Monday, April 04, 2011

They're coming.... from the pages of the TRO!

JR7-X
From the Mercenaries section of the TRO:3063


Yes, indeed. They are coming soon. One at a time, but they are definitely on their way.

But which ones?

Good question!

Someone out there asked for miniatures based on the art from this project. Several someones. I chuckled at the time. Silly fans, don't they know how expensive a miniature is to commission and produce?

Well, things have changed over the past two years. Some people have done a bit of 3D work, but it's been expensive.

Serendipity strikes and suddenly we have a new source, and he works fast.

And is reasonably cheap.

So.... wouldja do poor old Steve a favor?

Go back into the archives of this blog and tell me - what do you want to see as a tabletop miniature when September rolls around? I am not pageview whoring here, I am serious - dig back. Everything that will go into this TRO has appeared at one point or another on this blog over a period of nearly four years. You can find it.

When you do, let me know right here in the comments. We'll do what we did with the prototype - file it and use it to determine priorities.

More later!





http://www.shapeways.com/model/234569/3063___jr7_x_jay_x.html?gid=ug66038

Stay tuned!


Candidates So Far:
Privateer PV1-K

Privateer PV-2L


Klat, I turned your donation right over to the sculptor in England, who has agreed to put the Privateers both on the short list. Thank you for the donation!


And in case folks are worried this is only for 'Mechs....






You want to get that with fries?

Get a pair of these - along with parts for all the variants:


http://www.shapeways.com/model/237377/tro3063___churchill_mk__xx.html?gid=ug66038


Steve

49 comments:

Klat said...

I've been following this on and off for some time now but never really felt like I could contribute with any form of commentary until now. Miniatures?! Oh, Privateer how I have longed for you in miniature form.

About how much does it take to get a mini designed/made? If we really want to see a specific mini should we donate to the project itself?

Steven Satak said...

Let's say $25 to get it on the short list. I only say that because the fellow we have has not decided what to charge for the effort. Let's give him a few days and see what he comes up with.

Meanwhile, which Privateer? The Draconis Combine's PV-1K or the Capellan PV-2L? Hard to choose, I know! And we might get a two-fer, as they are based largely on the same chassis. Or a break in price.

Whichever it is, it is on the list. Thank you for your contribution!

Steve

Klat said...

Just donated $50.00. Hope that covers both Privateers. Thanks for the quick reply.

Anthony N. Emmel said...

Heck I'd like to see the House Liao Cataphract...the mini has always been for the House Davion model. :)

Steven Satak said...

Well, it's up there and hopefully you like the looks.

It's a wee bit different from the Cats of the past but retains their styling cues without looking silly.

It is a very good design; send me your email if you want to see the writeup first.

Steve

Dorian Sherratt said...

Thanks for the kind words Steve, much appreciated.

Klat... Like Steve says the Privateer is coming. I'm sure he'll keep you updated, but I've got to finish the current model I'm working on first.

Anonymous said...

My votes go for the Commando as seen here:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHw2VVTQbyg/SjRiCPGUk0I/AAAAAAAAAAU/8Mirae5BzDI/s1600-h/Commando3063small.jpg

and for the Battlemaster as seen here:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHw2VVTQbyg/SlGObtLVyDI/AAAAAAAAAC4/crF9r1-Xcpc/s1600-h/Battlemaster3063-smaller.jpg

It is pretty hard to narrow it down with all of the excellent artwork but these especially make me drool.

Anonymous said...

Are you considering mechs only?

Kampson

Steven Satak said...

Negative, Cap'n. We are currently working on the Churchill Mk XX. The one with the BFG, remember? Any machine from the TRO is a potential candidate.

Steve

Anonymous said...

Okay good deal.

Im sure you will have a lot of interest an any in any minis "you" get made.

Kampson

Kyle Bentley said...

I definitely agree with the Privateers (I like both versions), as well as the Culverin, the Isometrus, the Champion II, the Scorpion II, Nightsky II, the Daimyo, and the Forge.

