Would Reaper consider changing type of plastic for Bones miniatures?

[zoroaster100]

I am a huge fan of Reaper paints and miniatures.  I've collected many metal Reaper minis now and have bought big into each Bones Kickstarter.  But I want to request that Reaper consider changing the type of plastic used for the smaller miniatures with thin weapons or other parts, especially swords, spears, etc.  I know the hot/cold water treatment can help, but it is still difficult to get some weapons to be really straight on the smaller minis with long thin weapons.  I have recently seen other companies produce nice plastic miniatures that felt sturdy enough not to easily break, but stiff enough to hold the straight pointy shape on long thin swords and spears.  So I would urge Reaper to consider varying the material used for some Bones miniatures.  With respect to larger miniatures, or even small miniatures lacking long thin weapons or parts, I have no such concerns and find Bones to be a great material, especially for the very big miniatures that would be way too heavy for comfort and way too expensive in metal.

Edited June 9, 2016 by zoroaster100

[Doug Sundseth]

They're already doing that. They use varying amounts of plasticizer in their PVC depending on the figure (or part) being produced. (You can really see this even in the first project's figures with Wyrmgear's wings, for example.)

 

One issue is that the flexibility of the figure can determine how easy it is to eject that figure from the mold, so there are probably limits to how hard some figures can be made.

[Reaperbryan]

We will also be producing the weapons sprues from the Bones 3 project in Styrene (which is a hard plastic similar to what is in our black bases or in various model kits from companies such as GW).

[Reaperbryan]

I should also mention that over the last 4 years we have slowly tweaked our formula, and this past summer was the first major tweak. Several newer models are coming out, tinted with just a slight amount of grey, which are of a significantly higher, but still flexible, durometer rating (firmness). We do have, of course, tens of thousands of copies of a great many of our figures, but as we re-order, since the latest reformulation, all re-orders (and all Bones 3 new product is supposed to be included) should be made of this new slightly off-white-grey bones material.

 

We have heard the concerns about the softness of the material, and while we still want a softer figure than the "standard" styrene kit, for breaking-when-used purposes, we are working to marry your expectations with our ability.

[Darcstaar]

I should also mention that over the last 4 years we have slowly tweaked our formula, and this past summer was the first major tweak. Several newer models are coming out, tinted with just a slight amount of grey, which are of a significantly higher, but still flexible, durometer rating (firmness). We do have, of course, tens of thousands of copies of a great many of our figures, but as we re-order, since the latest reformulation, all re-orders (and all Bones 3 new product is supposed to be included) should be made of this new slightly off-white-grey bones material.

 

We have heard the concerns about the softness of the material, and while we still want a softer figure than the "standard" styrene kit, for breaking-when-used purposes, we are working to marry your expectations with our ability.

On behalf of everyone... Thank you! It's great to see customer input make its way into the maturation of the product. I'm curious to see how the Bones KS3 figures compare to my Bones KS1 figures.

[hutber]

I actually came here to ask this exact same question :)

 

I was tempted to ask for a refund on my kick starter pledge after getting my hands on some of the stuff. 

 

I'm unsure how you can paint these models to a high standard without the fear of all the paint just falling away with it being so bendy? Thats a real question not just a rant :D

[Grumpy Cave Bear]

I'm unsure how you can paint these models to a high standard without the fear of all the paint just falling away with it being so bendy? Thats a real question not just a rant :D

 

That is surprisingly not a problem.  With a thorough washing and the right base coat, Bones minis will retain their paint coat as well as or better than a metal mini, even with bending. 

[DocPiske]

Please see the following thread pinned to the Bones sub-forum:

 

http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/48669-bones-the-first-coat-is-the-difference/

 

http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/48668-bones-preparation-glues-putties-mould-lines-etc/

 

As long as you use a primer know to work with Bones, there is no issue.

[Grumpy Cave Bear]

Please see the following thread pinned to the Bones sub-forum:

 

http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/48669-bones-the-first-coat-is-the-difference/

 

http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/48668-bones-preparation-glues-putties-mould-lines-etc/

 

As long as you use a primer know to work with Bones, there is no issue.

 

You got the links posted just as I was cutting / pasting them!

Edited June 10, 2016 by Grumpy Cave Bear

[SamuraiJack]

I just bought a shadow Dragon and it's in the new greyish Bones material and I'm thrilled with the imrpovement

[Reaperbryan]

I actually came here to ask this exact same question :)

 

I was tempted to ask for a refund on my kick starter pledge after getting my hands on some of the stuff. 

 

I'm unsure how you can paint these models to a high standard without the fear of all the paint just falling away with it being so bendy? Thats a real question not just a rant :D

If you would like your pledge refunded, we can do that for you. We certainly do not want any of our customers to be unhappy with their product.

 

If you decide that this is what you want, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Include in this e-mail your name, your e-mail address which was used on kickstarter to pledge, your Order Number(s) (can be found on the pledge manager) and of course, let us know in the email that you are requesting a refund for your Bones III Kickstarter pledge.

 

Please be aware that Kickstarter and Stripe Payments charge a service fee for pledges, so we receive only 90% of what you pledged. As such, what you will receive in refund will be only 90% of what you originally pledged. We are sorry for this, but otherwise it would be very easy for us to lose more money on the project than we received.

[Hellcow]

I actually came here to ask this exact same question :)

 

I was tempted to ask for a refund on my kick starter pledge after getting my hands on some of the stuff. 

 

I'm unsure how you can paint these models to a high standard without the fear of all the paint just falling away with it being so bendy? Thats a real question not just a rant :D

 

An unthinned first coat (or one of the 'liner' colours reaper sells) and then paint as normal.  I did up a pair of Trolls like this and then proceeded to abuse them unmercifully.  Stomping on them, bending them at their thinnest points, singing off-key to them trying to make the paint crack or flake away.  In then end (and honestly I pounded the crap out of these things) I got one crack to appear on the ankle joint of one Troll.

 

Only one guys' experience but I had the same question so decided to answer it myself before the first KS was done.  With the improvements Reaper has done over the years they have gotten even easier to use.

[Dr_Automaton]

If you would like your pledge refunded, we can do that for you. We certainly do not want any of our customers to be unhappy with their product.

 

Has anyone mentioned yet today how awesome Reaper is?

[SamuraiJack]

Try Armory spray primer on them before you discount them completely.. also make sure you wash them with soap and water first or a quick brush with rubbing alcohol and a rinse

[Jessie]

I actually came here to ask this exact same question :)

 

I was tempted to ask for a refund on my kick starter pledge after getting my hands on some of the stuff.

 

I'm unsure how you can paint these models to a high standard without the fear of all the paint just falling away with it being so bendy? Thats a real question not just a rant :D

In my experience paint on a bones figure is less likely to chip than on my metal figures. I have accidently dropped metal minis from my hand to the table and had paint chip. I have dropped metal minis to the floor and had paint chip and sometimes pieces break or bend. I have dropped bones on concrete and not had any paint or figure damage. The stiffer plastic of the few warhammer minis I have is similarly frustrating, weapon tips tend to snap off super easily while the mini was in transport. Just my personal experience.