3D Prototype Sculpts!

[Dedwrekka]

And from what I understand GW is starting to use more and more 3D-printing in their work as well. Still lightyears away from 'good' stuff like these anyway.

They've used it fairly sparingly so far, however a lot of what they do make is drastically improved from their normal sculpted models. However, I think models like the one in the OP benefit from the more realistic look than the slightly cartoonish look of GW models. Really it's a difference in style, however if you've had a chance to hold an unpainted Screaming Bell rat ogre in your hands, it's an incredibly detailed model.

 

[Joek]

I've mentioned it in Atacam's review thread, but I honestly think the medium you produce the figure in is incredibly important. I don't think metal casting has done the 28mm figure any favours at all, but I expect to be much more impressed with the resin casting of the 54mm.

I'm sure that GW only use CAD stuff when working with their plastic for precisely this reason.

 

[Chrome]

@Dedwrecka: Oh, that it is, that screaming bell model is by far one of the best models they've released this far imo! And I'm no stranger to saying that GW's sculptors problems comes more from stylistic limitation rather than skill, but it's still fun to smack down on the company as a whole.

 

[daddyo]

the media for 3d printers doesn't have to be toxic. there is a guy here on the coast making prototypes from sawdust and white glue. the final production piece is machined from aluminum. resolution is getting pretty good, still not to the point of eliminating sculptors who work in wax/epoxies (in 25-28mm size bits). like everything, progress happens. it might be nice to be able to make my own stuff with autocad, but that's too much like some of my work at, well, work. there are still artists that work in wrought iron, even though there are casting facilities all over. we know the work of the best anyway, if the work is crappy, we don't buy it...

i'll get down from my soapbox now and hush. thank you.

 

[shanerozzell]

I use 3d software a lot and really enjoy it because I get the same buzz I get from model making but without having to get out my glues and plasticard. This is the begining of the age of digital sculpting and it will get better (just look at how it is used in movie making today compared with ILM's "Young Shelock Homes" movie and the stained glass knight sword fighting!). Plus, it will bring new blood into our arena with fresh new ideas and that has to be a good thing becuase it'll push the bigger, more esablished compaines to produce better quality miniatures for us to paint. I have read a number of posts, here on Cmon and WAMP bemoaning the quality of miniatures by various compaines yet we all rush off to buy their latest release every month because we can't live without them.
You should go and have a long look at the stuff produced using zbrush (www.pixologic.com). Everytime I have a look at those models I just wish I could have a crack at painting some of them.

 

[ScottRadom]

Meh, I don't care how it's done if it looks fun to paint and is a quality cast. I know so little about the mysteries of proper tool and clay sculpting or the 3-D computer stuff for me to really care. It all falls under the hood of magic box technology to me anyway.