I would be willing to pay money for models of those mechs.

Klat said...

I'm well and truly stoked for the Privateer but I'm perfectly happy to be patient. The Battlemaster looks really great BTW and I think it's a design that should have happened in canon some time ago. Then again that's how I feel about many of the designs in this TRO.

Pardon my ignorance but what type of glue\adhesive should be used on the materials that these minis will be made in?

Also a big thanks to Steve and Dorian for making all of this possible.

Steven Satak said...

Klat, we have the feet done on the Privateer. Progress... what're ya gonna do?

On a different note, how does everyone like the music?

Unknown said...

The Champion is such a new take on the design that it really deserves a miniature.

Unknown said...

I'm liking the Churchill mini proposal. One of my biggest gripes with CBT tanks is that so few look like MBTs. The Churchill just looks right to me and I'm impressed with both the mini proposal and the art.

In all honesty I was figuring on months before hearing anything on the Privateer so finding out the feet are done is great news to me.

As to the music, I'm getting a kick out of Disco Pogo.

Klat said...

Considering that my CAD-Fu is very weak all the mini stuff I've seen thus far is amazing. I'm not in any hurry for the Privateers. I'm just happy to see that all of this is coming together.

So my shopping list is going to look like Privateers, Jenners, and a Battlemaster or two... and then I just know I'm going to see something else I like. Congrats Steve, you sir have just planned my gaming budget.

Steven Satak said...

Your enthusiasm is contagious, but c'mon, guys. The TRO hasn't even been published yet. How do you even know these are viable designs yet?

Sexy, yes. Eric did a stand-up job. But useful? I guess we'll see.

Steve

Klat said...

Well FWIW the PV-1K inspired a custom Avatar config that I used to company store my players in an RPG campaign. From what I know on the Battlemaster the concept is sound and makes sense. The PVL-2L is just one of those designs that I can't help but love; a cheap merc mech with some cool toys. I think we know enough about these units at this point to see that they're sound without being munchy.

Steven Satak said...

To all: if you want to see the stats sheet for a given 'Mech from the TRO, click on my name and email me.

I understand if you don't want a 'Mech in a poke.

Klat said...

The Churchill did come out very nice...

Since no one else has mentioned it the Bandersnatch looks pretty darn nice. As I've already recommended two mechs I feel kinda silly bringing that one up but the original is an old favorite and the new art is superb. Also the Argus is really nice looking in a form follows function kind of way. No doubt both would make excellent minis.

As for vehicles; the Flagstaff is pretty sweet looking. I like the idea of a hover tank that looks like a tank. The Montgomery is also a very spiffy looking vehicle; very aggressive and yet functional in appearance.

Steven Satak said...

The Argus is on the short list.

I will see about the 'Snatch - I like that design myself and think the version in the TRO is a winner.

(Well, of course I would.)

Dan Eastwood said...

+Commando
+Champion
+Some ground attack goodness (Zephyrus): http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHw2VVTQbyg/StlLYgaWmYI/AAAAAAAAAIg/p_ADs_FzMMw/s1600-h/Zephyrus3063_V3.jpg

and just to be different: http://battletechreader.blogspot.com/2010/08/progress-in-art-and-writing.html

But NOT the mech ... THE REPAIR BAY!

Klat said...

@EastwoodDC, it's not exactly what you were referring to but this may be close:

http://www.shapeways.com/model/199642/mfb.html?gid=ug66038

Back to the minis themselves; I really like the flexibility of the Churchill mini, very creative and well done Mr. Sherratt. Also, glad to hear the Argus is on the list. Say, Steve I don't suppose the Centurion is on the list? Just considering the handle you post under ;)

Steven Satak said...

As it happens, the Centurion and the Praetorian are both on the list, for different reasons.

The Praetorian, because I asked, the Centurion because it intrigues the sculptor and he has a use for it as a representative of a RAC-equipped unit (he loves the RAC).

