tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89275921975822298902024-03-13T04:16:10.304-07:00Review War GamesJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-67918502525258436112016-01-27T07:35:00.000-08:002016-01-27T11:59:35.761-08:00Hobgoblins Hoard Kickstarter Review<br />
A few months ago I backed a small KS to produce four new miniatures by Hobgoblins Hoard. The KS was successful and the package arrived with only a two month delay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Size Comparisons" src="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/004/283/547/f5784787cb6a9c1804820d2d73c8e501_original.png?v=1439061491&w=680&fit=max&auto=format&lossless=true&s=99a61a50ff540a880294599008a7860d" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the miniatures the KS aimed to create, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/492058120/hobgoblins-hoard-barebones/description">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/492058120/hobgoblins-hoard-barebones/description</a></td></tr>
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<b>Content:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/004/084/851/57caeb090ecaa6ff43ee48e165049895_original.png?v=1435875296&w=680&fit=max&auto=format&lossless=true&s=37fca6a6b9d2666cec3f28d13df4cd66" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pledged for one of everything via the ultimate pledge, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/492058120/hobgoblins-hoard-barebones/description" style="font-size: 12.8px;">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/492058120/hobgoblins-hoard-barebones/description</a></td></tr>
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Pledging to the KS gave you a coupon to spend on the Hobgoblin hoard web store, where you could buy the models at a reduced price, along with some extra bits.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I selected one of each model and then an extra succubus to convert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I seem to be missing the A4 poster.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pV85rc0Ny5w/VqkY_mN8XhI/AAAAAAAAMBE/i9nY6gqVr1U/s1600/IMG_20160123_121256%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pV85rc0Ny5w/VqkY_mN8XhI/AAAAAAAAMBE/i9nY6gqVr1U/s640/IMG_20160123_121256%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Art book on top of t-shirt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISNBCF9VVKM/VqkYCacym4I/AAAAAAAAMAc/KfiLtSn4RLQ/s1600/IMG_20160123_121316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISNBCF9VVKM/VqkYCacym4I/AAAAAAAAMAc/KfiLtSn4RLQ/s640/IMG_20160123_121316.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The art book is a quality magazine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XaHDSzeNleY/VqkYIGHWozI/AAAAAAAAMAk/Pdo4-334mAI/s1600/IMG_20160127_142836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XaHDSzeNleY/VqkYIGHWozI/AAAAAAAAMAk/Pdo4-334mAI/s640/IMG_20160127_142836.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Collectors cards showing the concept art, these were a bit boxed around the edges during transport and could use being packed differently in future.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qt8nDDhM8M/VqkYW7OhSnI/AAAAAAAAMAs/z9ryQtVpsds/s1600/IMG_20160123_121444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qt8nDDhM8M/VqkYW7OhSnI/AAAAAAAAMAs/z9ryQtVpsds/s640/IMG_20160123_121444.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Signed art print, now proudly displayed on my wall.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGRXW7GngWk/VqkYfVhe5II/AAAAAAAAMA0/eD7ieo5On9M/s1600/IMG_20160123_122043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGRXW7GngWk/VqkYfVhe5II/AAAAAAAAMA0/eD7ieo5On9M/s640/IMG_20160123_122043.jpg" width="586" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">On to the first of the models: Er'eli, this is a big model.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mxDgJDUDUM/VqkYgTL0ZoI/AAAAAAAAMA8/at5QgHjmF-o/s1600/IMG_20160123_122059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mxDgJDUDUM/VqkYgTL0ZoI/AAAAAAAAMA8/at5QgHjmF-o/s640/IMG_20160123_122059.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Reverse of Er'eli.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f98V82Sf8k8/VqkZgOX2AQI/AAAAAAAAMBU/yX8PVeSdf5c/s1600/IMG_20160127_142937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f98V82Sf8k8/VqkZgOX2AQI/AAAAAAAAMBU/yX8PVeSdf5c/s640/IMG_20160127_142937.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop! Traffic light time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Li1BVBsnu8c/VqkZgEbJ8yI/AAAAAAAAMBM/xF21GCkqbco/s1600/IMG_20160127_143004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Li1BVBsnu8c/VqkZgEbJ8yI/AAAAAAAAMBM/xF21GCkqbco/s640/IMG_20160127_143004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I'm tempted to add some sort of aerial to the hole in the back.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiL0YdeOAhM/VqkZgAh32vI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/D0_IjVrk6uw/s1600/IMG_20160127_143045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiL0YdeOAhM/VqkZgAh32vI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/D0_IjVrk6uw/s640/IMG_20160127_143045.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The survivor is by far the least interesting sculpt. It does however fit with the game I am making so I am pleased with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joswcYfNkcs/VqkZgkz9XfI/AAAAAAAAMBc/CB1_eZTcE4Q/s1600/IMG_20160127_143147-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joswcYfNkcs/VqkZgkz9XfI/AAAAAAAAMBc/CB1_eZTcE4Q/s640/IMG_20160127_143147-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The succubus on the other hand is great, there was a lot of debate during the KS about the sculpt. Mostly this stemmed from the sculpt being posed very differently, and noticeably less curvaceous than the concept art - this second point was a result of the creator not wanting to make an overly sexual model.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hmmdsWoi88/VqkZgkEXWSI/AAAAAAAAMBY/pqusfM45ARY/s1600/IMG_20160127_143201-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hmmdsWoi88/VqkZgkEXWSI/AAAAAAAAMBY/pqusfM45ARY/s640/IMG_20160127_143201-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The final pose selected by the sculptor is going to require an interesting base as justification.</span></td></tr>
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<b>Quality:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The models are sculpted in high quality resin, mould lines are manageable and for the most part should be easy to remove with a sharp scalpel. </span>Overall the quality is what I would expect from models in this price range.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Table top usage:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The models are not linked to any particular game at present.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Scale:</b><br />
All of the models are in 32mm scale, somewhere between true and heroic scale.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Cost per model:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The survivor retails for £10, the succubus for £12 and the brute and Er'eli for £16 from <a href="http://www.hobgoblinshoard.com/">hobgoblinshoard.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the survivor I consider this to be expensive, a comparable model in metal would retail for £4 to £8 and I don't see anything in that model that justifies the extra expense of resin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The succubus brute and Er'eli are all fairly priced given the size and detail of the models.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Conclusion:</b><br />
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I'm happy I backed this KS; both because I like the models I have received and because I think they are great additions to the modelling world.<br />
The KS delivered close to on time but there seem to have been several issues with the packing such as items missing and the boxing of the collectors cards. Nothing major and the main component of the KS was the models which all arrived correctly.</div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-38556518706816636682015-01-20T15:16:00.002-08:002015-01-20T15:29:33.747-08:00West Wind - Empire of the Dead - An Invisible Man - Review and unboxing<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT77I6QNGDo/VL52154ui7I/AAAAAAAABF4/J_mYhFIrxbQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT77I6QNGDo/VL52154ui7I/AAAAAAAABF4/J_mYhFIrxbQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing1.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The invisible man arrives contained within a standard clamshell pack.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MestEC0kXo"><span style="font-family: inherit;">West Wind kindly gave this pack as a gift for review, I posted an unboxing video here:</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Content:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Invisible man</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 round 30mm diameter base</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBUZVrJ1JD0/VL52bwpmTqI/AAAAAAAABFE/x0I0r3kF7t0/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBUZVrJ1JD0/VL52bwpmTqI/AAAAAAAABFE/x0I0r3kF7t0/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing2.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quality:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The invisible man is well sculpted, mold lines are intelligently placed and will require little work to clean up. Details, such as the rags over the face, are crisp and should paint up well.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbY2N7C6feQ/VL52t8MyIWI/AAAAAAAABFw/BDdry2v71IQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbY2N7C6feQ/VL52t8MyIWI/AAAAAAAABFw/BDdry2v71IQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing3.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Appearance:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The invisible man depicts a man who, in a direct reference to H G Wells' novel, has somehow become invisible. Rather than just an empty base, which would be very boring, or casting the model from translucent material, which is very expensive, West wind have chosen to sculpt a man desperately working to make himself visible. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q57YNRC0oT4/VL52cin5VlI/AAAAAAAABFU/6PdoRZ3CHBE/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q57YNRC0oT4/VL52cin5VlI/AAAAAAAABFU/6PdoRZ3CHBE/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Table top usage:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until the supplement is released the invisible man has no official rules for EotD. I suspect that he will use a form of hidden deployment.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmFsHvPJQhU/VL52c9EJHgI/AAAAAAAABFQ/lXT3pWRanLk/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmFsHvPJQhU/VL52c9EJHgI/AAAAAAAABFQ/lXT3pWRanLk/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing5.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scale:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The invisible man is clearly sculpted in 28mm heroic scale:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfPU7mXVvZg/VL52ds1IUxI/AAAAAAAABFk/nlD9mVO3cFQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfPU7mXVvZg/VL52ds1IUxI/AAAAAAAABFk/nlD9mVO3cFQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BAn%2BInvisible%2BMan%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2Bunboxing6.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The invisible man next to a 28mm heroic model</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cost per model:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Invisible man retails for £4 - for a single metal miniature in 28mm scale this is highly competitive.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Conclusion:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Similar to Raphael the invisible man is a great miniature at a solid price. He will work well as a roleplaying character - porting easily to other universes. The forthcoming supplement for EotD will add rules for him to the game. In the meantime he could easily work as a lightly armed gentleman or thrall. <b>Overall 10 out of 10.</b></span><br />
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Review Wargameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085917551499250506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-3251694504393913232015-01-20T15:15:00.002-08:002015-01-20T15:31:18.971-08:00West Wind - Empire of the Dead - Victorian Servants 2 - Review and Unboxing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7n9EigE-gc/VL5C6caDMWI/AAAAAAAABCU/qxIiPpIqB4U/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7n9EigE-gc/VL5C6caDMWI/AAAAAAAABCU/qxIiPpIqB4U/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing1.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The servants arrive tightly packed into a standard clamshell pack - this seems highly indicative of their lot in life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTKn8zSEZe4">West Wind kindly gave me this pack to review, I have posted an unboxing video here.</a></div>
<b>Content:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 butler<br />
1 governess<br />
1 maid<br />
1 house boy<br />
4, 30mm round plastic bases</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm53R2o7WQw/VL5C6RFFF2I/AAAAAAAABCY/ZtXIo4f79U8/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm53R2o7WQw/VL5C6RFFF2I/AAAAAAAABCY/ZtXIo4f79U8/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing3.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Quality:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Each servant is cleanly cast in white metal, flash and mold lines are minimal. The maid has one across her face that you'll want to be very careful when removing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xLJ5uDx2FE/VL5C8eigc7I/AAAAAAAABCw/2pVG2_BILns/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xLJ5uDx2FE/VL5C8eigc7I/AAAAAAAABCw/2pVG2_BILns/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Appearance:</b><br />
