Legion Rising

[Subtle Discord]

+++ Warning! ∙ Procrastination Scrap-code Detected! +++ Progress Assessment ∙ Diverted! +++ Critical Action ∙ Primary Activity… Halt! +++ Primary Motive Cache ∙ Dumping… +++ Primary Motive Cache ∙ Resetting… +++

[Yosef Hausakluif]

The Oreo Reductor would be proud!

(

[Naryn]

Absolutely love that tiny turret.

[Forté]

Good to see this still going. Have passed the store link on to a friend who's starting some Chaos vehicles.

[Hungry Nostraman Lizard]

That procrastination scrap code is doing its glory share of work... yes, good... spread to those critical systems...

[Subtle Discord]

Sidetracked by several things inside and outside of the studio, I haven’t found the time and focus to finish writing the follow up to my last wall-o’-text.

 

∙ Replication Subroutines: Initialized. Oh yeah, it's good to finally get back to makin’ messes, castin’ kits, and makin’ moulds.

 

However, the delay is a mix of good and unexpected news, which has me wanting to evolve what I was going to write about anyhow, so it’s all for the best in the long run. The gears are starting to turn again so keep the vox tuned and be sure to observe the proper rites of maintenance and placation.

 

∙ Well well, aren’t you a fine looking little cyborg. What’s that, I should obey the Omnissiah’s will and… innovate... your ride? OK!

 

It’s been quite some time since I’ve had to paint a pilot and cockpit before assembling a model. It’s bringing back memories of some of my earliest model building and I’m already dreading working with the clear canopy bits, just like I did way back when. Fun fun?

 

Naturally, now that I’ve got one of these models in my grubby little digits and can see how it assembles I’ve got a solid idea of what I want to do to alter it. I actually don’t mine the ornithopter inspired design of the stock model, but I’m me after all, and when a kit inspires me like this one I’ve got no choice but to have some fun with it.

 

*In an old-timey radio voice*

 

This and much more, in our next episode featuring the eccentric Dr. Mechanicus and his ever-faithful (because it’s programmed to be that way) servitor Solus, coming soon!

[Majkhel]

Oh my Omnissiah!  
You know what I saw?

"I'm going to ride my bicycle, I'm going to ride my bike!" :D

Fantastic creations!

[Subtle Discord]

Ha! I can see the resemblance, but they're not an Ork.

 

Thanks.

[BadgersinHills]

Very, very nice. I'm sure I'm going to love what's coming! :)

[Subtle Discord]

Come for the shiny pictures of my newest creation, but please stay for the important information down below.

 

Another shorter post carved from the larger blob of text I’m working on. With several things that I want to talk about, but those things are also pulling me in several directions, I wanted to get this part out sooner rather than later so I can solicit some ideas, input, and feedback. But first, a distraction to lure people in...

 

In my humble opinion, the new Scorpius model is so on-the-nose as a transport, taking so many cues from 20th-century landing craft, that it simply falls flat when it's assembled as the Disintegrator; it really seems like something that was excellent as the primary Dunerider version and then ham-fisted and forced into the Disintegrator version. It's that damn side profile silhouette that simply doesn't go away when you build it as the Disintegrator, even with the turret. Nope, I wanted to come up with a different solution.

 

∙ I had a Goliath Truck for several years that I wanted to change into an artillery vehicle, and this was the perfect opportunity.

 

More on the Duneriders and other stuff related to them later, but for now, this is what I came up with; the Disintegrator artillery and support truck. I'm quite pleased with the eclectic mix of weapons that create what I think is a very AdMech look to the model. A forward operating unit with nutrient paste, ammunition, spare parts, lubricants, fluids, and batteries of all sizes, in a pinch for front-line troops, while also proving close artillery support. Yep, I think that'll work just fine.

 

I did use my casting skills for a tiny bit of mischief, making a mould of the Servitor bits for the turret, but I'm still paying the full price of admission by using it on a complete Goliath model, and it'll never be used for profit, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Besides, the Omnissiah compelled me to do it! *Chatters in binary*

 

∙ It seemed like coming up with a counts-as for the Disruptor Missiles was going to be a challenge; doubling the Heavy Stubber barrels on the other hand was straightforward.

