AZ88
Serf
I got my first delivery of Black Tree Design Dwarfs for my project today. Unfortunately, the packing left a lot to be desired. The models had been squeezed into a box that was too small for the order, and as a result they were crushed together and the box bulged - meaning any impact at all would damage them. About half the models in the box were damaged in some way, about half a dozen so badly that they're only any good for conversions or bits, now.
The models that survived their ordeal are really very nice sculpts. The Handgunners are beautiful miniatures, and I'm really looking forward to painting them. Scale is an issue, as there seem to be major differences across the range. I ordered two different regiments and 4 warmachines in m first block, I'd say I got 4 different scales of mini in that lot. This presumably comes from BTD buying ranges from old manufacturers and them not quite fitting, but it may be an issue for some people. Personally, I'm not bothered by it, as I have a general rule with scale. If you have a uniform unit with one big/little guy in it, that model stands out - much like a tall person in a crowd of small people stands out. But i you have a broad mix of sizes in the same unit, with a solid paint scheme, it tends to look normal - much like a mix of people of different heights would.
The Handgunner regiment will go very nicely with Marauder models, as the scale is almost exactly the same. The Gelvarden Handgunners are larger and broader than Marauder Dwarfs, but with a bit of work and in their own unit, they should fit in fine. They are, as with everything else, beautiful sculpts. The tallest dwarf I got (the captain from the Gelvarden unit) is almost twice the height of the smallest (a crewman from the stone thrower), so be aware of that possibility when you order anything.
I have spoken to BTD and their attitude on the phone was very good. They said to just send a list of anything damaged and they'd directly replace it. I'd not bothered to list the things I can repair, as it's not worth troubling them over. My assumption with the packing is that the sale they had recently has caused a bit of a rush and a mistake was made. Not a great excuse, but if they set it right then it's fine. I have another order due in later in the week, so we'll see if it's a recurrent problem.
Without the damage, I'd have been delighted with my order - despite the size issues. I'm planning some minor surgery to fix the worst of that scale problem, and for not much money I've got what amounts to a small army.
If everything gets fixed properly then I'd give them a solid 8/10. Well worth everyone's time to have a look. I'm after some of their warriors next.
The models that survived their ordeal are really very nice sculpts. The Handgunners are beautiful miniatures, and I'm really looking forward to painting them. Scale is an issue, as there seem to be major differences across the range. I ordered two different regiments and 4 warmachines in m first block, I'd say I got 4 different scales of mini in that lot. This presumably comes from BTD buying ranges from old manufacturers and them not quite fitting, but it may be an issue for some people. Personally, I'm not bothered by it, as I have a general rule with scale. If you have a uniform unit with one big/little guy in it, that model stands out - much like a tall person in a crowd of small people stands out. But i you have a broad mix of sizes in the same unit, with a solid paint scheme, it tends to look normal - much like a mix of people of different heights would.
The Handgunner regiment will go very nicely with Marauder models, as the scale is almost exactly the same. The Gelvarden Handgunners are larger and broader than Marauder Dwarfs, but with a bit of work and in their own unit, they should fit in fine. They are, as with everything else, beautiful sculpts. The tallest dwarf I got (the captain from the Gelvarden unit) is almost twice the height of the smallest (a crewman from the stone thrower), so be aware of that possibility when you order anything.
I have spoken to BTD and their attitude on the phone was very good. They said to just send a list of anything damaged and they'd directly replace it. I'd not bothered to list the things I can repair, as it's not worth troubling them over. My assumption with the packing is that the sale they had recently has caused a bit of a rush and a mistake was made. Not a great excuse, but if they set it right then it's fine. I have another order due in later in the week, so we'll see if it's a recurrent problem.
Without the damage, I'd have been delighted with my order - despite the size issues. I'm planning some minor surgery to fix the worst of that scale problem, and for not much money I've got what amounts to a small army.
If everything gets fixed properly then I'd give them a solid 8/10. Well worth everyone's time to have a look. I'm after some of their warriors next.
