22 replies to this topic

[Exilyth]

I'm torn on the issue... the IWM models nicely capture the '80s sci fi' feel of battletech and there are some I wouldn't want to miss, but with the quality issues and prices, a change to a more modern production process would be welcome.

Doesn't have to be plastic, just better quality then what we're getting now.


There are alternatives to injection molding, like stereolithography, powder printing, extrusion of heated materials...
A professional 3D printer is about 10.000$, but I've got no idea what supply materials (e.g. filament/powder/adhesive/...) would cost. Outsourcing the actual production to a 3d printing service might not be viable though. Judged by consumer prices for 3D prints, miniatures would have to cost the same, if not a bit more (assuming business to business bulk ordering might lower the price, but not by much).

[Vermaxx]

I would suspect the IWM models are either copies or heavily influenced on the original Ral Partha minis, except the ones that had to be redone due to lawsuits. The RP minis were, in a word, terribly ugly. Yes, that is two words.

It is MUCH easier to make 'better looking' minis, it probably also costs more in a game that doesn't make much money. This isn't Warhammer (and even WH gets bastardized as hard as possible, I've got a Lego clone cannon in my bedroom I intend to count as a Thunderfire) and you don't actually HAVE to field minis to play. You don't have to have a model that looks like what it is armed with, you don't even need the correct mech. You really only need a hex shaped base with an arrow toward FRONT. As such, there really isn't much profit margin and little reason to make better models.

I'd love to buy some of these little guys based on MWO images though.

(EDIT) Yeah at 22 dollars per mini, I can live with poor quality ugly IWM models or finding old Ral Parthas on ebay.

Edited by Vermaxx, 27 June 2013 - 06:15 PM.

[Elbola Ierocis]

SteelWarrior, on 20 June 2013 - 08:31 PM, said:

honestly they need to make the switch to plastic. no reason to be at metal in 2013. run a kickstarter to fund the production of 20-30 brand new scupts for the most popular mechs in plastic. Multipart, sell them in a lance size box for 20-30 bucks.

i just bought 5 mechs.....almost $80......pretty damn expensive for some of the sculpts being from the early 90s.

Exactly what I was thinking when I was reading this thread. No reason they can't upgrade through kickstarter. Toss out some classic minis as rewards for various levels. Upgrade their quality and bring in some more dynamic/sturdy poses. Although I do love their 80's look, there is no reason for them to slowly go under when they have things like Kickstarter they can turn to to raise some quick cash. Looking at the kickstarters related to miniature drives: Robotech, Infinity, Mantic, Reaper, Cool or Not ...all of them have done exceedingly well. Wargamers have change in their pocket to support their favoured games.

Edited by Elbola Ierocis, 02 July 2013 - 09:00 AM.