Each servant is clearly distinguishable, with an element of their role indicated in their sculpt. The butler stands rigidly at attention, the governess holds a candle to shoo wayward children back to bed, the maid clutches a mop whilst the houseboy's insignificance (house boys would serve other servants without ever being seen by any of the house family) is indicated by his relaxed stance. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmDjtHwQQ-4/VL5C8rJLMTI/AAAAAAAABCo/cGlyPxnheZw/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmDjtHwQQ-4/VL5C8rJLMTI/AAAAAAAABCo/cGlyPxnheZw/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing5.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Table top usage:</b><br />
The Victorian servants are non combatants in Eotd. They can take part as targets in the civilians scenario described in the core rulebook. They also lend themselves to general use in scenarios as either objectives or bystanders.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTgp7xhqOV0/VL5C8nEJSiI/AAAAAAAABCs/-DzSdvOi4_s/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTgp7xhqOV0/VL5C8nEJSiI/AAAAAAAABCs/-DzSdvOi4_s/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing6.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Scale:</b><br />
The servants fit neatly into the 28mm heroic scale.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sI-m94zEDGg/VL5C9I0yA9I/AAAAAAAABDA/hrmB1-Sw-Qg/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sI-m94zEDGg/VL5C9I0yA9I/AAAAAAAABDA/hrmB1-Sw-Qg/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing8.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left a 32mm scale model, to the right a 28mm heroic scale model.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Cost per model:</b><br />
At £12 for a pack of 4 the servants work out at £3 each - highly competitive for metal models in this scale. The 4 models for £12 are actually the best value packs West Wind sell being slightly better than the 8 models for £25 of the starter packs. The exception to this is the zombies box which is £25 for 10 models.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
<div>
I like the servants a lot, they have a strong visual theme and lend themselves to a great number of game systems. I feel significant improvement could only come from moving away from metal into resin or hard plastic. <b>Overall 9 out of 10</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPR0f5Lke5A/VL52Bg8ZR6I/AAAAAAAABDU/m8iLU3uoESM/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPR0f5Lke5A/VL52Bg8ZR6I/AAAAAAAABDU/m8iLU3uoESM/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BVictorian%2BServants%2B2%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing2.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Review Wargameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085917551499250506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-81026188517198431632015-01-17T16:07:00.002-08:002015-01-17T16:09:25.009-08:00West Wind - Empire of the Dead - Infernium Hound and Handler - Review and Unboxing<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3f79rNfebA/VLqMX7CTFzI/AAAAAAAABB0/l7eiMNr1DUs/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3f79rNfebA/VLqMX7CTFzI/AAAAAAAABB0/l7eiMNr1DUs/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B6.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hound and handler arrive together in a standard clamshell pack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF3SbB60vIQ" target="_blank">Westwind kindly gave me this box for the purposes of review, I have uploaded an unboxing video Here</a></div>
<b>Content:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnvuGYnD7sU/VLqMVKhItoI/AAAAAAAABBQ/SkYMwhHoLVc/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnvuGYnD7sU/VLqMVKhItoI/AAAAAAAABBQ/SkYMwhHoLVc/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B3.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
1, handler<br />
1, hound <br />
2, 30mm plastic bases<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6ZprpqJBSk/VLqMWtZa9rI/AAAAAAAABBo/h595fx-X7g0/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6ZprpqJBSk/VLqMWtZa9rI/AAAAAAAABBo/h595fx-X7g0/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Quality:</b><br />
The hound and handler are neatly cast in white metal. The hounds legs are very close together, not however, to the point of being fused into a single lump. This is an indicator of quality and will allow the model to be posed less statically if it is freed from the tab. I recommend using a jewelers saw if you intend to do this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9B3g8NGiY/VLqMVce_LuI/AAAAAAAABBU/ZHxWm-9qzLQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9B3g8NGiY/VLqMVce_LuI/AAAAAAAABBU/ZHxWm-9qzLQ/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B1.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Appearance:</b><br />
The handler has a different hat to regular bobbies, this seems a little random as special branch don't. Maybe it is to clearly mark him out as a non-combatant. The hound strikes a nice balance between being overtly mechanical and still resembling a dog. Whilst the pose is too static for my liking, with both pairs of legs posed identically, this does lend the model an air of robotic unnaturalism - which may have been intentional. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MbhTrfl85c/VLqMV__shQI/AAAAAAAABBY/O7Yw3GMI0B8/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MbhTrfl85c/VLqMV__shQI/AAAAAAAABBY/O7Yw3GMI0B8/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B2.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Table top usage:</b><br />
At time of writing, the the hound and handler have no published rules. I anticipate that the hound will be a strong melee combatant whilst the handler will be weaker than a normal bobbie. There will also I expect, be rule for what happens to the hound if the handler is killed.<br />
Personally, I would have the hound require both line of sight to and being within 12" of the handler in order to be given new orders. Otherwise, it would simply complete its current order and then act only in response to being attacked. This seems 'realistic' given the level of technology in Eotd and it rewards tactical play in terms of both protecting and attacking the handler.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Scale:</b><br />
The handler is 28mm heroic scale.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USCCf926AN4/VLqMXTKUDxI/AAAAAAAABBw/ZmQe1a32WEw/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USCCf926AN4/VLqMXTKUDxI/AAAAAAAABBw/ZmQe1a32WEw/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BInfernium%2BHound%2Band%2BHandler%2B-%2BReview%2Band%2BUnboxing%2B5.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left a 32mm scale model, to the right a 28mm heroic scale example.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Cost per model:</b><br />
At £7 for the combined pack the models retail at £3.50 each, this is highly competitive for metal models.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
<div>
I think that a pair of hounds in individual stances could be a good seller, they'd have a wide range of appeal. The handler ties this set to the Eotd universe, for which they currently have no rules. If that isn't an issue for your group then I think this set is good buy to expand your bobbie force. <b>Overall 8 out of 10</b></div>
Review Wargameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085917551499250506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-54744375907846571772015-01-05T10:52:00.000-08:002015-01-05T11:27:23.055-08:00West Wind - Empire of the Dead - Order of the Dragon Masked Thugs - Unboxing and Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLiQX6VI0-c/VKlQZhp-hfI/AAAAAAAAABE/EdT7tBGNleg/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLiQX6VI0-c/VKlQZhp-hfI/AAAAAAAAABE/EdT7tBGNleg/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thugs arrive packed tightly into a clamshell pack; this might explain their angry <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">demeanor</span>! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf-hR2G3xm8">Westwind kindly gifted me this box for the purposes of review, I have uploaded an unboxing video Here</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Contents:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 metal 28mm Thugs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 30mm round bases </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsOY_pG94fU/VKlP3KnWY2I/AAAAAAAAAAo/SJAeDTXvSLo/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsOY_pG94fU/VKlP3KnWY2I/AAAAAAAAAAo/SJAeDTXvSLo/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B3.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1E6BZKgbLA/VKlP2gTQ2MI/AAAAAAAAAAc/p9bdg5ivyk4/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1E6BZKgbLA/VKlP2gTQ2MI/AAAAAAAAAAc/p9bdg5ivyk4/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Quality:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The thugs are cleanly cast in white metal. Mold lines are few and intelligently placed. Westwind are very good at sculpting and casting which is highly in evident here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Appearance:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Similar to the thralls included in the Vampire starter box, the thugs are individualistic yet linked in appearance. I like this, as it allows the painter a chance to experiment, avoiding the monotony of uniforms, yet tie all the models together as a single force. I feel this suits the fluff of a vampire group, which, is likely made up of disparate individuals - who while likely to have made some effort to resemble the vampire leader haven't been issued any sort of full formal uniform. The opera masks are the obvious example, however the cloaks tie them to the thralls in the vampire starter box.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIYjxd-2f0g/VKlP3_wTyaI/AAAAAAAAAAw/ncCRVb8x8fY/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIYjxd-2f0g/VKlP3_wTyaI/AAAAAAAAAAw/ncCRVb8x8fY/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B6.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Table top usage:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was very excited at the release of the Thugs, as possessing both the Vampire starter box and the order of the dragon starter box I have a lot more heroes than I can legally field at once. This is due to the rule imposed by Empire of the Dead's core mechanics, which requires three henchmen be fielded for every hero.<br />
Outside of allowing a Vampire player field more vampires (all vampires are (anti?)heroes) the thugs act as standard henchmen: grabbing objectives, attacking enemies and acting as human shields for their vampire masters. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Personally I tend to equip thralls with heavy pistols and swords, this gives them a strong melee attack and keeps them cheap enough to be fielded in large numbers.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Scale:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The thugs fit neatly into the 28mm heroic scale</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXavoJ3a-BE/VKlP3qjUzJI/AAAAAAAAAAs/-0SUcYqEDy0/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXavoJ3a-BE/VKlP3qjUzJI/AAAAAAAAAAs/-0SUcYqEDy0/s1600/West%2BWind%2B-%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BOrder%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDragon%2BMasked%2BThugs%2B-%2BUnboxing%2Band%2BReview%2B5.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left a 32mm scale model to the right a 28mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Cost per model:</b></div>
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The Thugs retail for £12 this works out at £3 per model. For metal models of this scale this is highly competitive.</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Thugs are a neat little pack, allowing vampire players to expand beyond their starter box. I would have liked to see a female Thug or two for verity, variety and inclusivity however. <b>Overall 9 out of 10</b> </div>
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Review Wargameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085917551499250506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-29559971852499313852014-12-08T14:20:00.000-08:002015-01-17T08:23:39.049-08:00Westwind's Empire Of the Dead - Game Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>High level overview:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Empire of the dead (EotD) is a skirmish game, set in a steampunk universe, expanded to include horror elements such as werewolves and vampires. EotD uses a modified version of the necromunda ruleset published by Games Workshop with some additional mechanics.</div>
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<br />
<b>Theme:</b><br />
Setting is one of EotD's strong points. This is exposed mainly through an enjoyable introductory piece within the core rulebook.<br />
EotD depicts a world set in the late Victorian era, where the discovery of a material known as Infernium has allowed for the development of wondrous inventions - such as mechanical servants known as clickers. This discovery, compounded by general human expansion, has brought formerly fringe groups such as Vampires and Werewolves into action. Action EotD hopes to bring to your tabletop!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZejZhckQeSU/VIYi1KXQCJI/AAAAAAAABAk/nMnHWIFXaM8/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZejZhckQeSU/VIYi1KXQCJI/AAAAAAAABAk/nMnHWIFXaM8/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B7.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluff is EotD's main strong point!</td></tr>
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<b>Official Miniatures:</b></div>
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West Wind produce a range of 28mm heroic scale miniatures intended for use with EotD.<br />
These can be grouped into three categories:<br />
<ul>
