BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat

BattleTech Miniatures and Terrain => Iron Wind Metals News and Announcements => Topic started by: Sawbones12 on 23 February 2011, 20:23:41

Title: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 23 February 2011, 20:23:41
Hey All,

Very busy lately but should be lurking more now.  Have a meeting at IWM on Friday and will post any allowed relevant scoops from that meeting.  Will be addressing sculpting plans/issues/schedules and maybe some new ideas.

Rob
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Vlads Fangs on 23 February 2011, 20:30:17
Welcome back,you have been missed! O0
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Daishi411 on 23 February 2011, 20:33:31
Welcome back,you have been missed! O0

seconded, good to see you back  O0
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Mattlov on 23 February 2011, 21:25:40
I guess we didn't hide the forums well enough since you found them.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: RichQ03 on 24 February 2011, 07:35:42
Welcome back!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: jimdigris on 24 February 2011, 08:34:01
Welcome home, Sawbones. O0
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: JPArbiter on 24 February 2011, 09:30:34
hey, look Kenny's not dead!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Stormlion1 on 24 February 2011, 12:03:40
Welcome back.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: ShockaTime on 24 February 2011, 12:04:52
Welcome back Sawbones O0
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sigma on 24 February 2011, 17:45:34
Welcome back!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 24 February 2011, 19:02:48
Thanks all for the kind reception.  Hopefully will have good info to share after the meeting tomorrow.

Rob
NTXWUY
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: JadeHellbringer on 25 February 2011, 12:35:09
Thanks all for the kind reception.  Hopefully will have good info to share after the meeting tomorrow.

Rob
NTXWUY

(http://images.wikia.com/cnc/images/7/73/Stalin3.jpg)

If you fail... DO NOT return...

 ;)
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Trenchknife on 25 February 2011, 17:20:44
Welcome back!

OK Sigma...that's one of the better avatars  I've seen in a while. 

 [cheers]
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 25 February 2011, 18:37:40
Okay...

1 ) Koschei done and looks great!  The hand, however, was sculpted as a "mitten" rather than with 3 fingers.  The 5I variant will be available as online-only and should be available pretty soon.  I am going to ask Dave to modify the right hand to the three fingers style ( too late for the released version ) for the variant and the left hand will be the same.  The 5I's right and left arms are identical to the 3I's right arm except for the Heavy PPC on the left arm of the 5I.

2 ) Night Wolf, Koschei and Winston Combat Vehicle sent to distributors this week.  Should be to stores soon after.

3 ) Hell's Horse Fast Recon, HH Heavy Jump Infantry, Davion Firefighter ( ATV not done yet ), Marian Ceremonial Guard, WOB Tau Wraith and WOB Tau Zombie done and look great!  The eight remaining infantry types ( and the buggy ) to be done by March 31st for April release.  The "eight" actually involves at least 11 miniatures as at least three of the eight have multiple poses ( like the Branth in flight and grounded pose ).

4 ) Ignis, Theseus, Angerona, Ironhold ( and variant ) and Kopis to be done in April and released in May.

5 ) Woodsman, Tonbo and Sling will be first quarter 2012.  MAYBE earlier depending on requests from Catalyst for special releases that will take up slots ( like the Bounty Hunter series ).

6 ) Fan funding will re-open in May.  Except for most mechs and combat vehicles, these will be online releases only.  To make me happy ( which is of paramount importance  ;) ), please fund the Coyotl, Wakizashi, Procyon, Trajan, Brahma, Bruin and Ostwar...

7 ) Celestial Dominus variants for the Malak, Preta, Deva, Archangel, Seraph, and Grigori should be on the website next week.

8 ) I will list more of the release schedule soon.  Dark Crow and Eisenfaust were picked by Catalyst Games personnel as anticipated big sellers -- hope they are right.

9 ) Misregulations ( new term for me ), mold lines, etc.  Discussed this issue -- QC to be further emphasized and closer monitoring of less experienced casters.  One problem discovered was that the rubber mold supplier switched to cheaper rubber to keep from having to raise prices and this degraded the mold ( and thereby casting ) quality.  IWM is investing in the more expensive rubber to improve mold quality.  Also evaluating and planning to utilize new alignment "pegs" to prevent any slippage of the mold halves and the creation of the misregulations/misalignments that frustrate us all.  There is a new person in charge of casting and production ( but she REALLY knows the job -- she is just new to the title ).

