There is a huge issue with WYSIWYG for BT.
As a Demo agent, I am limited to running events only with official models. That means NO 3D printed models in official sanctioned BT games.
I don;t think I can even use other company models in games (i.e. No Robotech Riflemen)
So, lets take the Awesome for example. We have the recent Plastic Model of the Aweseme AWS-8Q, and a metal model of the
AWS-9Q. That's it. But we also have the following:
AWS-8R (2x LRM 15, 1 L laser Right Arm)
AWS-8T (2x LRM 15, L Laser Left/Right Arms)
So, no official model of those, but they can be easily represented with the current existing models, easily with a "The Red Awesome is a standard 8Q, while the Blue Awesome is the 8R variant".
This is further constrained by the fact most other WYSIWYG games, records/unit details are not shared between participants. BT is not that, unless the game is double blind, and even then requires 3 parties to fully play, with 3 seperate maps, record sheets etc, see pages 220-224 of TacOps for full rules:
The double-blind format requires a minimum of three players,
one of whom acts as gamemaster. The gamemaster monitors
the status and movement of the two opposing players’ forces,
informs the players of their spotting sweep results and ensures
the smooth play of the game.
Three identical mapsheets and ’Mech sets are needed for
a double-blind game—one for each player and one for the
gamemaster. Each player uses his maps to record the movement
of his own units and any enemy forces his units have detected.
The gamemaster uses his mapsheets to record the movement of
both sides. Additionally, each player records the movement of his
forces on a copy of the double-blind movement chart found at
the back of this book.
But getting back to the Awesome's if BT were to move to a WYSIWYG model, all future games I run can no longer have AWS-8R's or 8T's or any other variant beyond the 8Q/9Q models (3 PPCs/4 PPCs) model as that further defining what a PPC looks like regardless of model because that is the point of a WYSIWYG. From
https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/WYSIWYGWYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get, commonly abbreviated to the acronym WYSIWYG is a basis for the entire Games Workshop line of models. It simply states that whatever kind of wargear or weapons that the model is going to have equipped going into battle MUST be shown on the model. For example, a Space Marine usually is armed with a bolter as part of their standard equipment. In order for everyone who looks at the space marine to know that he has a bolter and not another type of weapon (Flamer, Missile Launcher etc.) a bolter must be physically attached to the model.
Some types of wargear also must be displayed on the model when appropriate. These wargear items are displayed when Games Workshop models have provided for said wargear. Otherwise, it is up to the player to include these wargear items as imagination permits.
It should be noted that this term's officiality has come and gone over the years. Tournaments normally give a standard of models that can be used in play, and many have had very lenient policies. Sometimes, one type of miniature could be allowed as a proxy for another. However, often the rules are written to discourage such actions in order to prevent abuse.
So to go FULL WYSIWYG for BT, a PPC must be different from a large laser, and the model must then reflect that change. Remember that AWS-8R I mentioned above, the full weapon loadout is:
SMALL LASER - Head (both models have this, so we are fine here)
LRM-15 - Right Torso (Current 8Q/9Q model has no LRM 15 on the RT, major modelling work must be done to do so)
LRM-15 - Left Torso (Current 8Q/9Q model has no LRM 15 on the LT, major modelling work must be done to do so)
LARGE LASER - Right Arm (Current 8Q/9Q model has a PPC, under true WYSIWYG this must then be modified to distinguish between the two)
Thus, again without an 'official' model, as a Demo Agent I would only have the following as an option to run an 8R/8T in official events:
1. Learn 3D modeling, so I can make my very own unique 3d models of the 8Q. No taking existing models and 'tweaking them', not allowed
2. Get out the X-acto Knife, putty and other bits and hack and model an existing model to represent the model (something I'm not skilled enough to do, nor a lot of other agents)
3. Wait for CGL/Iron Wind metals to spend the $$$ to make an official variant (and who determines priority of models to make???)
4. Stay the course and continue to be a game of 'As long as all parties agree, model choice can be anything!'