<li>Starter factions: Vampires, Werewolves, Gentlemen and Brotherhood, who have rules printed in the core rulebook.</li>
<li>Secondary factions, <b>who currently have no rules published.</b></li>
<li>Individual characters, <b>most of whom have no published rules.</b></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTlhK1_jrsQ/VIYixvTVFgI/AAAAAAAAA_4/u3pr7ukCRPk/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTlhK1_jrsQ/VIYixvTVFgI/AAAAAAAAA_4/u3pr7ukCRPk/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B1.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My vampire gang out in force!</td></tr>
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Each faction within the game has a starter box containing 7 or 8 miniatures, consisting of a faction leader, 2 heroes and some henchmen. The Gentlemen, Vampire and Brotherhood factions can be expanded beyond their starter boxes through the purchasing of blisters of henchmen.<br />
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<br />
<b>Core Game Mechanics:</b><br />
EotD uses a reskin of the Necromunda ruleset.<br />
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<u>Overview</u><br />
<ul>
<li>EotD uses ten sided dice (D10) primarily.</li>
<li>Each model within the game has a statline, reflecting their skill at movement, shooting, fighting etc, newly added is a magic stat. Higher stats are better.</li>
<li>Each player activates each of their models in turn, choosing to walk, run, charge into Close Combat (CC) or remain stationary. Models that did not run or charge may then shoot or cast spells - models that remained stationary receive a bonus to shooting.</li>
<li>After both players have activated all CC is resolved simultaneously. Each combatant rolls a D10 for each attack they have and selects the highest. The player with the higher result rolls each of their attack dice again to attempt to wound the target model. Ties are resolved by comparison of weapon skill (WS)</li>
<li>Models that are injured lose wounds until they have none left, at which point they roll on the injury table with varying results.</li>
<li>Players may elect to play a series of games forming a campaign; in between games players may spend gold generated by the game on leveling their characters (resolved by rolling on a table) or purchasing additional equipment</li>
<li>Players may also spend campaign gold on purchasing influence tokens which can be used in game to generate certain events such as changing day to night or summoning reinforcements such as zombies or angry mobs.</li>
</ul>
<u>Comments</u><br />
EotD's rules are serviceable, the move to D10 is a good step, as is clearing up the issues regarding what a model can be equipped with and the removal of experience points saves a large amount of post game paperwork. There are some minor negative points such as double handed weapons remaining demonstrably inferior to taking a pair of melee weapons.<br />
Mostly there feels to be something of a missed opportunity to progress the ruleset forward to a greater extent. Melee between characters for example could be much more than just rolling more dice than normal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5W-XrITBc/VIYixlFM2xI/AAAAAAAABAU/jOfSOJsp_SI/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5W-XrITBc/VIYixlFM2xI/AAAAAAAABAU/jOfSOJsp_SI/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B3.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vampire starter box</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Support from Creator:</b><br />
<u>Release Schedule</u><br />
EotD's release schedule is not publicly listed and does not seem to correspond to any particular time scale. Customers would do well to assume only what is available will be available and not make purchases based on expected releases.<br />
<br />
<u>Community interaction</u><br />
An official forum exists and is linked to from the West Wind site, (free) membership is required to view posts.<br />
West Wind staff post a few times a year on said forum however these posts fall short of keeping the community usefully informed and fail to address key questions raised.<br />
West Wind have neglected to respond to (polite) requests for information that I have emailed directly to them, they did respond promptly to an email relating to the ability to purchase their products.<br />
<br />
<u>General</u><br />
West Wind do not seem to manage releases in a manner designed to promote EotD.<br />
The game was initially released with the rulebook and starter boxes for the first four factions. The subsequent EotD Requiem kickstarter funded a large expansion of the available models. Only the gentlemen, Police and brotherhood factions, however, received blisters to allow expansion beyond their starter box. A second vampire faction was released allowing vampire players to expand somewhat. Given that campaign play is clearly an intention of the rules having a situation where players cannot expand their gang as it grows over the course of a campaign neatly curtails that element of play.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00sOd4iqbgQ/VIYizJYGGwI/AAAAAAAABAA/yqom6f8ybow/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00sOd4iqbgQ/VIYizJYGGwI/AAAAAAAABAA/yqom6f8ybow/s1600/West%2BWind%2BEmpire%2BOf%2Bthe%2BDead%2B-%2BGame%2BReview%2B4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the box shows some of the models included, the models are shown on scenic bases which are not supplied, less than honest!</td></tr>
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<b>Fun:</b><br />
EotD is a fun game to play; as a skirmish game most of the fun comes from the scenarios - which the rulebook helpfully provides several of. Creating additional ones and testing them out is a great way to play the game!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not depicted on the vampire box are the bat swarms, here is one of mine.</td></tr>
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<b>Prolonged play:</b></div>
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EotD's simple rules allow for it to scale well with larger numbers of models. This plays into the attached campaign system. The problematic availability of models to expand your collection with, punches several holes into this element however.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
EotD is fun to play and has attractive models. My lack of faith in its creator, stemming from a consistent absence of transparency and support, makes me wary of recommending it.<br />
<strike>This is especially so, as there is no word, as to if the next book released will supplement or replace the one currently in publication. </strike>I have spoken directly to westwind who confirmed the next book will supplement the current one.<b><br /></b><br />
The fact that only the first four factions released have any rules published should be taken into heavy consideration, as if you want to play any of the other factions, you can't!<br />
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Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-23757761668031943712014-11-20T00:53:00.000-08:002014-12-17T05:00:41.580-08:00West Wind - Empire of the Dead - Raphael - Unboxing and Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Raphael arrives in a standard single miniature pack</b></div>
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<b>Contents:</b></div>
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1 28mm Raphael</div>
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1 30mm base</div>
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<b>Quality:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Raphael is cleanly cast. The outer mould lines run along his sides and over his head; the choice to use the 'exaggerated strand style' of hair makes cleaning these away simple. The secondary lines within the empty space between arm and body will be tricky due to the small area. I plan to attempt to clear out this area with a length of course wire.</div>
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<b>Appearance:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Raphael has a strange shape, he seems to be modeled after a man with a pot belly holding two of a weapon I have never encountered before, likely because they would be awful. </div>
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<b> Tabletop useage:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I believe people who backed the Empire of the dead Kickstarter have rules for using Raphael as a character. These rules have yet to be released to the general public so at time of writing he has no defined rules. If you have suggestions please do include them in the comments.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I intend to use him as a thrall in my vampire force, Westwind have yet to release a blister of thralls, presumably out of fear of their game becoming successful.</div>
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<b> Scale: </b></div>
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<b> </b>Raphael neatly fits into the 28mm heroic scale - as used by games workshop.</div>
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<b>Cost per Model:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Raphael has a RRP of £4<b>, </b>this can be reduced to £3.60 by buying from <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/raphael">firestorm games</a>. For a single metal miniature this is very competitive.</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Raphael is neat miniature at a reasonable price. For a roleplaying character or some other use not directly related to Empire of the Dead he is a great buy. Personally I feel he fits in with the aesthetic that the vampire faction uses well making him a viable thrall. <b>Overall 10 out of 10</b></div>
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Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-77452810387837387282014-10-13T10:40:00.000-07:002015-07-03T11:30:52.636-07:00Spartan Games Dystopian Legions Codename Iron Scorpion Review + Unboxing<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Spartan Games Dystopian Legions Codename Iron Scorpion Review + Unboxing</b></div>
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Iron Scorpion arrives in a large box depicting French and covenant forces. The sticker in the top right indicates the box contains the early order only items listed below.</div>
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The back helpfully lists the full content with renders of the included models. The box claims to contain 41 figures.<br />
However this is counting the man operating the heavy machine gun (HMG) and the HMG it's self, as separate models - <b>this is known as lying</b>. </div>
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<b>Contents as list:</b><br />
Softback rulebook, slightly smaller than A4<br />
Codename Iron Scorpion booklet, A5<br />
3 sheets of tokens, A5<br />
2 decks of Tac Cards, 26 cards each, 2 5/8" by 3 5/8"<br />
15 red 6 sided dice <br />
2 Battlefield objectives<br />
Ruined building terrain, 4 laser cut sheets of wood, A?<br />
<br />
40, 32mm heroic scale metal figures, in the following configuration:<br />
<ol>
<li>Republic of France: <br /><ul>
<li>8 Legionnaires</li>
<li>1 Legionnaire with HMG</li>
<li>1 Legionnaire with HMG ammo box</li>
<li>6 Armoured Marines</li>
<li>1 Officer</li>
<li>1 Veronique Dubois</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Covenant of Antartica<br /><ul>
<li>10 Automata robots</li>
<li>1 officer</li>
<li>6 commandos</li>
<li>1 drone controller</li>
<li>3 drone skimmers</li>
<li>1 Monique Dubios</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
Early order bonus only items:<br />
2 prints, A5<br />
1 War Master Maximillian Schneider<br />
<br />
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<b>Photos of content:</b></div>
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Tac Cards and dice</div>
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Token sheets 1 and 2</div>
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Token sheet 3</div>
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Iron Scorpion booklet</div>
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Resin battlefield objective markers</div>
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Covenant officer, drone controller, character and commandos,<br />
missing one set of commando arms<br />
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All 5 automata bags<br />
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Automata, missing heads<br />
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Automata<br />
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Automata, missing legs<br />
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Automat <br />
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Automata <br />
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French character, officer and marines <br />
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French HMG team with bases <br />
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French Legionnaires <br />
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<b>Item overview and general comments:</b><br />
Contained within this set is everything required for two people to start playing Dystopian Legions. The rulebook, as might be expected, contains all of the core game rules and will need to be read by at least one of the players. Intelligently, Spartan do not include the statistics for units within the rulebook; these are provided as free downloads on their website. Conveniently the stats for all the models contained within Codename are included in the codename booklet. This booklet contains a large number of typos and points requiring clarification, at time of writing an updated version can be downloaded from Spartan's website however it still has several issues. If you post your booklets front page to spartan they will dispatch you a replacement, details are on the downloads section of the site, however until they release a fully updated version I don't see this being particularly worthwhile.<br />
Also detailed within the booklet is a series of scenarios intended to allow players to slowly learn the Dystopian legions ruleset.<br />