 

At first, I was considering how I could create/add a missile weapon system of some sort and I just wasn't finding any inspiration. Then I noticed that the standard profile of Eradication Beamer (36", Hvy.D6, S8, AP-2, D-D3) is so close to the Disruptor Missiles (36", Hvy.D6, S7, AP-2, D-D3) that I quickly came up with this solution; meet the Atrum Laboris pattern Disruptor Beam. Note: Originally a subcomponent of a larger device, the actual purpose that this beam was intended for is lost to time, but it does horrible things to whatever it's pointed at when activated, so now, it's a weapon.

 

With three Heavy Stubbers on the Disintegrator, I needed to do something to help convey them so I doubled the barrels on the turret as the most straightforward solution; I was considering a three-barrel rotary-style weapon but it was just too bulky for my taste when I mocked it up. I'm tempted to build another Servitor to ride on the back equipped with a Hvy. Stubber to represent the third but that’s easy to add at any point if I decide to do it. As much as I like enhancing many of my builds with 3D modeled/printed components I also really enjoy the times where I can create something like this, with just bashing together the parts that are in the existing kits with a bit of styrene.

 

∙ More coming soon from the depths of Atrum Laboris, but now that I have your attention please find your way to the information below.

 

I finally got the opportunity to apply to a small business assistance program that’s been offered by my city that I’ve been trying to get in to for a few years, and in the time since I was last able to write I’ve been accepted and I’ll be doing it over the next four months or so. Business plans, market research, taxes, permits, insurance, bookkeeping, etc., and writing, writing, writing, so much writing, and all the wonderful bureaucratic stuff that I’ve gotta’ figure out for the next steps of expansion. Even if this is something that can be delegated in the future to someone more suited I simply can’t do that yet, and even when I can, I still need to have a general understanding of which way is up with all of the paperwork, permits, projections, plans, and such.

 

As always, I’m happy to be making progress but it’s going to be an interesting several months as I do this and get comfortable teaching (more on that in a future post). However, I also see it as just the kick in the pants I need to sort this stuff out and know I’m doing everything by-the-book going forward. What’s that thing they say? You need to get out of your comfort zone if you’re going to improve and discover opportunities to take advantage of, and you’ll know you’re out of our comfort zone when you start suffering minor panic attacks?! Something like that, right?

 

So, looking at some of the things I’ll need to do it will obviously include market research and I think I can already see an opportunity to tap a few communities online for some ideas, input, and feedback. While online forums have been fading for quite some time with the rise of social media I think the modest community that read what I post is a real asset and a valuable collective opinion directly from a selective group of hobbyists I want to hear from. By now, with the number of times I've been given valuable input, perspective, or support, that has been completely unexpected but very welcome, encouraging, and/or insightful, I knew I should see if anyone who's following here has any suggestions.

 

I know I can look to the strength of Games Workshop and the successful growth of other tabletop games like X-Wing for something of a cornerstone to how the tabletop gaming industry is healthy with lots of money involved. But it’s also an obscure industry that kinda’ straddles several markets/products/industries that makes me think it’ll be a bit harder to find other compelling information, data, trends, etc., in typical locations. Can anyone who's reading offer some ideas that I’m not coming up with, where I might consider looking for information about the tabletop gaming industry in broader business terms?

 

I also know I can also find many other similar producers that I can use as an example of the potential market and to compare and contract my studio to the competition and how I plan to differentiate my studio from them. But I’m wondering if there are other ways I can showcase the potential of what my studio will do that I’m not thinking about. So yeah, does anyone have any ideas in this vein; industry outlook, growth potential, industry/market trends, promotion ideas, other random input, or thoughts you think would be useful?

 

As I said, this will be ongoing for several months so there should be some updates over the coming weeks and there’s a good chance I’ll be coming back to ask more questions and/or to look for input on something I’m nothing thinking about right now. If you have something you’d like to contribute please feel free to add it here or send it to me in a PM if you’d rather be more direct. I have no idea if this will pay off but it doesn’t hurt to try, and as I said before, I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by unexpected and useful input over the years I’ve got a good feeling a few people out there might have a few words of wisdom they can spare.