10 ) Resin terrain pieces -- plans to do wrecked mechs ( one of each weight class ), vehicles, fighters and slaughtered infantry/BAs.  Also craters, gun emplacements, bunkers and other items that you suggest.  Initially need to do things that can sit on a flat hex base -- not yet ready to do ovoid or spherical objects that need to fit together ( like a plastic Easter egg ). Should make for great terrain and kill-markers ( and something for ground pounders to hide behind ).

11 ) Eisenfaust delayed but it, the Dark Crow and the Marsden tank are next up for sculpting.

12 ) Shadow Hawk 1R is done and looks great!

13 ) The Apollo re-issue is the old sculpt and all Liao lance pack sets will contain the original sculpts -- except the Men-Shen is getting new legs ( I think shorter and beefier but don't quote me ) and some other small changes ( not a new variant ).

14 ) Still some concerns re: the fan-funded Thunderbolt's legitimacy -- some crap re: the agreement between the Japanese and the U.S. B'Tech people -- whether the permission for some of the previously unseen to be reseen extends to the production of their miniatures and not just the images.  Seems kind of a silly distinction but IWM is awaiting ( and awaiting ) word from Randall Bills/others re: the official go ahead.  If denied, then funders' money will be refunded or can be re-tasked to other projects as you prefer.  I like to think that this will go through without a hitch...

Probably more to say but these are initial highlights...  More schedule info to follow.

Rob
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: ShockaTime on 25 February 2011, 18:53:40
thanks for the update Sawbones! this all very good news!

EDIT: was there any mention of the Mad Cat Mk. IV/Savage Wolf?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 25 February 2011, 19:05:45
Mad Cat IV?  Savage Wolf?  What the heck are you on about?  Just kidding!  It is on the release schedule and it was discussed -- I will need to double check and post later.  It will be the same size as the resculpt Mad Cat ( 20-603RE ) and will be based off of the beautiful multiple angle CAD renderings provided to us by the Catalyst CBT Art Director.

Rob
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: ShockaTime on 25 February 2011, 19:07:03
Mad Cat IV?  Savage Wolf?  What the heck are you on about?  Just kidding!  It is on the release schedule and it was discussed -- I will need to double check and post later.  It will be the same size as the resculpt Mad Cat ( 20-603RE ) and will be based off of the beautiful multiple angle CAD renderings provided to us by the Catalyst CBT Art Director.

Rob

Nice!!! thanks again for the update!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Daishi411 on 25 February 2011, 19:08:57
i have to say i'm very pleased by point #9, thank you very much for making that a discussion point, i know i appreciate that effort.

everything else makes it seem like the rest of this year will be very exciting  :)
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 25 February 2011, 19:23:30
Rob,

Welcome back; it is good to know such an important part of fan interaction returned.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Snake Eyes on 25 February 2011, 20:27:39
Quote
14 ) Still some concerns re: the fan-funded Thunderbolt's legitimacy -- some crap re: the agreement between the Japanese and the U.S. B'Tech people -- whether the permission for some of the previously unseen to be reseen extends to the production of their miniatures and not just the images.  Seems kind of a silly distinction but IWM is awaiting ( and awaiting ) word from Randall Bills/others re: the official go ahead.  If denied, then funders' money will be refunded or can be re-tasked to other projects as you prefer.  I like to think that this will go through without a hitch...
??? Ok, Sawbones am i to understand that we will be possibly seeing a new style Thunderbolt?
will this be based on the japanese unseen, or the regular unseen?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: CitizenErased on 25 February 2011, 20:35:38
Before the old boards went down, the Unseen Thunderbolt got fan-funded (for two variants, IIRC).
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: GreyWolfActual on 25 February 2011, 20:59:41
I am kind of saddened to hear that it is just a reissuing of the Apollo and not an altogether new sculpt.  It is so ugly.  But alas, at least it means more 3085 stuff sooner.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Snake Eyes on 25 February 2011, 21:20:43
Before the old boards went down, the Unseen Thunderbolt got fan-funded (for two variants, IIRC).
:o Ok, when it hits the store, i'm buying me a full lance ;D
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: BigAl on 25 February 2011, 21:27:47
What Happen to Quasit Mech?  Glad to see you back too.  Also great work in getting us the information.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: JPArbiter on 25 February 2011, 21:29:56
sucks to hear about the problems with the Koschei but it sounds like nothing a good strong pair of wire cutters won't solve.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Mattlov on 25 February 2011, 22:20:03
I'm happy to hear about posting the molds for less slippage.  I won't buy an IWM fig unless I see it in person because it had become such a problem.