<b>Update: </b>Spartan have released a second edition of the booklet online that addresses nearly all of the issues located by the fans. <br />
<br />
For some reason all of the dice included are red. Dystopian legions uses what it calls a coloured dice mechanic where all dice rolled within the game are indicated to be black blue or red - all of which are six sided. Black dice score a success on a 4+, blue dice score a success on a 4+ with a 6 counting as two successes, red dice are the same as blue but every 6 rolled also allows you to roll an additional dice. Fans of full thrust will recognise this system I'm sure.<br />
With this explained I believe it becomes obvious why only including red dice in the starter box is strange, the previous Dystopian legions starter boxes contained black blue and red dice which was excellent. A clear step backwards. <br />
<br />
Codename contains a small force for both the Covenant and French
factions. If you plan on playing Dystopian legions beyond the scenarios
included in the booklet (If you aren't I don't recommend buying this set
at all - buy a board game, Pandemic is good.) you will need to expand
outward by buying additional sections from spartan games (32mm scale and the steampunk aesthetic limits the viability of using other companies miniatures). I would expect this additional cost to be at least £100 per army, so if you want to be able to play with both expect to spend another £200, with the cost increasing if you plan to play a large number of games and include things such as tanks.<br />
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<b>Component Quality:</b><br />
My copy of Iron Scorpion was missing 7 components on arrival, I emailed spartan and they are sending me replacements, at time of writing an entire week has passed without delivery. <br />
The provided softback rulebooks is of excellent production quality, the booklet is also produced to a high standard however care will need to be taken with it if it is to survive extended use. I recommend photo copying the statistics pages. The resin battlefield objectives are another high point, spartan are very good at resin and this shows here.<br />
The metal miniatures are nicely detailed however there is a lot of flash to be cleaned off which as they are all multipart results in some fiddly cleaning work. I feel the kit would have benefited from most of the models being single piece as the majority (all of the French models, most of the COA commandos, the drone controller and both characters) gain no poseabilty from being multipart but do have the corresponding increase in difficultly and time to construct. Contrastingly the Covenant commander has separately poseable arms and head attached to a static torso and legs which works nicely, I'm not convinced that isn't accidental. <br />
<br />
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<b>Instructions Quality:</b><br />
Codename contains no instructions of any kind, matching up the components provided is made relatively easy by the render of the rear of the box. The French HMG could have done with instructions as it struggles to fit onto the 40mm base provided. I emailed Spartan to ask if this was the correct base and they confirmed that it was, this is odd because all of the previous HMGs came with a 50mm base. I have emailed Spartan to ask for a photo of an assembled version of the model as I am failing to see how to do this neatly. Personally I think there was a packaging mistake and the box should have contained a 50mm base.<br />
<b>Update: Spartan have sent me and others a 50mm base for the French HMG. If you copy is missing a 50mm base send spartan an email.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Comments on Construction:</b><br />
Being 32mm scale makes the Dystopian models somewhat less fiddly to construct than 28mm models from other ranges. However being made of small metal parts does mean there is a lot of cleanup required. You will need a needle file (a set is better when getting your first I recommend not getting diamond coated as while faster they are harder to use) along with a pair of clippers, at minimum, to achieve a good finish. Always wear a glove on the hand you are holding the model with while working to avoid injury and eye protection is never a bad idea!<br />
Are people interested in a tutorial on building metal miniatures? If so leave a comment and I'll put something together.<br />
<b>This box is not friendly to people inexperienced at model construction, such people should seek help from their local gaming groups.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cost </b><br />
Codename has an RRP of £90 which is huge for a starter box. 'The outpost' sells it for £72 <a href="http://the-outpost.co.uk/our-products/games/dystopian-legions/getting-started/codename-iron-scorpion.html">here</a>. Cost per model is somewhat difficult to calculate as the box contains terrain, TAC cards and a copy of the rulebook. The rulebook retails for £15 while the TAC cards will be £4 per deck taking that out of the cost brings it down to £67. The terrain is more difficult, I feel that what is provided would also probably retail for around £15 which brings the cost down to £52 or £41.6 with discount. As such the cost per model (assuming 40 models) arrives at £1.30 per model (or near enough £1 with discount) which is excellent for 32mm models.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
Reviewing a starter box is difficult as to an extent you're reviewing starting the game at all. Taken on its own merits Codename has :<br />
Some strong points: <b>extent of content</b>, cost per item<br />
Some weaker points: construction time, proof reading, only red dice, initial cost, rulebook stating the wrong model scale<br />
And some terrible points: lying about the number of models within the box, nefarious preorder campaign, <b>quality control</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
To a pair of players who have tried DL and want to start collecting Covenant and French this is a great way to begin their collections. <br />
<br />
To a war games veteran the high cost makes me think that the rulebook and playing some games using proxy miniatures would be a better way of beginning your adventure with Dystopian Legions.<br />
<br />
To people completely new to war games the high cost, high long term cost of collecting an army and significant lack of new person friendliness that the metal miniatures and quality control issues generate this box would be far down my list of recommendations.<br />
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<b>Early order Bonus Items</b><br />
Because I ordered the box before
it was released I received an additional model and two A5 prints. I
have included some photos of them below. Personally I despise limited
edition models in a general sense. However the usage of this one here
was particularly dubious as it was coupled with an extreme lack of
information. The box was announced with a text list of contents, picture
of the cover art, render of the limited edition model and a very vague
statement that the 'first orders' would receive the limited edition
model. Essentially this required people to purchase the box without
having any real idea as to the content or not receive the limited
edition model. I found the entire practice distasteful particularly as
when I emailed suppliers, they were able to tell me that I would receive
the limited edition model if I ordered from them. Hence spartan had told
the suppliers something they weren't telling their customers.<br />
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Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-61030991853613229152014-08-27T04:35:00.000-07:002014-08-27T04:37:15.889-07:00Dystopian Legions Empire of the Blazing Sun - Rocket Corps Section - Review and Unboxing<div class="im">
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<b>Dystopian Legions Empire of the Blazing Sun - Rocket Corps Section</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Rocket Corps Section swoop into battle in a medium spartan box!
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEBE6rUQ5W0/U_semR-_BaI/AAAAAAAAA5I/HxiR0ys6itE/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/89AUUxxAOJGuBFr5B1zAR8SSGRAFyKdlQRIZYt0b0CmxilVtD5ZawKjA-xtA49ypfJ6In0zCpsLow39QOeubOiIQXmZp7E0i26UUWK27Vbis5-kf7p0xxUgEwN7fNO4G00Tu9wOSnFzOo9GvrZ_dI2RbWdD2Ki8CtUktp5spVEhsH0lbsQUmlC6uNLZAftif82OLFR9ug9l1HIfbqNV7BL5PKk4drkgo7xogv7S7e6PgfaLjysPNuA-gU5RFrJuetlnDV8f8TITijdaYsAoMJE6kFBIvRt6IzJsW_3TSNaPXR_q20g2TrHcuERDMZYtAyAlzx_KrRGsglL2JlGEdJ3e6f1UyZuYzyT107ymvip9-vA8RgtZHhPn9FieUTa5pH-MYDprTYh0UWL1K2QhBH8FOPDZeBjrHILFZxVSdVg2N4TRAXOnV8FBDkQ3ZjqcVmpZh58Mcm3CzIFWMo8Qnv0gfTzbYzsE4=s0-d-e1-ft#https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEBE6rUQ5W0/U_semR-_BaI/AAAAAAAAA5I/HxiR0ys6itE/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B3.jpg" title="Click to Resize" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As normal the back has a detailed
render of the included models; very handy for matching the dazzling
number of small components contained within.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EotntyqQRug/U_sfIn5VQqI/AAAAAAAAA5U/ZXwHl4UYx84/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/QQZDjQqv6lcmlIjIuxDvNB8Fl4KZkG7JPb3ui62SGs1xdg8NhWVn6u0KotTybOuq3bWrZrEisIbH3PYdsG-oY41jBTgdHMUYbhl4Xwkfkh5zqwVQ_9Cal81rQHMnFClsJO1V3j3ABabrdDwJKecAMfZakFOabMMa_zrJ-M4OgrIkw8EaDKWQ68qdPLDvSwo3Y97GDao52J-IipSnxDVfJ8Gk-2WJvdrIptOMmwFU_8zcwFXl2TzPpqqAGY4TWo6GNizKEkzY_fLHuKBSWz_a5MjsG7WztU2tb6lKdbwPtjp6LnKVNcHLXHj5mX8xQZAhha8WsTJRu6Ng_b2PZKuVj0QLAU4Kz6QgvSWFmCT2cHEd1t-BavVzStT5LLyzFHd0aAsjlbrI4jnS9IRVI_B5t63Cbt6QzwADxVxdMeI1o9jZr-IZ1BumF2vls_Te0hxwlvzVOv3ahXX7dRm-JRPEuHGGx1gXseW_=s0-d-e1-ft#https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EotntyqQRug/U_sfIn5VQqI/AAAAAAAAA5U/ZXwHl4UYx84/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B4.jpg" title="Click to Resize" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each member of the section consists of 5 or 6 individual metal components.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbd6w0l22KM/U_sciXjFy7I/AAAAAAAAA4s/klpJe6H-UWs/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/vyceuSbXoPEhq6zyyJTx00r7mGsv4BxhhaelZBzlkBUBas6V_uLdwhmQ_HtBH7C4JZgEDhZZiN5GWZO_FluNIr9_k-OHJzaeDmPpLAUCrFJqzMu7UGORAMDU-VLI0HRG5y6dUIpeUxh5MAourYgJNbf_yJqZ5ZCk3Y1xuNnGbdE762gwnFHRbBhQxeQKoH0WNa1xFP1g_qVu77IHPN3NrFS1GPAKXxvPkMKXfK88D-chqiKDcY13VqgQUA44hGzYvitGJMV2h1V5bvufR7Hrg8MAfpTSVIfplFV9RcdIANlAmRl036Oe4DvGzs6xrdr2R4AKCDBS64smOs073dWtKi0k8zwFkCORBQTu0OIcIP5jzNrjMdCE4mvzv3-zftM1uwr89ztBws_x91gW3GsTFS_5_lEeKiKZl_2PMBVz6i-6Fze4j1an0SltHK0Ww81S30Hv5mGIf-0pKKl2XF8tZDtLUBxXFwOW=s0-d-e1-ft#https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbd6w0l22KM/U_sciXjFy7I/AAAAAAAAA4s/klpJe6H-UWs/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B6.jpg" title="Click to Resize" width="191" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fao_2X2Sts/U_sci_JEUhI/AAAAAAAAA40/rkh5iKx9fxY/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/DWp24a4Jp_JxgykDa_vVm-Ej41ja_UjHkEsxbzO-3genNsTHLh50iadRcQPak17vSv6Rbtwnv8B32xGjATFpeGoaBR4v4rCcQ1pN2lv8hDE0L2PPtcCKKc5cXWzeVvBb_6Gh67VWprauE1vMFzIOonjDR7wF7VY-_tvMuKde1AyLuY0qy84w4s3we2H7E4G8tCeuq9jS4HIF0PwTj_UaSmnnijLhamTBJ4nBWr7aI10pNKl-KCKb2PaW4P3KN0bPIvozXz2DJ_By_EaIodyN9-ZWY9R5Mxfe2iKNTHXfOki14XcVZEyqRM6qNJ8boSQ_42eoDs6MgzK5suelSluTsQX8299cUPDdzuTG3hkG_FqCjbj0yRniqVLAOgdZGyyUYh2jyfq-EpmtYBDEI2fqM-x9iPilzhXdyuFD4rSdyHqalfko-1YbMDXhQ1jQOYUiy4kSxaX_cKYYpp9tXZAplD3GMvBqF7JA=s0-d-e1-ft#https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fao_2X2Sts/U_sci_JEUhI/AAAAAAAAA40/rkh5iKx9fxY/s1600/Dystopian%2BLegions%2BEmpire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlazing%2BSun%2B-%2BRocket%2BCorps%2BSection%2B7.jpg" title="Click to Resize" width="191" /> </a></div>
<b>Contents as list:</b><br />
1 Activation Card<br />
1 Game card <br />
4 rocket corps members<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Quality:</b><br />
The models are cast in white metal, mold lines are well placed - not
the face! Each sculpt is of comparable quality to a single character
model in other ranges.<br />
I have to wonder if the wings couldn't have been made from resin
however. This would have reduced the weight of the model making them
less top heavy and thus less liable to fall over. Despite the large
number of parts the models are of a static pose and no
optional components are included.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Appearance:</b></div>
Flying samurai was always going to be an easy sell - the models look great! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tabletop Usage:</b><br />
<b>Note: a new rulebook is soon to be released so this is liable to become obsolete.</b><br />
The rocket corps section are the masters of melee! A full section
will tear apart just about anything they can charge, likely only
receiving a single casuality in return.
<br />
However, with only 4 models the section can easily be reduced in
effectiveness by a small amount of shooting and in order to charge it
must have line of sight to the target, exposing it to return fire.<br />
One simple tactic is to move the section last in one turn then charge
with it as your first action the following turn. Whilst obvious, this
tactic is not easy to counter and should limit the amount of fire the
section is exposed to - a single activation
at most. This is a good tactic in smaller games where the section will
be a large percentage of your total force and deploying it to maximum
effect is essential.<br />
<div class="im">
<br />
<br />
<b>Cost per model:</b><br />
The rocket corps section retails with an RRP of £24 this makes each model £6, buying the box from
<a href="http://the-outpost.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://the-outpost.co.uk</a>
reduces the price to £19.20 and the cost per model to £4.80. For a 32mm
scale models of this quality I consider this to be reasonable when
compared to other manufactures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cost per section:</b><br />
The rocket corps box contains a complete section.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
The rocket corps are impressive models at a reasonable price.