 

I know I keep saying it, and up to this point it feels like the steps have been so very slow-and-steady, but now I think all the pieces are settling into place that will let the momentum start taking hold… as long as the rest of the world would like to co-operate and not fall apart.

[Augustus b'Raass]

Great update, mate! I always find it stunning to read your thoughts and description of the processes you're going through. It's just awe inspiring and frankly amazing how you plow through what seems like years of steps that lead to greater things. I cannot offer you any business advice but I highly recommend you keep doing what ytou're doing, because the way you commit and engage the community (and thus your potential customers) gives you - in my case, at least - an edge over all others: you frankly have that je-ne-sais-quo factor that others do not have, just because you take the time and share your progress. It makes you a very likable character. The fact that your work is also stunning makes it super easy to choose you for my bits - and as you well know I have bnoufght stuff from you several times over the years . Always to my utmost satisfaction. 

If there's one thing I ask you to consider is if you start working -despite your misgivings- with resin printers like etsy, PGTM, or shapeways. I know you do not favour them because you want to give the best quality, but their biggest plus is their low shipping. Since you ship from Canada, shipping costs are high and customs always intercept, which makes your products very expensive for the european market. Just consider it. :) 

That all being said, and regarding your last sentence - I think the hobby community is addicted to plastic crack enough to make the market viable even despite the worl;d falling apart. We'll be here, even if there's an apocalypse, adoring your work and buying stuff. :tu:    

[BadgersinHills]

Always nice to see an update from you. I'm not anyone to offer business advice but I think the community really would like your work (The Chaos stuff especially seems good.) The way hobby is interacting with social media also allows for companies to show their work, I know Egghead Miniatures does that with success. :) 

[Subtle Discord]

Great update, mate! I always find it stunning to read your thoughts and description of the processes you're going through. It's just awe inspiring and frankly amazing how you plow through what seems like years of steps that lead to greater things. I cannot offer you any business advice but I highly recommend you keep doing what ytou're doing, because the way you commit and engage the community (and thus your potential customers) gives you - in my case, at least - an edge over all others: you frankly have that je-ne-sais-quo factor that others do not have, just because you take the time and share your progress. It makes you a very likable character. The fact that your work is also stunning makes it super easy to choose you for my bits - and as you well know I have bnoufght stuff from you several times over the years . Always to my utmost satisfaction. 

 

If there's one thing I ask you to consider is if you start working -despite your misgivings- with resin printers like etsy, PGTM, or shapeways. I know you do not favour them because you want to give the best quality, but their biggest plus is their low shipping. Since you ship from Canada, shipping costs are high and customs always intercept, which makes your products very expensive for the european market. Just consider it.  

 

That all being said, and regarding your last sentence - I think the hobby community is addicted to plastic crack enough to make the market viable even despite the worl;d falling apart. We'll be here, even if there's an apocalypse, adoring your work and buying stuff.     

 

Always nice to see an update from you. I'm not anyone to offer business advice but I think the community really would like your work (The Chaos stuff especially seems good.) The way hobby is interacting with social media also allows for companies to show their work, I know Egghead Miniatures does that with success.

 

*Subtle pretends to look at a nonexistent watch on his wrist*

 

Umm... it has been years. But I think I get what you're saying, yeah, I have sudden bursts of activity and progress that can be notable, but trust me, there's lots of slow dull unglamorous grind in there as well, to get to those moments.

 

Thanks! Nobody should worry if they can't offer any formal business advice. As I was saying down in the AdMech sub-forum, I know that the vast majority of people won't be able to help on the business side I'm starting to deal with but I also know that there's a surprising amount of information and knowledge lurking under the surface with people who take the time to read my posts. Someone might have a very direct and useful suggestion based on first hand knowledge, while someone might just offer an off-the-cuff idea that hits home. Doesn't hurt to cast the net and see if I can catch anything.