Time to start setting some cash back for some minis, then.

And EISENFAUST!  Can't come out soon enough.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 25 February 2011, 22:34:56
14 ) Still some concerns re: the fan-funded Thunderbolt's legitimacy -- some crap re: the agreement between the Japanese and the U.S. B'Tech people -- whether the permission for some of the previously unseen to be reseen extends to the production of their miniatures and not just the images.  Seems kind of a silly distinction but IWM is awaiting ( and awaiting ) word from Randall Bills/others re: the official go ahead.  If denied, then funders' money will be refunded or can be re-tasked to other projects as you prefer.  I like to think that this will go through without a hitch...

Eep! Hopefully it will all go off well.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: 97jedi on 25 February 2011, 22:57:03
Glad to see you back in these parts, Rob. Thanks for the updates, too. :)
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Weirdo on 25 February 2011, 23:04:53
Regarding the infantry that are done and coming out soon: Are they going to be online-only, or in stores?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 26 February 2011, 00:07:44
Again, thanks for the welcomes back.  Never planned to be gone for long ( or at all, actually ) but a confluence of events/scheduling delayed my re-upping.

Infantry releases are online only.

Quasit releasing this week as well.  Note -- if you do not like the feet, then do not blame the sculptor.  We requested and received artist feedback and the sculpt faithfully portrays them.

Winston looking good now.

Please await commentary from those who have these minis before bad-mouthing them too badly.  Mike's photo-fu is weak -- especially for the Night Wolf.  I truly think you will like it ( and the rest ) unless it/they are just not your cup of tea.  The art for the Koschei is kind of goofy looking but I think the mini turned out well.

Rob
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sigma on 26 February 2011, 02:04:49
Man, I am chomping at the bit to see what the SHD-1R's mini looks like. So does "finished" mean the master is finished or that the molds are done and we can expect a release soon?

Either way I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. Great news all around!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Jal Phoenix on 26 February 2011, 12:01:58
Question: Why would the Thunderbolt be caught up in legal problems if the Shadow hawk is okay?  Both are from the Dougram series. 
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Slade, The Grey Fox on 26 February 2011, 12:05:13
Shit.

I better start working overtime...
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sigma on 26 February 2011, 12:50:17
Question: Why would the Thunderbolt be caught up in legal problems if the Shadow hawk is okay?  Both are from the Dougram series.

The 1R is like the Wolverine II, very similar but different enough. The Thunderbolt is directly the same though personally I think the old 3025 art also falls under the "different enough" category.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Snake Eyes on 26 February 2011, 13:01:05
Ok, question......i keep hearing about the Wolverine II, is this an official design? is there a book that its in?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: ShockaTime on 26 February 2011, 13:07:10
Ok, question......i keep hearing about the Wolverine II, is this an official design? is there a book that its in?

yes it is. it's from Historical: Operation Klondike, and it's an awesome mech.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 26 February 2011, 14:02:45
Jal Phoenix,

The Shadow Hawk 1R has recent artwork that is brand new -- I am guessing that indicated approval to do its image.  IWM has largely gone with "if it is in a book, then we can do the mini" except for the Unseens.  This whole Unseen/Reseen business is aggravating.  The Thunderbolt was one of those in the re-released 3025 ( or was it 3039? ) TRO that had a blank white outline of the mech instead of an illustration. That was the most recent "inclusion" of that style of Thunderbolt ( non-Phoenix ) in a TRO as far as I know ( just the text and no image ).  The Thunderbolt, to my knowledge, has no recent reseen new art images.  I tried to verify the legitimacy of the reseen Thunderbolt before I approved the fan-funding and was assured by the funding organizer that it fell into the reseen category ( and I fervently hope he was/is right ).  Again, I hope this is just a super-precautionary step rather than a likely deal-breaker.

Rob  to paraphrase from Star Trek -- "Damn it, Jim, I'm a doctor not a lawyer!"

Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 26 February 2011, 14:05:45
Celestial Dominus variants should be in the online store next week.  Just did the final QC stuff and approved the blackened master images for the website.  About 4 guys working on it at IWM plus phone calls and e-mails to me at home.
 
Rob
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Jal Phoenix on 26 February 2011, 14:11:38
Well, I hope it works out.  That new Thunderbolt is one I'm really looking forward to!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Mattlov on 26 February 2011, 14:24:48
yes it is. it's from Historical: Operation Klondike, and it's an awesome mech.
I think you need awesome redefined.  The mini is decent if large, and the stats are just sad.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Wolf Lancer 4 on 26 February 2011, 14:32:33
What is the order number for the Night Wolf?  Is it on the IWM website somewhere?