Conversely, the lack of any options to customise is off putting in a
section that is likely to be the highlight of your army. A total score
of
<b>8 out of 10!</b>
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<b>Metcalfe Parish Church H0/OO scale</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sLpHx28vPU/U-pliIZK-3I/AAAAAAAAAWM/jBMHccssYUU/s1600/Metcalfe%2BParish%2BChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sLpHx28vPU/U-pliIZK-3I/AAAAAAAAAWM/jBMHccssYUU/s1600/Metcalfe%2BParish%2BChurch.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b>The Metcalfe Church arrives in a slim A4 box</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAe-dhKVnrU/U-p6MH6X7JI/AAAAAAAAAWo/qb2Q7ljSqI8/s1600/IMAG1894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAe-dhKVnrU/U-p6MH6X7JI/AAAAAAAAAWo/qb2Q7ljSqI8/s1600/IMAG1894.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The back of the box shows a close up of the window detail and the extraneous gate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Comments on Construction</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Constructing the church required around 15 hours of effort spaced over several days; a large amount of this time was spent holding components together while they set. I loaded the dishwasher while waiting on one piece - multitasking! If you started this project on Friday evening then I feel you could reasonably expect to finish Sunday evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The instructions reference a component that does not appear to exist when detailing how to affix the pointed roof to the tower so be ready for this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The instructions don't seem to mention the painted strips that go on the inside of the tops of the walls to cover the bare cardboard there, make sure you have attached these before attaching the capping stones.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do not recommend following their advice and cutting out all the components before starting, this makes them more difficult to keep track of while not saving you any time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Contents as list:</b><br />
<br />
1 Parish church<br />
1 Gateway<b> </b> <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Component Quality:</b><br />
The church is made of high quality cardboard sheets combined with a single sheet of plastic. For a cardboard item the quality is very high with clear detail. However this material is not forgiving and while a small number of spares are provided any significant mistake will likely ruin the entire model.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions Quality:</b><br />
The instructions are provided in english printed onto two small A4 booklets. These start out satisfactorily however as the item progresses they somewhat decrease in quality. As an experienced modeller I didn't have a great deal of trouble following them - apart from when they mentioned a component that didn't exist! They could however have been much clearer and would have benefited greatly from being spread over more pages with a larger number of diagrams showing more detail.<br />
I highly doubt these instructions were tested to any great extent!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Appearance:</b><br />
From a distance the church looks very nice; on closer inspection there are some points that stand out as being rather poor. The turrets are perhaps the worst of this. The church also lacks much in the way of detailing (one cross on an entire church?) making it look somewhat factory like.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tabletop Usage:</b><br />
As terrain, the church's main table top usage is to block line of sight. The model is strong enough to support models standing on it however there is not a great deal of space to do so.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cost: </b><br />
I paid £14 for the church from my local model railway store, online it seems to retail for around £15 delivered - for an item of this size and complexity this is cheaper than most terrain produced by other companies. On the other hand, most other terrain requires far less of an investment of time to construct. For those with the time or who enjoy construction for its own sake the kit represents a bargain. For those attempting to get their collection up and running I feel it would be worth investing more in a quicker to set up alternative.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
The church offers the experienced modeller, with time on their hands, the ability to add a large item of terrain to their table top without much in the way of financial investment. It also offers the modeller a project into which hours could be poured adding small adjustments. For an inexperienced modeller or one more interested in having a set of terrain than making one the church offers hours of misery followed by likely disaster resulting in an unappealing mess arriving on the table top - assuming anything arrives at all! <b>All in all 7 out of 10</b>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-50646896940804058372014-08-01T12:35:00.000-07:002015-05-27T02:08:33.004-07:00Dystopian Legions Kingdom of Britannia Terrier Ironclad - Unboxing, review and assembly instructions<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kingdom of Britannia Terrier Ironclad </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Terrier drives into battle in a large Spartan Box</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The back has an accurate render of the model along with some fluff and a detailed listing of the box's content:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYDSq8dHRy0/Uhypy8IQPZI/AAAAAAAAAOY/zw-3k4Vwu64/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYDSq8dHRy0/Uhypy8IQPZI/AAAAAAAAAOY/zw-3k4Vwu64/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The three game cards contained afford the terrier increased durability and a potential to destroy terrain.</div>
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<b>Construction</b></div>
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Here are the steps I took to assemble the Ironclad; this took me about one and a half hours including time to take photographs and allowing the glue to dry. To follow these instructions you will need: A sharp craft knife, super glue (brush applicator or gel type is best), pin drill and material for pinning. You could replace the pin drill with modeling clay (green stuff) if that is what you have. Thick protective gloves are highly recommended!</div>
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<b>Step 1</b></div>
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Remove all of the flash and excess resin with the craft knife; if you aren't sure of something leave it for now. I wear a glove on the hand I am holding the part with while I do this and recommend that you do too! There was some pink mould related material on mine that was a pain to remove; if you encounter this you must remove it. The mould lines on the metal track bits are easier to remove if you use a needle file.</div>
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<b>Step 2</b></div>
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I chose to assemble the tracks first. Starting with the metal track bit:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsgyerO4v9c/UhyqYeHOABI/AAAAAAAAAOo/SUWAf4QlUBw/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsgyerO4v9c/UhyqYeHOABI/AAAAAAAAAOo/SUWAf4QlUBw/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HC0NiWg6x7U/UhyqZ9FJzJI/AAAAAAAAAO4/oY4uXnrdncU/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HC0NiWg6x7U/UhyqZ9FJzJI/AAAAAAAAAO4/oY4uXnrdncU/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These attach to the end of the track to cover the bald area, if you clean the parts up and press them together there is a good chance they will look like this:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYBCCWlmF9k/UhyqZePKTKI/AAAAAAAAAOw/hxTbyU-tXfA/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYBCCWlmF9k/UhyqZePKTKI/AAAAAAAAAOw/hxTbyU-tXfA/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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See the gap at the bottom :(</div>
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I was expecting this as the same thing happened with the Prussian tank. To fix it, put on thick gloves (I use a pair of gardening gloves, they cost ~£1 from a super market and should be part of everyone's toolbox), now hold the metal track bit between finger and thumb of one hand and gently crush it into a slightly tighter curve; I find it helps to push into the part with the thumb on my other hand at the same time. Pretty much straight away the metal should give a little with a small creak, let go and try it against the resin track - it should fit slightly better.</div>
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Repeat this several times and you should achieve:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTZINKyRBjg/Uhyqa6_x2yI/AAAAAAAAAPA/56jyO3wYazw/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTZINKyRBjg/Uhyqa6_x2yI/AAAAAAAAAPA/56jyO3wYazw/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now do it all over again for the other side.</div>
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<b>Step 3</b></div>
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<b>Before attaching the tracks to the sides, paint the inside areas of the track sections first. </b></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMiooZqHpIs/UhyvB20DErI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/4lIhPbww9RE/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMiooZqHpIs/UhyvB20DErI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/4lIhPbww9RE/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> </b>Next, I attached the tracks to the body of the tank. This seems simple, just fix the tracks to the sides and done, right?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QiF0vYHEzs/Uhyu_U9_CGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/mJ_Y9SK8tws/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QiF0vYHEzs/Uhyu_U9_CGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/mJ_Y9SK8tws/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQIPmwHfvz4/UhyvDbr4SxI/AAAAAAAAAPc/cTQ5U9i1OEc/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQIPmwHfvz4/UhyvDbr4SxI/AAAAAAAAAPc/cTQ5U9i1OEc/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++9.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Except that is about as square as your average orange!</div>
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I can think of three ways to adjust this: pinning, modelling clay or basing the tank. If you go with the base option you are going to want to attach the body of the tank to the base as well otherwise your tank is going to break in transport. I chose to pin the model as it is what I am used to and modelling clay takes around 24 hours to set. To use modelling clay: apply liberally to the side of the track and push the parts together, then find some way to hold the tank in the correct position for the next day.</div>
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When pinning this model I used one pin for each side, the reasoning is that this allows some freedom of placement if the holes don't align perfectly (Contingency!). As this will be the primary join for the entire model an inch long pin is not excessive. </div>
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I first drilled a hole into the side of the body of the tank, I then placed a smaller pin into the hole and applied some paint liberally to the end:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fLuiBEHbpU/Uhyxx7la1FI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2f9PgO0zb4M/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fLuiBEHbpU/Uhyxx7la1FI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2f9PgO0zb4M/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++12.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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I then fitted the tank track to the tank body, this forced the pin into contact with the track leaving a small spot of paint where I needed to drill the hole in the track!</div>
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four carefully positioned holes later and the result was this:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhzWXMbylAg/Uhyx4HmNyHI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lwcwW7UC69o/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhzWXMbylAg/Uhyx4HmNyHI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lwcwW7UC69o/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A vast improvement!</div>
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<b>Step 4</b></div>
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The hard parts are over now. Next I assembled the sponson guns:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrPh_3vpa5c/UhyznCqT5dI/AAAAAAAAAP4/PxVAXNXN9vc/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrPh_3vpa5c/UhyznCqT5dI/AAAAAAAAAP4/PxVAXNXN9vc/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++13.jpg" width="191" /> </a></div>
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I held these in place with blue tack while the glue dried. Immediately after are the tack guards; take some time to align them correctly</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttgH7W_agMo/Uhyzs8UIWjI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Fe-3CqhyPPI/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttgH7W_agMo/Uhyzs8UIWjI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Fe-3CqhyPPI/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++14.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Resulting in:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1Y7VTFlVeA/Uhyzsf7ZYEI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Lcqfi8f6dtU/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1Y7VTFlVeA/Uhyzsf7ZYEI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Lcqfi8f6dtU/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5</b></div>
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Next up was the doors on the top of the bridge. These I found were too small. Too address this I placed a blob of blue tack under them to hold them in place while the glue dried.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwBD9gU9XSU/Uhy0eZ_yPZI/AAAAAAAAAQc/CpNfpkhReaw/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwBD9gU9XSU/Uhy0eZ_yPZI/AAAAAAAAAQc/CpNfpkhReaw/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++17.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYjQEdweTuQ/Uhy0cFDDfpI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Tjm4lFMn4zI/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYjQEdweTuQ/Uhy0cFDDfpI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Tjm4lFMn4zI/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++16.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<b> Step 6</b></div>
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Now I glued the bridge to the tank body:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_jGo3CpLcg/Uhy0gHOAR1I/AAAAAAAAAQo/pBoce9QnXr4/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_jGo3CpLcg/Uhy0gHOAR1I/AAAAAAAAAQo/pBoce9QnXr4/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++18.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<b> Step 7</b></div>
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<b> </b>Finally the smoke stacks, barrel and headlights can be glued into place:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANMFjWBAab0/Uhy1w94hHTI/AAAAAAAAAQw/wYAXG85wgb0/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANMFjWBAab0/Uhy1w94hHTI/AAAAAAAAAQw/wYAXG85wgb0/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++19.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Complete tank:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbw91b7a2Mk/Uhy1zfdLzXI/AAAAAAAAARA/2p8m9VRL6JM/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbw91b7a2Mk/Uhy1zfdLzXI/AAAAAAAAARA/2p8m9VRL6JM/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LF0sboiDGog/Uhy1yA3-QFI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/wRWyCZIwE1o/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LF0sboiDGog/Uhy1yA3-QFI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/wRWyCZIwE1o/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPTHmyXNGSY/Uhy12CX_HhI/AAAAAAAAARI/CVUG5iTK1K0/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPTHmyXNGSY/Uhy12CX_HhI/AAAAAAAAARI/CVUG5iTK1K0/s1600/Dystopian+Legions+Kingdom+of+Britannia+Terrier+Ironclad++22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Contents as list:</b></div>