 

See even this input helps with something of a feedback loop. I think I've got the right idea, try to pay attention to the right things, and ask the right kinds of questions. When I get good feedback that reinforces that, I feel like if I can explain it and it sounds reasonable, that's got to count for something. And now that I'm doing this program it's showing me that I really do have my head screwed on straight, I've just got to understand and believe that I do.

 

So today was a lecture on digital marketing, and I can see now that I have lots on work ahead of me (easy enough to figure that out) but what I'm doing already, even just on the forums to start, is just the kind of content creation that will be good for building the recognition of the studio. It's always been part of the plan that what I show here is an 'incubator' for the kind of content I want to use to promote the studio, and when the time is right just shift, refine, and expand on it to fit a few select platforms. That seems to be just what this program is recommending, even so far as to suggest that I solicit feedback and input, so here I am.

 

I'm really not solid on 3rd party printers. Trust me, I've worked with Shapeways a few times and even specialist 3D printers who use the same tech and sometimes get contracted to print for them. They're not as cheap as you might think on anything but the smallest bits and components. A small $10 kit will easily cost $15 or more to print and the larger bulkier objects can get up into eye-watering prices simply based on the volume of material. The parts are much more delicate, prone to chipping and breaking, and yeah, the quality leaves much to be desired but I will admit that it has improved some if you're lucky enough to get a subcontractor print shop who knows, or cares, about how to get the best results from the printer. Also, I'd need to set files up specifically for the process which is surprisingly labour intensive.

 

Also, a note on shipping and import fees; it has come to my attention that I was making an error on the customs information and there's a good chance that older orders were being overvalued. Usually only modestly but sometimes times rather significantly. If the import fees were significantly more than what your local luxury goods tax is there's a very good chance this is what happened. Now, the 'handling fee' that some services charge is usually downright criminal, but the duty should be at roughly a normal tax rate. Naturally, I have now corrected how I enter the information and also work to 'round-down' the total value based on shipping costs that the studio absorbs. I can't promise it will make a huge difference but I suspect it might.

 

And Finally, I'll actually be touching on this a bit more in my much larger post... that came from... outer space! *cough* I'm far from an expert but I know a few things, and like it or not, odds are very good that the economy is in for a very rough ride, that's just a reality. I'm not a fatalist and understand that even when things are down there's still lots of money out there and people enjoying all manner of hobbies, and after there's been a slump is the best time to start out. However, I'm a realist and know a downturn like this will depress everything; I'm confident I can weather it in my in-house studio but I need to have better data to be confident it can sustain a lease, wages, and expenses of the bricks-and-mortar space, in the middle of a historic slump.

[Brother-Chaplain Kage]

Yet another example of the GSC models being some of the best and most flexible (meaning conversion/kitbashing friendly) ones they've ever made. Fantastic job with the Goliaths in their new role and completely agree that GW did both an amazing and terrible job with the Dunerider/Disintegrator. On one hand, having so many multi-kit options is good for the consumer, but on the other is the often poor results of a ham-fisted attempt to squeeze a secondary build out of an existing kit. That's the primary reason why I never cared for SM Predators (but their gun options being overpriced crap a close second) - they still looked like a boxy transport with slab sides and a turret tossed on top. 

 

As for business ideas, I'm in the same line with others who have little such experience, but I do have a possible advertising idea! What if you sponsored an episode of a popular YouTube channel that would reach a lot of the customers you're looking for? I honestly have no idea how much something like that would cost, but it might be worth looking into. 

 

Always happy to see new content and I'm sure I'm not the only person who comments on here that feels like he might be helping contribute to something truly incredible. 

[Augustus b'Raass]

[snip] I never cared for SM Predators [/snip]

You never cared for SM Predators??? For Shame, BCK. FOR SHAME!

[Lucerne]

Your stuff is the peak for Chaos vehicle upgrades. Just saying.

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Yeah, your chaos basic rhino/predator trim is the best I've seen - if it ever makes itself available again, I know that I would order at least 3 sets.

[Shovellovin]

Yeah, your chaos basic rhino/predator trim is the best I've seen - if it ever makes itself available again, I know that I would order at least 3 sets.

