,

Decided to pick up a set of these guys despite my reservations on the pricing on them. Thought I'd share some thoughts and photos of the product in-hand for the community here in case anyone is on the fence.

The box is your standard Forge World LOTR SBG direct order style affair - that is, a plain box with no artwork or anything. Not an issue for me as I don't really care about boxes since they got rid of the lovely original artworks of the 40K/WHFB days. The box comes with the components in a plastic case with some foam padding between them. Given the delicate pieces across the sprues, its probably a good idea that they'd added internal padding like that to prevent breakages. You get the usual 'Working with Resin' leaflet which is handy for beginners alongside a double sided leaflet containing the build instructions for the set including alternate components. As you'll see from the instructions, these models are very much like Primaris Marines in that they require the exact sword/shield arms to attach properly. You do have free range of movement when it comes to the heads, plus a choice of bare or helmeted heads along with 9 shields - 3 designs with 3 of each included. The trumpet and banner add extra options. Given the static nature of the mostly single-piece plastic SBG model line, I think there's enough here to create a varied force without them looking exactly copy-and-paste.

Packaging


The components themselves are, with no exaggeration, the finest Forge World cast items I have ever experienced. This comes from someone with Chaos Renegades, Cadians, Krieg, Elysians and Tyranids from Forge World. I have never experienced a FW set where I have not had one single air bubble or blurred detail to deal with. This is truly exceptional and I commend FW on what is clearly a much improved production process. And my God they are leaps-and-bounds ahead of Finecast. There are only a few injection rods so you're not having to hack away at all different angles the way you do with Finecast. The detail is sharp, crisp and the models look truly outstanding. I've attached an unpainted assembled model for you to see. I would also add, the inclusion of optional components and spare heads is a nice touch for improving the versatility of the set. The banner is also clever - it attaches both via the base of the flag and to the Knight's pauldron. This creates a really secure bond and I have no fears of it breaking-off. As mentioned before, they are a little monopose in that you must use the correct sword arms and shield arms relative to the body. But the heads will allow you to change the directional facing of the model to mix things up. All-in-all - these are terrific and truly an example of FW at their very best.

Sprues and Components


Painted Knight of Dol Amroth


I was initially very apprehensive about buying these due to the cost, and while I still believe they are about £5 overpriced, there is absolutely no denying that this is an exceptionally well-executed model kit of some beautiful models and a much superior upgrade on the old metals. Both in proportions and options and general look, these are a worthy update. If you are on the fence about these but have the money to put aside, I think you should go ahead and drop the cash. They won't ever be reduced, so if you can come to terms with it then you'll have some beautiful models in your collection which are also a joy to paint. I will pick up another set in the future for sure. If you have also been put-off from resin in the past due to negative experiences of FW quality control and Finecast, leave your reservations at the door - my models were completely flawless. I could not find one single casting error across the set.

Scale Comparison to other SBG Models


Hope that was informative and helpful to anyone interested in this set!

Thank you very much. That's a nice review. These are rare today as people seem to prefer hearing someone rambling for 15 minutes to explain what you described here in a few sentences. Overall the quality of FW Lotr products seems to be pretty good, I've been hearing positive things about the dwarfs as well. Looking forward to getting the new mordor heroes.

Great review; it's nice to see exactly what you get in the pack and I like that you hit on some of the nice design subtleties like on the flag, etc.

Really appreciate the clear photography, and the inclusion of a painted mini.

Great looking minis, and really do make me consider starting up a small Fiefdoms force.

Thanks for this review.

Thanks for the replies folks, good to know its been of some use. Haanz - yes, the improved model designs which I see in the latest GW plastic releases have certainly found their way into FW's models here.

If anyone's interested, here's what you're left with if you assemble them as I have. I'll be selling these spare bits on eBay.

Nice review. Glad to see it was the paintjob screwing a little with the faces. But do yourself a favour and go onto the trade group on facebook. There are always people there hunting for the shields who have lost them for the old metals.

Yeah, I'm not the biggest fan of how GW/FW are painting their models these days (particularly faces) but the models themselves are fine. I'm not the best painter obviously, but someone with more talent and time would do a fine job on what's visible.

That sounds good - any chance of a link, or exact name?

I don't have access to facebook right now, but if you search for the great british hobbit league, it should come up. They're linked groups.

I too got a set and was floored by their quality. I was on the fence about trying to acquire the metal foot knights of Dol Amroth, but now there is no way I would even seek them out. Two poses and those giant helm wings are a huge turnoff for me; I ordered a second Forge World set the moment I saw the quality.

I also got Thranduil on Elk and I have to say he is equally as fantastic, and I am also very happy with Bard's kids and Bianca/Percy. I await the Goblin Mercenaries and am considering the Mumak Warleader kit.

Yes, its a bit of a gamechanger. My issue in the past, again as someone with the aforementioned FW experience, was that buying and collecting FW kit often felt too much like a chore than fun hobbying. I've lost track of how many Krieg and Renegade components I had to replace because they were literally unsalvageable. But if the releases going forward will be like these Knights, it'll be hard not picking them up.

Same for me as regards the metals. I was going to scoop Imrahil up to lead them but I know he will look so out of place alongside. Instead, I'll just do a bit of work with GS and a bare head on my second set of Knights to make a custom one.

I'd already slam an order in for the warleader kit but I just don't have the time anywhere on the horizon to work on it. Hopefully it still around for a few more months at least.