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1 Ironclad</div>
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1 activation card</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 game cards</div>
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<b>Quality:</b></div>
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The terrier is an intricate resin model with detail equalling or beating that of anything else on the market.</div>
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<b>Appearance:</b></div>
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I like the terrier and its self propelled gun design, I look forward to both painting it and killing things with it.</div>
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<b>Table Top Usage:</b></div>
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Like all Ironclads the Terrier is a complex tactical choice. Armour 4 and a shield generator give the Terrier the ability to shrug off most attacks and a reasonable chance in an ironclad duel, whilst its main gun obliterates infantry. Counter balancing this is the fact that the Terrier is a whopping 60 points, putting it at more than a fully tooled out mainstay section or unit of sky hussars. </div>
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To get the best from the Terrier, I think it is important to look at the 'Lethal' Weapon Assigned Rule (WAR) that its main gun has. This means that any attack from the main gun only has to reach the Injury Rating (IR) of a model to kill it rather than the Kill Rating (KR). Against regular infantry who already only have an IR this does nothing, against an expensive veteran unit this doubles the number of models you kill!<br />
A final consideration that applies to all ironclads is that many infantry sections pack both anti ironclad and anti infantry attacks; try to position the terrier such that they can only optimise one of those each turn.</div>
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<b>Price per model:</b></div>
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At £45 or £40.50 from <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions/14977">FireStormGames</a> or <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-kingdom_of_britannia/kingdom_of_britannia_terrier_ironclad_dlkb09/16077">TheTrollTrader</a> The terrier is a large amount of cash to put down at once. It is, however, an impressive centre piece for your army and a finely detailed model. Personally I think the price is fair for what you get.</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
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In conclusion, the terrier is a nice kit. My only suggested improvement would be some optional upgrades. A solid <b>9 out of 10!<b></b></b></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-35487598753369117332013-09-08T14:50:00.000-07:002014-12-17T04:54:49.090-08:00Empire of the blazing sun Imperial rifles<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Empire of the blazing sun Imperial rifles </b> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfA0NDGZMis/UizYr-IK54I/AAAAAAAAARc/XrwaYg_ZrOk/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfA0NDGZMis/UizYr-IK54I/AAAAAAAAARc/XrwaYg_ZrOk/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++1.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Imperial rifles march into battle in a medium spartan box!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQdkfl2xBg8/UizYt0qcq-I/AAAAAAAAARw/HZKdeSUh1yc/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQdkfl2xBg8/UizYt0qcq-I/AAAAAAAAARw/HZKdeSUh1yc/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++2.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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The back of which has a render of the models included and some fluff about the section. Inside we find:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ex5f4zFoTfI/UizYuDazAlI/AAAAAAAAARs/f1OoVPnYxdM/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ex5f4zFoTfI/UizYuDazAlI/AAAAAAAAARs/f1OoVPnYxdM/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++3.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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Zooming in on the details of the models:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxb-Q6j9GXU/UizYvoIWwHI/AAAAAAAAAR4/M81KbZXa0dI/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxb-Q6j9GXU/UizYvoIWwHI/AAAAAAAAAR4/M81KbZXa0dI/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-on61rSnbDPY/UizYxNqG9WI/AAAAAAAAASA/vexqbB0GH0Q/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-on61rSnbDPY/UizYxNqG9WI/AAAAAAAAASA/vexqbB0GH0Q/s1600/Empire+of+the+blazing+sun+Imperial+rifles++5.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Contents as list:</b><br />
1 Activation Card<br />
5 riflemen<b> </b> <br />
<br />
<b>Quality:</b><br />
The models are of a nice quality with clear casting in white metal.<br />
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<b>Appearance:</b><br />
I feel the imperial infantry capture the feel of military uniformity and order nicely. Despite being in two parts the models can not be posed and as there are no optional bits included, it is not possible to add any simple variety.<br />
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<b>Tabletop Usage:</b><br />
The imperial rifles are a mainstay section; as such, inclusion of a section of them or a section of ashigaru is mandatory to create a legal force. <br />
Whilst the ashigaru are close range power houses, the imperial rifles eschew melee in favour of long ranged firepower. <br />
Compared to other ranged infantry the imperial rifles compete well, having the advantage that their extended range contains range band three. Countering this is the quick setup model assigned rule (MAR) requiring a command point to be spent if the unit fires in the same activation as it moves and lowering the dice colour of such attacks by one. <br />
The penalty for firing at long range combines with quick set up, making doing so costly (two command points if there is an officer nearby, four if relying on the section's sergeant) and somewhat ineffectual! This cases me to think it may be best to use early turns to run Imperial infantry to an ideal location to rain a steady tempo of ranged death from!<br />
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<b>Cost per model:</b><br />
At an RRP of £14 (or £12.60 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-empire_of_the_blazing_sun/empire_of_the_blazing_sun_imperial_rifles_infantry_section_dlbs20/16081">thetrolltrader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions/14981">firestormgames)</a> for a box of 5 the imperial rifles work out at £2.80 (or 2.56) per model. For metal models of this size this is solid value.<br />
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<b>Cost per section:</b><br />
To get the most from a section of imperial rifles you want a full section of ten models costing £28 to which you can also add an upgrade box for £9 (£8.10) giving a final coat of £37 (or £33.3 with 10% discount).<br />
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<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
The imperial rifles are nice models however the small number of sculpts and the lack of any options for individuality give a total score of <b>8 out of 10!</b>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-36650394203035591002013-08-20T01:15:00.000-07:002014-12-17T04:55:17.206-08:00Dystopian Legions Prussian Empire Teutonic Knights, review and unboxing<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Prussian Empire Teutonic Knights</b></div>
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The knights march into battle in a medium Spartan box</div>
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The box back shows a detailed render, along with some fluff and a list of the box content</div>
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Also included are three large bases. The included game card is titled 'Impervious' and is the same as the one included in the starter box.</div>
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The knight's bodies are an intricate resin block. There is a nice surprise in addition of a new pose relative to the one included in the starter box. </div>
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Each of the three knights has their own small bag of metal bits, these are listed as upgrade packs on the spartan store.</div>
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First and identically to those included in the stater box is the standard knight. I have chosen to differentiate this model from the standard knights included in the starter box by using the different body sculpt here.</div>
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The specialist boasts a humungous Tesla lance that has some nice visual symmetry with the Tesla bayonets on the grenadiers. I really like the bucket head included with this model and the different shoulder pads are a deft touch.</div>
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Finally we have the Unter Marshal (under Marshal) with his own shoulder plates and imposing winged helmet</div>
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The models are inherently modular and as such you can swap the shoulder plates and heads about as you please, the shoulder pads can also be omitted on one or both sides to add verity.<br />
Here are all three constructed:<br />
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<b>Construction:</b></div>
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I didn't find the knights difficult to build. Most problematic is gluing the arms in place: make sure that the peg on the model is smooth and then hold the arm in place with bluetack until the glue sets.<b> </b> </div>
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<b>Contents as list:</b></div>
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Standard Teutonic Knight<b> </b></div>
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Teutonic Knight with specialist upgrade<b><br /></b></div>
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Teutonic Knight Unter Marshal</div>
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Imperious game card</div>
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Activation card</div>
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3 Large round bases.</div>
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<b>Quality:</b></div>
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The models are of a high quality easily matching anything or beating anything comparable. The mould lines are in manageable places and the detail is clear.</div>
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<b>Appearance:</b></div>
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Personally I really like the knights placing them high among the <b> </b>reasons I started collecting this game originally! I find they bespeak a smouldering malevolence that is just wonderful in a model.</div>
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<b>Table Top Usage:</b></div>
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If you bought the starter box and the knights box you should now have 5 knights to command. The simplest way to deploy these is as a section of three standard knights. This offers the player a mobile wall of cover which, if followed by a section of grenadiers with attached lieutenant using Force march (target section moves three inches in any direction) on the knights, allows the them to advance quickly while the grenadiers advance in relative safety. This can be an effective tactic in smaller games where the knights have little to fear. <br />
A section of standard knights will require babysitting by an officer to achieve their potential, this can be problematic in larger games. </div>
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Adding a specialist to the section brings anti ironclad firepower and the 'Blast' Weapon Assigned Rule (WAR) at the cost of three points and the ability to fire out to range band (RB) three. Personally I find this to be an easy choice in larger games where I know there is going to be an Ironclad and I want as many weapons with armour piercing as I can get; in smaller games the specialist can be your insurance against a surprise Ironclad.</div>
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Thematically, I would love for the specialist to have the champion Model Assigned Rule (MAR). </div>
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The Unter Marshal brings the ability for the unit to act independently, a harder to kill model, one of the best dueling stat lines in the game and the Force March ability. To me this makes the Unter Marsh a very viable choice.<br />
Remember: an officer can't use force march on the section they are in command of.</div>
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Once deployed, the knight's towering MAR means that they are difficult to conceal behind anything other than an Ironclad. Inversely, it does mean that infantry can hide behind the knights. This mobile cover concept is the simplest way to use the knights, although whiled effective it does, I feel, waste their offensive potential. Making use of that potential will require you to get the knights in close somehow, my personal favorite tactic is to use two units of knights next to each other, this allows them to use force march on each other and speed across the battlefield.</div>
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<b>Price Per Model:</b></div>
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At a R.R.P. of £24 (or £21.60 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-prussian_empire/prussian_empire_teutonic_knight_section_3_dlpe22/7805">The Troll Trader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions/14198">Fire Storm Games)</a> the Knights march in at £8 (£7.2 with discount) per model. This seems a lot but allow me show you a photo:</div>
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Yes that is a GW terminator, look at the relative size of these models, now the price seems so much more reasonable.</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
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The only thing that holds this box back is the lack of additional heads and shoulder plates to customise your unit as a result it gets an outstanding <b>9 out of 10!</b><br />
I leave you with a picture of one of my painted knights, I used a scenic base from <b> <a href="http://www.terraingeek.com/">terrain geek</a></b></div>
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Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-61635574309006090332013-08-16T01:50:00.003-07:002013-08-16T01:50:41.646-07:00Federated States of America M18673" Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon, assembly instructions, review and unboxing<div style="text-align: center;">
Federated States of America M18673" Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon</div>
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The Hotchkiss is rolled into battle in a medium Spartan box.<br />
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The back has a render of the included models, some fluff and a detailed list of the contents:<br />
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The included game card suppressing fire has the potential to be useful.<br />
The two crew are both multiple part models:<br />
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The gun has a large number of parts:<br />
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<b>Assembly Instructions:</b><br />
Here are the steps I took to assemble the model along with some suggestions on how to avoid the mistakes that I made. The process took me a little over an hour and will require: A pair clippers, a pin drill and pins (I used paper clips), a craft knife and super glue. A round needle file would be helpful but is not required. I find that super glue with a brush applicator or the gel kind to be worth the extra money, if you have the type that takes a little while to set that will be ideal.<br />
<b> Step 1</b><br />
My first step was to assemble the crew. I used a piercing saw to remove the tabs from the models then gave them a quick file to remove any flash; this can be done with clippers and a craft knife if required.<br />