EDIT:  Nevermind I found it.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: ShockaTime on 26 February 2011, 14:43:37
I think you need awesome redefined.  The mini is decent if large, and the stats are just sad.

false, the stats are awesome. i can't count how many times this thing has pulled through for because of it's durability.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Snake Eyes on 26 February 2011, 16:06:40
Quote
it's from Historical: Operation Klondike, and it's an awesome mech.
Aw, crap, thats the one book i didn't copy to my flash drive [tickedoff]

@Mattlov........The pic of the mini on IWM looks pretty cool, though you're right, looks a little bloated for a Wolverine.......whats wrong with the stats?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: avon1985 on 26 February 2011, 18:43:13
Awesome news all around.  Thanks and can't wait.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Daishi411 on 26 February 2011, 18:55:05
question about the online only koschei 5I variant. is it only the parts that are available online, or a whole online only mech?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: GhostBear_TomeGurdel on 26 February 2011, 22:07:43
I have gotten to see the Night Wolf today when I visited the IWM crew. I like it, very true to the artwork, and I realized there weren't as many gribbley bits as I thought. The only things I can identify from the mini and art that didn't sculpt were the 2 antenna off the back and the barrels on the AMS.

Also I have seen how El Presidente Noe takes his pictures, I can understand why the Photo-fu is not strong and have offered some suggestions on how to possibly start improving it.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: tBanzai on 27 February 2011, 00:23:41
Forgive me if I remain skeptical till my own copy arrives from preorder or we see a preview.

The news about the Thunderbolt is mildly worrying..  Is Catalyst in direct contact with the Japanese company who holds the rights to the mechs over there or is it a different company that licensed it in the states that Catalyst is talking with?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Sawbones12 on 27 February 2011, 01:48:14
Daishi411,

I believe it would be the whole mech...

Rob
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Daishi411 on 27 February 2011, 02:15:39
Daishi411,

I believe it would be the whole mech...

Rob

cool. thanx for the info
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: DEZOAT on 27 February 2011, 07:46:06
 ;D I ' am happy you are back Sawbones12. Again you do great works for our minis in Battletech. Keep it up man.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Corrinald on 27 February 2011, 09:23:49
Welcome back Sawbones, and thanks for all the great news!
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Wolf Lancer 4 on 27 February 2011, 18:09:52
When is the Savage Wolf suppose to be released?  Soonish or later this year?
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: GhostBear_TomeGurdel on 27 February 2011, 18:47:29
When is the Savage Wolf suppose to be released?  Soonish or later this year?

On or about the week of June 13th.

See the Upcoming IWM Releases thread pinned at the top of this board for more info on the various tentative releases.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Vlads Fangs on 27 February 2011, 19:49:32
I do not know if this is too soon.But is there any word or options for the Warwolf and Wulfen mechs.I personally love the designs,with omni parts very dangerous vesions can be made,so I for one would love to see them built,any chance? [watch]
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: ShockaTime on 27 February 2011, 20:04:23
It would be awesome to see those two sculpted.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Snake Eyes on 27 February 2011, 22:59:15
I want a mini of the XTRO-steiner Banshee [drool]


Please, somebody make one [notworthy]
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Stormlion1 on 28 February 2011, 11:07:30
I don't even really play Steiner and I want the overly armored Banshee too. This needs to be sculpted. This the FANS commmand!  ;D
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Rim Worlder on 25 March 2011, 06:51:23
I want a mini of the XTRO-steiner Banshee [drool]


Please, somebody make one [notworthy]

looks more like a Charger with two hands than a Banshee.  Not that, thats a bad thing.   [drool]
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: Rim Worlder on 25 March 2011, 06:54:03
Okay...


6 ) Fan funding will re-open in May.  Except for most mechs and combat vehicles, these will be online releases only.  To make me happy ( which is of paramount importance  ;) ), please fund the Wakazashi...


Rob

I'm interested.
Title: Re: I'm baaaaaack!
Post by: beachhead1985 on 25 March 2011, 12:23:43
Glad to hear about the updated photo-fu, but I saw the new Turhan and I WAS looking forward to it until then, now not so much.

Would it be a good idea to lay out some basic guidelines for the artist when perspective or art leaves things in doubt?

Smaller heads

bigger legs

Larger wheels/wider tracks (the turhan's issue)

avoid Bowman-Crotch, ect