Custom HB17 German Paratroopers (1 Viewer)

[fmethorst]

As an experiment to see how various camouflage patterns would turn out I requested HB to customize HB17. I suppllied pictures of a variety of camo including a couple variants of Splinter 31 (tan base and green base) and Marsh 43 and Marsh 44. I left it to the artist to decide what to put where.

I also changed the pants to feldgrau and the helmets and hats to grau

I like the green based Splinter 31

Here are the results:

 

[kilted vampire]

Looks pretty good. What do they normally look like?

 

[fmethorst]

The original;

 

[nasirkasmani]

well done Frank,

your fallschirmjager smocks look much better.

i like the alteration to the officer's peak cap and the Jager's helmet.

 

[fmethorst]

Thanks Nasir,

As stated earlier this was an experiment. It may not be to everyone's taste but I was curious to see how it would turn out.

I am very happy with the quality of painting. HB did a good job with the info I sent them.

 

[Warrior]

Frank,
Those look superb, HB did a spectacular job, good for you to have such terrific figures in your collection............

Regards,
George

 

[Wraith]

Frank,

Those are great repaints. Kudos to HB for playing around with customer requests like that. They look good.

Simon

 

[fmethorst]

Thanks guys.

I think the only way smaller companies can play in this space is to differenciate themselves from K&C. There isn't any point in trying to compete head to head since K&C has the economies of scale and lower production costs.

For guys like me with more ideas than skill it's great that there is someone out there that will put the paint to the metal/polystone.

While the prices on the Gold Line custom vehicles are undeniably high I always put it into the perspective of my time. How many hours of my time would it take me to create something of similar quality, assuming of course, I could. When I factor all things in this is ends up being reasonable.

If you are looking for generic vehicles that can be used in a variety of scenes limited only by your imagination then HB probably isn't the route to go. There are less expensive quality alternatives out there filling that market space. If you are looking for specific historically accurate vehicles, conducting your own research and intereacting in the creation process then HB makes sense. I can only speak for myself but I find customization option very rewarding.

 

[nasirkasmani]

well said Frank.

The only problem for me is that sometimes i grew impatient, and get frustrated waiting for HB's new product releases. HB really keeps an artist's schedule.

But HB's quality is undeniable, and if they produce more crews instead of recycling older ones, i might reopen my interest in a second tiger 1.

are there any other plans for figure repaints Frank?


nasir kasmani.

 

[fmethorst]

Hi Nasir,

I agree the release schedule has been frustrating. My hope is this will improve moving forward. The Late Tiger I was the only piece available for over 5 months. We've now got the Sturmtiger and a Sherman has been mentioned for the near future. I hope this is a sign of things to come.

It would have been nice to have new crew options for the Sturmtiger but I guess HB felt they had sufficient current offerings to fill this requirement. While way to specialized to be practically produced it would have been cool to have a crew loading rocket projectiles (see picture). I'm in a situation where I didn't order crew with mine because my scenario is late February without snow on the ground. While some of the white figures could be painted with their parkas reversed camo side out I just couldn't find the right piece.

As for customizing future sets. I don't have anything planned right now but knowing this option is available is potentially very useful.

 

[kilted vampire]

The original;

Looking for pic. couldn't find.

 

[nasirkasmani]

Frank,

the thing is that we can see the huge potential of HB, as their offering of customization is unique compared to the other manufacturers.

but their slow and unconfirmed releases are really frustrating, and i won't be so bothered if i'm not a big fan of HB. Even the recent Panzergrenadiers were last years sculpts, and i'm still waiting for the German communication Set. The Sherman is a hint, but i'm not sure if it will be anytime soon. And seeing that we have to wait 5 months for the Sturmtiger, i'm not too positive. And why can't they produce new crews, i think it will really help HB, since their Armour offerings are limited, to have at least more figure/crew releases. Having more crews will certainly coax people, me inclusive, to get another piece of the same Armour, but with deferent camo.

I understand the need for product secrecy in this business but a little news, or sneak peek wont hurt. Figarti previewed their V2 command vehicle,V1 extension ramp and Afrika Korps Panzer IV to huge applause. Collector Showcase previewed their upcoming Tiger 1s, and informed of an upcoming warbird series, to creating big interests. Even King & Country, informed about the upcoming Komet. HB, in my honest opinion, can really improve on this.

All in all, i'm still hopeful to see that HB will produce the big favourites - the Shermans, King Tigers, Panthers etc, but, going on the the current rate i wont be surprised that it will take HB a few years. By that time, i think other manufacturers will have released or rereleased improve versions of the said Armours. And without HB's product news or hints, i think many will have their patience and enthusiasm for the Gold editon Armours, severely tested.

sincerely,

nasior kasmani.

 

[fmethorst]

Looking for pic. couldn't find.

It's a link to their website it looks like it's down right now. Try again later.

 

[kilted vampire]

It's a link to their website it looks like it's down right now. Try again later.

Oh... all right then. Thanks.