The old Epic models... Are they good/ detailed?

[- Deathwing -]

I want to start with Aeronautica and have already bought the rulebook and a set of bases.

I've read, that all models are Epic scale, so I just bought some bases and took a look at the GW online store.

Most models there look less detailed than the ones from Forgeworld. Is this true, or is it just the picture?

Some time ago, I also bought a set of 2 Valkyries and 4 Vultures ( the GW ones ). These models look pretty good and comparing the prices, it was cheaper to buy the GW models and the FW bases.

But what about the other models? Lighnting, Thunderbolt, Thunderhawk Marauderer?

Second problem is, that I'd have to wait until my "wish list" is over 250 british pounds. Else, there would be 15 % shipping cost and that is too much. Okay, no problem to get over 250, but having the money is another thing.....

So, are the old models any good, or should I wait until I can place a large order at FW?

Thanks in advance.

[fattdex]

Basically they look crap in comparison to the forgeworld ones, but if you're happy to use them just to get a game on, nothing is stopping you :P but by the time you pay extra for the forgeworld bases plus shipping, the saving is probably negligable.

Best way to hit the 250 squid mark is by doing a group order with people from your local, i do it all the time.

[- Deathwing -]

So the Epic models are crap. Good to know. I was quite surprised about the good quality of Valkyrie and Vulture.

As for prices: For 2 Valkyries and 4 Vultures I paid about 30 €, which should be something like ~ 20 - 25 british pounds. The same from FW would be 36 bpounds.


And for bases.. I would have used some 10 sided dice at first.

But if the other models really are crap, I guess I'll have to wait until I can place an order at FW.

[fattdex]

The epic models scale is totally out of whack as well. The forgeworld models look like somebody has taken the 40k scale model and shot it with a shrink ray gun.

let's compare the lead models to my forgeworld models:
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8239/thunderboltstq6.gif VS http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6122/TB1.jpg

AND

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5430/thunderhawkox9.gif VS http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/626/P3.jpg

Now, the games workshop ones get the job done, but they are horribly tiny and cartoon looking.
and now that you have spent 25 pounds on six models, you need to spend 11.5 pounds including postage for bases for them, bringing it to 50p more expensive than the forgeworld models if you don't count postage on the forgeworld models by doing a 250 pound group order ;-)

Not sure what the ten sided dice would do for ya, but the hex bases for AI have the fire arcs marked for shooting, as well as two clix-style counter wheels for altitude and speed, and line up with the maneuvre cards arrows.

[- Deathwing -]

Okay, the T'Hawk from FW looks awesome compared to the one GW has. I wasn't that sure about the Thunderbolt, because the GW models ( at least the pics ) are so small.
But comparing what you can recognize.... okay, the GW models ARE crap.

Are the GW models really smaller? I thought both were Epic scale.

I had a set of bases when I bought the rulebook ( we needed half a year to get an order worth 250 bpounds ). But seeing the models so far, I have to save some money to buy at FW.

I would have used the 10 sided dice, if I hadn't enough AI bases. 2 dice for every model ( 1 Speed, 1 Alt ).

Thanks for the painted AI pics. Made the descision really easy. :D

EDIT:

But the Valkyrie
http://de.games-workshop.com/storefront/newimage.asp?Size=A&Img=252841
doesnt' look too different from the FW one:
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/acatalog/valkyrie.jpg

As well as the Vulture:
GW:
http://de.games-workshop.com/storefront/newimage.asp?Size=A&Img=252840
FW:
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/acatalog/vulture.jpg

Or is it just the pics? Haven't seen a painted AI Valkyrie/ Vulture, yet.

[fattdex]

yep if they look alright to you keep em for sure, They are a heap better than the other GW epic models, but some models are ***** compared to the forgeworld ones, especially the marauders etc.

They are all epic scale for sure, but the games workshop ones are only very roughly epic scale, whereas the forgeworld ones are almost precisely scaled down versions of the 40k 28mm scale models, reduced to 6mm scale with heaps of details. There have been threads about the differences in scale, possibly on Airspace.

Heres the only pic i have of my valk, unfortunately its not great, and it's on fire :)

[mageboltrat]

The only SG ones I would use are the Ork Fightaz.They have a bit more character and look more chaotic, if you don't mind them being tiny, which I don't

[- Deathwing -]

I have to admit, the Valkyrie looks more detailed, even on this small pic.


And the "normal" Epic scale isn't completely Epic... Okay, I'm convinced. No more SG models for me.

[Darnok]

I must say that I'm quite happy with my old Epic Fightas for the Orks. And I also like the Eldar flyers, even if they are completely out of scale. They look good, that is all that matters to me.

[Slekith]

You could use the EPIC models when available but FW are way better, more detailed and by far more impressive on the table.

[Galdur Hrafnsson]

The Vulture and Valkyrie were released far more recently than any of the other SG epic flyers, so they're closer to the FW models. The rest I wouldn't touch with a barge pole.

[MadDogMike]

Going the other way, are AI models decent for use in Epic? Obviously they'll look nicer, but does the base screw anything up?

[orangesm]

Yes, I use the minis on the non-AI bases and like them.

[Spacker]

If you want an idea of scale, here are some comparison shots I took a while ago:

FW Valkyrie next to GW Vulture: http://www.ageofstrife.com/gallery/Spack104/IMG_2352

FW Tbolt next to GW Eldar: http://www.ageofstrife.com/gallery/Spack104/IMG_2351

The FW aircraft are to scale with the 40k FW models, the GW ones are wy under scale.