The Centurion in this iteration is actually carrying a UAC-20 - we figured at that size, it really doesn't matter what the delivery system looks like as long as it can reasonably deliver the required amount of metal on target.

And rotary guns look cool, right?

I have personal experience over many games - the Argus is an ass-beater all by itself. In pairs or a lance, you're gonna get warned off by your gaming group. It's a monster, and the designer is my own son at age 12.

Steve

Dorian Sherratt said...

@Klat, cheers for the compliment.

@EastwoodDC, Have you seen the xmark MechHanger that's pretty cool (www.xmarx.com). An alternative to my MFB is the MechHanger but I have its really expensive unfortunately due to the size. When time permits I will be going back to it and trying to reduce the cost of it.

http://www.shapeways.com/model/238298/mech_hanger.html?gid=mg

@Steve, yeah I do love RACs!

Klat said...

Does that Bandersnatch need funding?

Steven Satak said...

Sure it does. I am going to see they are all paid for - sooner or later. Your donations have been moving it to the 'sooner', along with the art.

The sculptor is learning new tricks (he will have to in order to pull off the Cheyenne III) and the Privateers are nearing completion. Go ahead and donate. We'll move it to the list of stuff coming up next, but keep in mind it comes after the Privateers and the Argus.

Steve

Klat said...

Donation for the Bandersnatch sent. That mech is just too pretty not to have a mini.

 Ashley said...

Great to see the blog getting the love it deserves. The Battlemaster is very nice, but there again again so are a lot of the other designs too.

Anonymous said...

New missle launchers for the Jenner look much better. Could the mech render be updated as well?

Kampson

Steven Satak said...

Already asked him to do that - for ME! Seeing as the minimum order is $25, I would have to get a lot of launchers!

Anonymous said...

I have this feeling that shapeways are going to get alot of orders on the units for the tro3063. Shoot you have just scratched the surface of all the great designs. Also in my opinion alot of the artwork is better then some of the artwork in some of the recent cannon products.

Kampson

Klat said...

Sorting through the art I can't believe I forgot about the White Knight! I love Huda's work and though I haven't the foggiest idea what the stats on the White Knight are I'd love to see a mini.

Steven Satak said...

We have slimmed down the launchers on the JR7-X. Sorry for the delay.

Privateers need some massaging before they will be ready for prime time. Give it 'til Monday, possibly. Bill is looking the renders over and comparing them to the art.

Steve

Unknown said...

It looks like shapways is printing the white knight, I had to do some rework on it to get it to the minimum wall thickness, but it still looks the same. I'll send pics as soon as i get the model.

S. Huda

Unknown said...

It appears shapeways has finally got the white knight in the printer, It took three iterations as I had to keep reworking the model to get the minimum wall they require. I'll let you know when i get the model

S. Huda

Steven Satak said...

Stephen, that's just swell. There are several requests for it already.

Could you be a prince and give us the URL for that model?

STeve

Klat said...

I think KSND has some designs that look like they're from TRO 3063. No White Knight that I could see though.

Linky: http://www.shapeways.com/hisdesign?user_id=49226

Steven Satak said...

I went over and looked. This is the fellow who did some good work and then offered to do them for me. The prices were reasonable but I can't afford it right now, not with the art to finish paying off. And certainly not with my own finances in tatters after all the darned vehicle repairs in the past few months.

It seems he has a storefront, and several of the pieces available are definitely based on TRO art. Not sure if I should be upset or not. I have chosen 'not' for now, but Bill tells me the sculptors owe *me* for using the art. Still trying to get my head around that, but Bill is not the only one who says it.

Hell, I would be happy if the fellow chucked two or three of the minis my way.

Steve

Steven Satak said...

Okay, senior moment. I already gave the blessing for that particular set of minis. The sculptor really is quite cool, and I am looking forward to working with him in the near future.

My bad!

Steve

Unknown said...

The white knight link at shapeways:

http://www.shapeways.com/model/230511/the_white_knight.html?gid=ug61270

Steven Satak said...