<b>Do not glue the man holding the lever's arms to his body</b>. Instead, place the arms either side of the model and gently press on the shoulders until they hold against the model on their own. I had to bend mine to be further apart to start with. This should allow the lever to be moved up and down while remaining attached to the man.<br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
Next up, I started to assemble the gun. I first removed all of the flash and mold lines from all the pieces. I then selected the main part of the gun and the triangular stock to be my starting points.<br />
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I strongly recommend that you pin this joint. Unlike me before completing this step you should also drill holes into the sides of the stock so that it can be pinned to the wheels later. Here are the two parts attached to each other and the ammo feed to be attached in step 3:<br />
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I have gone with a directly vertical angle, this was not the best as you will see later a slight angle would be better, be careful to ensure that you will still be able to attach the ammo feed.<b> </b><br />
<b>Step 3</b><br />
Next is the ammo feed, this required me to crush the part such that it held its self in place, then apply glue. I wore gloves to do this and recommend great care is taken in doing so.<br />
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<b>Step 4</b><br />
<b> </b>Next we need to assemble the wheels. The wheels are in two parts shown here:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jubPgqns1Q/Ugtz9KqpW2I/AAAAAAAAAK0/YsFU5S1bsEs/s1600/IMAG1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jubPgqns1Q/Ugtz9KqpW2I/AAAAAAAAAK0/YsFU5S1bsEs/s1600/IMAG1130.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
I found that the joint between the wheel, the leg and the stock was rather poor and required some work to fit correctly so I highly recommend that you dry fit first; I found pushing the needle file through the hole to be the best way to adjust the fit. Glue the legs to the wheels, their being circles means that it doesn't matter what angle you do this at. Here is a picture of the three parts that the model now consists of (excluding the crew):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mn6vhil-H10/Ugtz-shepWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1IGRHuSeHk8/s1600/IMAG1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mn6vhil-H10/Ugtz-shepWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1IGRHuSeHk8/s1600/IMAG1131.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Step 5</b> <br />
Attaching the wheels to the stock is fairly easy if you pin them (and pretty difficult if you don't). Here my poor choice of angle between gun and stock comes into play as I discovered the completed gun did this:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2nZpVhGjj0/Ugt0Dgy0s0I/AAAAAAAAALM/BExdrQAxX6M/s1600/IMAG1134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2nZpVhGjj0/Ugt0Dgy0s0I/AAAAAAAAALM/BExdrQAxX6M/s1600/IMAG1134.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
To address this I placed a small block in front of one the wheels. In the image below I have also added the handle - I have gone for a directly downward angle however any angle to the right of the centre line should be fine if you have not already glued the gunner's arms in place. This is because the gunner must be positioned to the left of the gun and takes up a large amount of space due to how far apart his feet are.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfeeF_xGMiQ/Ugt0FU4ACRI/AAAAAAAAALU/t0vBsFk-0cQ/s1600/IMAG1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfeeF_xGMiQ/Ugt0FU4ACRI/AAAAAAAAALU/t0vBsFk-0cQ/s1600/IMAG1136.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Step 6</b><br />
Now all that is required is to attach the gunner with the lever in his hands. To do this, I blue tacked the gun to the base and attempted to make the models dry fit. Once I located the correct position I marked the base to indicate where to place the model with a pencil and glued the gun in place. From there attaching the gunner was a simple case of holding him in place, I glued his feet first. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ro5q8ml0OU/Ugt0IceK4LI/AAAAAAAAALk/UgF21rzlsF0/s1600/IMAG1138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hotchkiss" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ro5q8ml0OU/Ugt0IceK4LI/AAAAAAAAALk/UgF21rzlsF0/s1600/IMAG1138.jpg" height="191" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
All in all I would describe this model as fiddly and not ideal for people new to building things.<br />
<br />
<b>Review</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Contents as list:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hotchkiss revolving cannon</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two crew</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Large base</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Game card</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Activation card</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Quality:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The model is of a high quality as expected of Spartan<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Appearance:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The model has an obvious deadliness about it that works well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Table Top Usage:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The hotchkiss is fragile, there is no two ways about this which, considering how much it costs and its damage potential, is going to make it a primary target. With this is mind I think the three riflemen that you can attach to it are a great idea, park them in front of the gun and<b> </b>they will soak up the incoming fire first.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Given the short range of the model and the FSA dislike of melee I would suggest that the best way to use this model seems is parked in cover on the end of your gunline, ready to proud fire into anything that attempts to close with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Price Per Model:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At an RRP of £14 or £12.60 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-federated_states_of_america/federated_states_of_america_m18673_hotchkiss_revolving_cannon_dlfs30/13381">the troll trader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions/14426">FireStrom Games</a> the hotchkiss <b> </b>is a good price for a model of this ilk.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Hotchkiss is a nice kit, worth a solid <b>8 out of 10</b><b>!</b></div>
</div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-22612850508389555792013-08-11T14:11:00.002-07:002014-12-17T04:58:35.138-08:00Empire of the Blazing Sun Alchemist Tonegawa and Takera Isamu - Review and Unboxing<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY6ifc4z0A8/UgZD1c_F8pI/AAAAAAAAAHo/V2T7sNk9CdA/s1600/IMAG1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY6ifc4z0A8/UgZD1c_F8pI/AAAAAAAAAHo/V2T7sNk9CdA/s1600/IMAG1107.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonegawa and Tarkera stroll onto the battle field in a small Spartan box, the front only depicts Tonegawa with his mechanical grenade launcher.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The back, as standard, depicts the included models as a render, along with some fluff and a detailed listing of the box contents- shown here:</div>
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Both of the game cards included are used to empower other friendly units.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The models themselves are highly detailed:</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Assembling them was easy; care should be taken when cleaning up Takera's claws so that they fit correctly into the slot on the model.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here they are assembled: I removed the strip from each model's feet with a piercing saw, this enables the use of a scenic base. If done correctly it also means the models can stand on their own feet.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Contents as list:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two detailed models</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Required <b></b>bases</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Activation card</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two game cards</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Quality:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The models are of a very high quality, the cast is clear and the mould lines easy to clean up.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Appearance</b>:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I like both of the models, Tonegawa's pose is nice and evocative; I picture him pinging gas grenades into the distance. Takera meanwhile has a 'Bring it on' pose befitting his 'Way of the warrior' (Must accept challenges.) MAR nicely.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Tabletop usage:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A weakness of the Empire forces is the lack of sergeants, currently only the imperial rifles are able to purchase a sergent. This means that in order to function efficiently all empire forces must remain near an officer. As the starter box only contains two of these a third is a highly desirable option - which Takera helpfully provides. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
This need for the use of Takera as an officer does suggest that the primary place to deploy the pair is attached to a unit of infantry. Of the options available ashigaru seem the best option: a smaller unit with a pair of specialists will be able to make three, three red dice attacks against enemy ironclads a turn! While a larger unit will gain increased melee punch and the ability to lay down smoke on the approach.<br />
<br />
Alternatively the pair could be deployed with a section of imperial infantry, in this case the section can neglect to bring a sergeant (increasing its ranged firepower) and no longer be such a soft target in melee, the section can also deploy smoke after it fired each turn allowing it an advantage in ranged duels against, say, the British.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Price per model:</b></div>
At an RRP of £9.50 or £8.55 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-empire_of_the_blazing_sun/empire_of_the_blazing_sun_alchemist_tonegawa_and_takera_isamu_dlbs14/7496">Troll Tader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions/14045">Fire Storm Games</a> this box works out at £4.75 or (£4.28) a model. Remembering these are larger 32mm metal models this is great value. <br />
<br />
<b>Price per section: </b><br />
Tonegawa and Takera are a section unto themselves<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Conclusion: </b><br />
Overall this is a great box <b>10 out of 10</b>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-4790688468132815282013-08-05T12:46:00.001-07:002014-12-17T05:00:29.163-08:00Dystopian Legions Empire of the Blazing Sun - Officer and Bodyguard Box - Review and Unboxing<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Empire of the Blazing Sun Bodyguard and Officer</span></h2>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The body guard and officer march into battle in a small Spartan box, the front of which only depicts the officer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkFXZzkJjnA/Uf-Y75pNL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/KagDlWBiFnM/s1600/IMAG1097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkFXZzkJjnA/Uf-Y75pNL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/KagDlWBiFnM/s1600/IMAG1097.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The back, however, clearly shows the bodyguard along with some fluff and a detailed listing of the contents.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The officer and his body guard are both detailed metal models: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dm6yd1cc7oQ/Uf-ZCVo5w3I/AAAAAAAAAHM/hWGV5IpCZmc/s1600/IMAG1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dm6yd1cc7oQ/Uf-ZCVo5w3I/AAAAAAAAAHM/hWGV5IpCZmc/s1600/IMAG1101.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_t1FweO0dA/Uf-ZEQNeiNI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ZzZUyJBeybc/s1600/IMAG1102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_t1FweO0dA/Uf-ZEQNeiNI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ZzZUyJBeybc/s1600/IMAG1102.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also included are the required bases, an activation card and, excitingly, a set of plastic command points:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HL2zeYRfVN8/Uf-Y85kxvvI/AAAAAAAAAG0/4mQr8dbL070/s1600/IMAG1098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HL2zeYRfVN8/Uf-Y85kxvvI/AAAAAAAAAG0/4mQr8dbL070/s1600/IMAG1098.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The command points are a nice touch; made of strong plastic, the provided sheet breaks into 12 neat tokens:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjI8zDpVSOg/Uf-ZAT8DHJI/AAAAAAAAAHE/yj2cVOT3E6c/s1600/IMAG1099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjI8zDpVSOg/Uf-ZAT8DHJI/AAAAAAAAAHE/yj2cVOT3E6c/s1600/IMAG1099.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Using the tokens, I found them to be easier to handle than the cardboard ones provided in the starter box, while adding a small touch of class compared to using proxy tokens such as coins. The tokens are not nation specific, although a quick paint job could easily make them so, allowing them to be pooled if you have bought the officer box for more than one nation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Contents as list:</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 detailed metal models as list </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 bases</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 activation card</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">12 plastic command point tokens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Quality:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The models are of a high quality, exemplified by the body of the bodyguard which is a truly excellent casting. The arms being supplied separately to the bodies should also allow some customization and easier conversions, something that has until now been lacking in the legions range. More negatively, the bodyguard's face is somewhat lacking in detail and the officer's face has a mould line directly through the middle of it. These, are however, minor detractors.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Appearance:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Both the models look terrific, personally I prefer the bodyguard's personification of a more traditional Japan</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. I know th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">e officer's gas mask will please some people who think that the Japanese utilisation thereof in dystopian legions has been underrepresented. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tabletop usage:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bodyguard:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The bodyguard is purchased in game as part of the officer's section, bringing with her a significant melee punch, one of the best dueling stat lines in the game and the adjutant + champion MARs. The bodyguard, not being an officer herself, is unable to issue challenges and so her dueling stats will be hard to use directly. The champion MAR however allows her to fight if her charge is challenged this will be most useful against enemy characters such as the Prussian Oberst.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Aside from her ability to kill enemies directly the bodyguard also has an indirect utility in the form of the adjutant MAR; this allows the player to draw an extra card each turn and then choose which of the cards they have drawn to discard. In a force with a large number of unit specific cards this could be extremely potent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Officer:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every force is required to take a lieutenant. Most players, however, will already have one from the starter box. The prospect of taking two lieutenants (and the four mainstays that would require) is a choice I could easily write an entire post on and not really something to linger on here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How this model differs from that supplied in the starter box is firstly in the sculpt and there is something to be said for the ability to take different models in order to vary the look of your army on the table top. The model its self is also armed with a shotgun rather than the pistol that is supplied in the starter box.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The shotgun offers improved firepower against infantry and the ability to ignore a measure of protection that cover provides your enemies at the cost of range, the ability to threaten ironclads and two points. Personally I consider this a difficult choice, what the shotgun seems to offer to me the most is the ability to claim a piece of area terrain such as woodland with relative ease, firmly claiming any objective within.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Per model price:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At an RRP of £9 the officer and bodyguard work out at £4.50 a model. This is reduced if you purchase the model from </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-empire_of_the_blazing_sun/empire_of_the_blazing_sun_sergeant__officer_dlbs08/13901">TheTrollTrader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions">firestormgames</a> who both offer a 10% discount. Considering the 12 tokens provided and the detail in the casting this a reasonable price for the set.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Price per section:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The officer and bodyguard are a section unto themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In conclusion this a great box worth a resounding <b>9 out of 10.</b></span></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-52000108557980720122013-08-01T04:56:00.000-07:002014-12-17T04:58:16.630-08:00Kingdom of Britannia Heavy Machine Gun Section<div style="text-align: center;">
