Post by Whiterook on Jan 4, 2024 9:50:50 GMT -5
Having spent a good deal of time now with building Battlefront’s, Team Yankee (TUBX07), Huey Helicopter kit (see here), it was my my first time experiencing their current manufacturing strategy of proving product more in-line with small model kits, with pieced on sprue trees, rather than a solid resin-cast body and ancillary accessories.
For those that aren’t sure what I speak of, taking a tank as an example: in the past, the complete hull would be a solid casting of resin, with wonderful detail; the current factory manufacturing process will have the hull in two separate halves that are built into a hollow hull; these halves being on sprue trees, along with all the other parts.
Now I am positive, manufacturing cost has a lot to do with their decision! …and I get that, as they’re in the business of making money, but it sure is a more time intensive process for the miniature (model) builder, with the plethora of parts that need to be cut, trimmed, sanded, glued more carefully, all before you get to paint these little beauties!
Is this a bad thing?
As with most questions, that can be complicated to answer. I certainly was shocked when I first came across the new product lines, but things change so it was a matter of sucking it up and moving on with the times. No, I’m not evading the question!!! My answer, and it is only my humble opinion, is that No, it is not a bad thing. Some will protest, but the clear, cold fact is, these are cool miniatures, and they are available; and they answer to the game they were designed for, but also fit other systems, as well. So no, it’s not a bad thing.
Even harder to answer to however, would be the question of, what I would prefer! Honestly, the fact that there is no longer any resin involved is a game changer for me… when having to clean up mold lines, or make alterations, sanding and filing resin sucks… it’s toxic as Hell’s infernos! Yet, there is no disputing the lack of miniature weight… satisfying like a quality high end chess piece, the resin models had that sweet weight to them; but more to the point, they were more durable… a lot less parts glued together and critical pieces made of metal; my Hueys’ rotors are a prime example of horrible chances for longevity!
Yeah, I didn’t answer the question
…I don’t know…not yet, anyway. I have a feeling I will always prefer the old, solid resin manufacture better, but as a long-time Axis & Allies Miniatures player, I can live with hollow plastic miniatures.
I’d like to conclude this post with an interesting observation: In Europe, I’d noted that they have a propensity to call their “miniatures”, as “Models”. An interesting coinkiedink to me!
For those that aren’t sure what I speak of, taking a tank as an example: in the past, the complete hull would be a solid casting of resin, with wonderful detail; the current factory manufacturing process will have the hull in two separate halves that are built into a hollow hull; these halves being on sprue trees, along with all the other parts.
Now I am positive, manufacturing cost has a lot to do with their decision! …and I get that, as they’re in the business of making money, but it sure is a more time intensive process for the miniature (model) builder, with the plethora of parts that need to be cut, trimmed, sanded, glued more carefully, all before you get to paint these little beauties!
Is this a bad thing?
As with most questions, that can be complicated to answer. I certainly was shocked when I first came across the new product lines, but things change so it was a matter of sucking it up and moving on with the times. No, I’m not evading the question!!! My answer, and it is only my humble opinion, is that No, it is not a bad thing. Some will protest, but the clear, cold fact is, these are cool miniatures, and they are available; and they answer to the game they were designed for, but also fit other systems, as well. So no, it’s not a bad thing.
Even harder to answer to however, would be the question of, what I would prefer! Honestly, the fact that there is no longer any resin involved is a game changer for me… when having to clean up mold lines, or make alterations, sanding and filing resin sucks… it’s toxic as Hell’s infernos! Yet, there is no disputing the lack of miniature weight… satisfying like a quality high end chess piece, the resin models had that sweet weight to them; but more to the point, they were more durable… a lot less parts glued together and critical pieces made of metal; my Hueys’ rotors are a prime example of horrible chances for longevity!
Yeah, I didn’t answer the question
…I don’t know…not yet, anyway. I have a feeling I will always prefer the old, solid resin manufacture better, but as a long-time Axis & Allies Miniatures player, I can live with hollow plastic miniatures.I’d like to conclude this post with an interesting observation: In Europe, I’d noted that they have a propensity to call their “miniatures”, as “Models”. An interesting coinkiedink to me!