Stephen, if you want to drop the price of that mini by a lot, try publishing it without the hex base.

Jim said...

Wow! I've not checked in recently and boom! Minis?! =D

Good call on the Churchill...I seem to remember someone saying something about that. ;P

I like the choice list you have going, but I'll have to peruse through the whole blog later and see if anything else screams mini...I tend to like VTOLS so expect me to suggest one. Def agree fully on the Champion though...that's full of WIN!

First part of the first song I heard sounded good...I didn't get past that yet.

And no, I didn't read every comment here yet either. Past my bed time, but I will later. =)

Steven Satak said...

Jim, thanks for the kudos. I agree, the Champion is prime for a miniature. However, as tomorrow's blog post will reveal, I have talked extensively with Bill and have decided we will not be connected in any way whatever with producing the 'Name' 'Mechs.

Any machines which bear a name in the BT universe - Battlemaster, Champion, Centurion, Catapult, Bandersnatch - or have a look and feel similar to an existing popular design - the Praetorian comes to mind - are off limits. I believe producing these, even based on art I own, will infringe on CGL's intellectual property rights.

More tomorrow. Sorry to whet your appetite and snatch away the meal, but we're not competing with IWM or CGL and we don't have their permission to produce these things, whether they bear the name of the originals or not. Look and feel is enough to cause real trouble.

Steve

Jim said...

I understand the copyright concerns and though it's a bummer, I agree leaving them alone is the best option unless you have some written documentation giving the go-ahead...and I'm not sure that happens too often. It would be great if they'd endorse these minis since I think several are a vast improvement over original, but you gotta do what keeps you out of the fire, and I admire your integrity in that matter.

So, of the art I've looked through, here are a couple I particularly like...if I grabbed something that's not going in the TRO forgive me, but there are quite a few pages. And yes, I listed a lot and mostly vehicles, but if we're going on non-named/unique mechs, then that cuts the pile down a lot, unless I missed some blog posts. =)

Culverin
Isometrus
Zephyrus
Horatio - bridge (like its uniqueness)
Mastadon - mineclear(Same reason)
Durendal
Cortes

Liked these too but it's already a big list...
Panzer X
Percival
Revenant
Ocelot II

Too bad you can't do the Nimravus... =\

Steven Satak said...

I have to agree about the Nimravus. It gives me a twinge of regret because the Nimravus was the second 'Mech designed by my son. It bears a resemblance to the company-owned Lynx because it was built up from a Lynx chassis. '

But only a twinge. Given that it is a mercenary machine produced in fairly small numbers, this should not be too heavy a blow to the average gamer. My son played it using a kit-bashed Lynx for years.

Jim said...

Hey, me again...figured I'd add this here since this is the post specifically featuring the JR7-X.

I know you'd mentioned something about slimming down the launchers. Are the models in the post header the most up-to-date?

I'll say this up front 'cause I don't want to be the nit-picky guy who doesn't appreciate the serious effort that goes into modeling these. I know it's a lot of work to get the look right, and I'm so stoked we're getting minis made.

It just seems with the model the launchers are too big for the cockpit area (looking at the grey background pic), and the vents behind are much more prominent as well. It's not the end of the world, but what makes those things more noticeable are the feet. Really if all else stayed the same and you just made the feet bigger and wider I don't think the other differences would be so noticeable. But IMHO the feet are just too small/thin. In the art they're much closer in size to the cockpit.

Again, not trying to nit pick, but that's a big enough thing that if I bought a mini as is I'd be rebuilding the feet right away. If it could be addressed now I think it'd be worth it.

Dorian, overall great work...I really mean that. It's no small task bringing the art off the paper.

Doug said...

Are the stats for the Privateers listed in the blog?

Steven Satak said...

No. I will be happy to send you copies of the writeups if you need the stats, but posting the stats here other than in generic terms would kind of spoil the surprise.

ssatak AT yahoo DOT com