The trim is available. I recently received two sets. 

 

I agree with other posts, the chaos stuff is amazing. 

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Really?  Every time I go on his store, it lists the extra armour but not the trim.

 

Okay, I take that back - if I view all products, it gives the trim, but if I click on the "Vehicle Armour and Trim Kits" link it does not.  That should probably be fixed.

 

Time to order me some trim!

 

Edit: Order placed.

Edited September 24, 2020 by Dr_Ruminahui

[Brother-Chaplain Kage]

 

[snip] I never cared for SM Predators [/snip]

You never cared for SM Predators??? For Shame, BCK. FOR SHAME!

 

 

Yes, I really never liked the look of them, soz not soz.

 

Back when I was still playing regularly, they were very expensive price-wise for what you got in return, not to mention that they died incredibly easy to all the lance and lascannon spam from the large numbers of Eldar and Guard players that showed up for the weekly tournament. I did, however, love me some Razorbacks and even made me one of the lascannon/twin plasgun varieties. 

 

To keep this post somewhat on topic, SD, do you have an Instagram? That would definitely help reach more of an audience for you. 

[Insanity Pilgrim]

Shout out to WhatThe40k who made me spend a ridiculous amount of money on this without warning. Darn you and your cool ideas.

[Subtle Discord]

*Ecstatic binaric screeching*

 

Thank you! It really gives me a huge energy boost when I get to see some of my kits on someone's hobby bench in a far off location.

[Insanity Pilgrim]

Bearing in mind i've only just joined this discussion I was wondering if other things are in the works?

 

I would love champion weapon Kits (to make chaos lords, chosen and aspiring champions with, you know... all the wargear they supposedly have available). I noticed in a random page some combi-bolters were in the works as well as some chaincannon barrels (those tri barrel ones look amazballs). I also read somewhere that you were focused more on large kits because of how much time was being taken up with the smaller stuff (However, I would absolutely buy multiple champion weapons kits provided they were complete for a pretty penny, don't dis what people would be willing to pay for completeness, just sayin'), does this mean small kits are off the table completely?

[Subtle Discord]

Well, let me welcome you to B&C, one of the best little corners devoted to 40k on the internet. I do my part to add to the content and community but I'm a tiny part of the greater whole.

 

Yes, I want to make smaller bits and kits like weapons and the Chaincannon barrels, and it will happen in the future, but I've been crunching the numbers and it simply isn't viable as the mainstay output of the studio right now. I need more people and space to do small kits in large enough quantities but I have little choice but to build up my product line and savings until I'm in the right position to set out, and now, with the world being in... interesting times... I need to be cautious so I don't overextend. Me thinks now is not exactly the right time to borrow lots of money, sign a new lease/mortgage, and hire some people, even if I really want to; call it a hunch. Now, at the beginning of the year I had some similar but significantly different plans, but those are happening in some other timeline now and I'm stuck in this one.

 

So, I'll be putting my main focus on some larger kits that can I can use to generate better returns in the short term, with the plan to do some smaller things along the way (some for my own personal desire, and other because there's so much interest) but I won't really focus on doing smaller things until there are more hands in the studio to help divide the labour so that it can make some real sense. Right now I'm so limited in what I can do as one person, and that can't change quite yet given the recent turn of events, so I'll need to be strategic in my projects for the next while and get myself ready to jump when the time is right.

 

Small kits are not off the table, I just need bigger kits to do some heavy lifting and then it makes it much easier for the small kits to pull their weight. It takes a lot of sales (read: casts) for a $20 kit to keep up with a $100 kit. I'm happy to let them coexist but I need a few more on the top end.

 

Life, the universe, and everything, are keeping me busy, but another long-winded update is always in The Works and might even show up at some point in the near'ish future.

[Pearson73]

I can't offer much in the way of advice, only encouragement and a hope that things with this year don't prove too disruptive and the things keep on moving up with the studio, you do some great work and it deserves to succeed. I would, however, echo, BCK and recommend Instagram as a platform to spread awareness and gain more interest.