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The HMG arrives in a small Spartan box with some appealing art work on the front.</div>
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As is standard for Spartan the back has a detailed list of the box contents, a render and some fluff.</div>
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The HMG has a crew of two detailed metal models</div>
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The HMG itself has a surprising number of parts</div>
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Which combine with the kneeling crewman to form the model</div>
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The only difficulty when constructing the model was the small lever, though this is pictured on the front of the box.</div>
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Here is the lever and the gun barrels </div>
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The lever attaches to the side of the barrels on the right, there is a short extruding pin there that fits into the round hole on the lever. To form this:</div>
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Also included in the box is a round base, a smaller round base (not pictured) and an activation card:</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Contents as list:</span></div>
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2 metal crew<br />
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1 HMG<br />
1 50mm round base<br />
1 30mm round base<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Quality:</span></div>
This model is of the high quality expected of a spartan model.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Appearance:</span></div>
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The HGM reminds me of an organ (instrument) with its multiple long barrels. I find it a little difficult to imagine exactly how it maintains a high rate of fire, however I like that it is different to the HMGs of other nations. It also works thematically with the British ships in Dystopian Wars which have several barrels for each turret. All of the loaders (man holding the ammo box) are identical which means that if you deploy three HMGs then you end up with three identical models stood next to each other.<br />
All in all I rather like it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tabletop usage:</span></div>
The HMG can be deployed in one of two ways:<br />
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Attached to a mainstay (rifleman) section:<br />
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Here the HMG is added to the mainstay section in place of two riflemen. Used this way, the HMG brings the firepower of three riflemen at a slightly smaller cost. The slow speed of the HMG means that any mainstay unit it is attached to is best used as a stationary fire base. This would ideally be coupled with a nearby officer using focus fire on the section to increase the combined firepower even further.</div>
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Personally I think the HMG is a good upgrade to make; unless the player feels that the unit needs the flexibility that the slower HMG will deprive it of.</div>
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Used this way, the HMG attaches very nicely to the eight strong mainstay that is included in the starter box.</div>
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As a section of HMGs: </div>
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1 to 3 HMGs can be deployed together as a single section. This, however, uses up a heavy support choice; of which the player does not have many.</div>
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Regardless of how many HMGs you take, they can reasonably expect to earn their points back in three of four rounds of shooting against enemy mainstay sections. A smaller section is a cheap activation and command point capable of harassing fire from a location away from your main force. A full section is capable of tearing into sections best deployed as your central gunline with officer support; compared to a full mainstay section the HMGs produce nearly as much fire, have a greater range, are more resistant to enemy fire and cost fewer points!</div>
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However you use the HMG it has the potenial to form a solid anvil onto which the rest of your army can bring the hammer down.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Per model price:</span></div>
at £9 or £8.10 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-kingdom_of_britannia/kingdom_of_britannia_hmg_section_3_dlkb32/7802">TheTrollTrader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions">firestormgames</a> the HMG is an ok price for a metal model.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Price per section:</span></div>
A single HMG can be deployed as a section in its own right, however it is more likely to be attached to a mainstay or combined with two other HMGs giving a section cost of £24 or £27.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion:</span></div>
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The HMG is a nice model deserving a round <b>8 out of 10</b>, were spartan to release a combined box containing three HMG each with a different loader at a reduced cost (say £24?) that would be a Great 10 out of 10.</div>
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Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-2787596146000629422013-07-30T08:48:00.002-07:002014-12-17T04:56:21.810-08:00Dystopian Legions Kingdom of Britannia Colonel MacDonald<div style="text-align: left;">
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<b>Colonel MacDonald</b></div>
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The Colonel rolls onto the battlefield in a small Spartan box</div>
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The back of which has a render of the model, some fluff and a detailed list of the box contents.</div>
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Here is a picture of the entire box contents</div>
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The two game cards are named: 'That's not cricket' and 'Unconventional ammunition'. 'Unconventional ammunition' relates to the caltrops listed in the unit profile while 'That's not cricket' is an incredibly powerful card that relates to the playing of other cards.</div>
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The model is supplied with a small rectangular base large enough to allow for a somewhat elaborate base if desired.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2B8Alnt_fbY/UfetLz1SytI/AAAAAAAAADI/vZr3wQ_O494/s1600/IMAG1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2B8Alnt_fbY/UfetLz1SytI/AAAAAAAAADI/vZr3wQ_O494/s1600/IMAG1080.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the parts of the actual model.</div>
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The resin part is of outstanding quality, approaching what I would expect from a limited edition casting I look forward to painting it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vawi3mHFYM/UfetQ1rOtDI/AAAAAAAAADg/gg9kl-Z3D3o/s1600/IMAG1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vawi3mHFYM/UfetQ1rOtDI/AAAAAAAAADg/gg9kl-Z3D3o/s1600/IMAG1083.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally here is a picture of the model bluetacked together, the side wine bottles and blunderbuss are so well fitted that they held in place without support out of the box, excellent work :)</div>
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Here is one with Oberst for scale, this model is huge</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Contents as list:</span></div>
Detailed model with base<br />
2 game cards<br />
1 activation card<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Quality:</span></div>
The quality on this model is the best I have seen in a metal model, truly outstanding!<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Appearance:</span></div>
The model looks great, plenty of details to pick out and will look superb once painted. I really like the additional depth of feel that this model adds to the British army, something I was having problems feeling before.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tabletop useage:</span></div>
The Colonel is an officer and as such he is best used in support of other sections. He adds a generous number of command points and his command abilities 'Mad minute' and focus fire can greatly enhance the firepower of nearby sections. This combined with his slow speed indicates that he is best placed to secure the main line of the British force while they engage enemies from afar. <br />
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This is however much the same role as the mandatory British Lieutenant which combined with the Colonel's high point cost makes him a section for larger games. Although in a small game the large number of command points he brings would allow a player to be very free with their game cards.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Per model price:</span></div>
At a RRP of £15, or £13.50 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/dystopian_legions-kingdom_of_britannia/kingdom_of_britannia_colonel_macdonald_dlkb14/7493">thetrolltrader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions">firestormgames</a> this is an expensive model, players who value the appearance of their army and enjoy painting may find the cost acceptable given the quality. Those only interested in painting to a gaming standard may find it more objectionable.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Price per section:</span></div>
The Colonel is a complete section to himself.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion:</span><br />
The Colonel is a great model I look forward to painting, my only niggle is the price so a firm <b>9 out of 10</b></div>
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927592197582229890.post-1229855265388258172013-07-28T14:37:00.000-07:002014-12-17T04:55:35.352-08:00Dystopian Legions Prussian LandwehrHello all, welcome to my blog.<br />
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I will be posting reviews and unboxings of some of the wargames products that I purchase. In these I will aim to give the sort of information that I hope to gain when I read similar articles myself; first and foremost is the exact content of the box.<br />
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I will be starting with the Landwehr for Spartan's excellent game Dystopian Legions:<br />
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<b>Landwehr</b> </h2>
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The box is fairly nice and the same size as the other boxes used by dystopian legions meaning that it stacks well.<br />
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The back of the box has a render of the included models which is helpful if looking in store.<br />
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The models are I believe a first for Dystopian legions in that they arrive in two parts, here is the main part.<br />
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Matching the arms to the correct model was easy thanks to render on the box.<br />
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Also included were some standard bases and an activation card.<br />
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<b>Contents as list:</b><br />
5 men with rifles<br />
5 round slotta bases<br />
1 activation card<br />
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<b>Quality: </b><br />
The models are of good quality and will require little clean up to be ready for painting. The model using his rifle as a club has a mould line through the middle of his face though, which isn't ideal.<br />
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<b>Appearance:</b><br />
The models are well sculpted with a large number of small details to pick out.Each of the five models is different to the rest and will look beautiful models once based and painted.<br />
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<b>Tabletop useage:</b><br />
The Landwehr are deployed in sections of 5-12 riflemen and form an effective gun line against infantry for a small number of points. The sergeant available separately in the sergeant + specialist box is synergetically armed with a rifle allowing him to increase the flexibility of the section without detracting from its ranged punch. The specialist meanwhile is armed with a anti tank weapon that looks like a bazooka, which brings a small increase to the units ability to engage infantry and more excitingly the ability to destroy ironclads. <br />
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I think the Landwehr will be best used in one of two ways:<br />
Small flanking squad of 5 models including a sergeant and specialist: this section is a cheap activation has enough fire power to earn its points back and can put pressure on enemy ironclads.<br />
Large gunline unit with a full 12 models including a sergeant and specialist: this format allows for a unit that will take a lot of dedicated firepower to destroy while awarding little in the way of victory points it also has some very nasty range band 1 and 2 firepower.<br />
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<b>Per model price: </b><br />
Retailing with an RRP of £14 or £12.60 from <a href="http://www.thetrolltrader.com/catalog/prussian_empire/310">thetrolltrader</a> or <a href="http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/dystopian-legions">firestormgames</a> gives an effective price of £2.52 per model. A great price for metal models.<br />
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<b>Price per section:</b><br />
A single box of landwehr won't be much use on the table top unless combined with a second box of landwehr and/or a specialist + sergeant box giving an effective cost of £23 to £37 or £20.70 to £33.30 with discount. Considering the models are made of detailed metal this is solid value.<br />
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<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
The landwehr are a splendid unit and I look forward to using them on the table top after I finish painting them up :) <b>9 out of 10</b>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06594142735755890182noreply@blogger.com2