This week on The News Stand we’ve got a nice selection of news and updates from the Ultramodern space. Two separate Frontiers projects have been launched, Spectre spent the last week TEASING us via Instagram with a load of preview images and Combat Octopus literally came back and added more weapons to the lastest release. Frankly we’re being spoiled, so read on for more details!
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Spectre Miniatures Shows Off A Ton Of Vehicles
Oh boy, I hope you like armoured vehicles because hot damn, Spectre Miniatures has been showing off a lot this week. Also most of these are pulled from the Spectre Instagram and specifically it’s stories, so it’s worth keeping one eye on them if you want to know what’s coming up next (and don’t want to have to wait for my reporting). As well as the Q&As (and the memes I had to trim out to fit the article), you do occasionally get some other questions – including one about separate heads that could lead to some very interesting developments.
Your starter for one is the first step in getting vehicles ready for the table – green undercoat time. Here you can see the updated BMP1 next to the previously previewed BMP2 and T-55.
You can see that Steve got to have some fun painting up more T-55s over the weekend, painting and weathering up these two to represent some older model vehicles still powering on. Ideal for adding some nasty surprises to a lower-end force.
For something on the upper end (while still being a T-55) we have the first print of the T-55AMV that was preview last week, complete with the ERA bricks that make this variant unique. The AMV is a variant still in service with several nations around the world with the ERA bricks offering a little more protection.
Of course, the tanks aren’t the only ones having fun. We also got to see two more technical weapon systems in the flesh (or resin so to speak). On the left, we have the 20mm Vulcan system is being prepared for it’s showcase (although I have some doubts about how well that truck will survive being subjected the gunner putting 6000 rounds down range). On the right, we have an updated version of an old favourite – the BMP1 turret was a popular vehicle released during the original Technical weapons set, although it did have a few issues when assembling it. However, this new version seems to be much more accurate in terms of size (with the turret from the updated main vehicle) and with a brand new armoured tub rather than the girder structures of the original release, it looks like it’s going to be a great update to the collection.
Finally, and because Spectre loves throwing a curveball at me on Monday as I’m writing these posts, we have a brand new preview. Steve seems pretty happy with this new operator, rolling with his M4 and reaching for his sidearm. I’m not 100% on which range this guy will be for – the clothing feels very Tier 1 but the rifle feels a little more Task Force related. Maybe it’s time for an update of the classic Green Berets to match photos of US Special Forces training in the Philippines (so maybe we’ll be seeing them with Tigerstripe). Either way, it’s always good to see sculptors getting excited and proud about specific figures in a release and I can’t wait to see more.
BobMack3d Announces New Kickstarter – World Revolution!
BobMack3d has no chill when it comes to Kickstarters as mere weeks after the modernised T-72 variants, we have a brand new Kickstarter on the horizon! Entitled “World Revolution”, this Kickstarter will cover four vehicles of the early Cold War era, with a special focus on the variants that ended up being exported and used in Cold War conflicts such as Vietnam, Arab-Israeli wars and the Iran-Iraq war. Basically, if you’re a fan of Fate of the Nation or your Team Yankee tastes land far away from the European setting, you might be in luck!
First up on the preview block, we have the ZSU-24-4M. From the deserts of the Iran/Iraq border to the jungles of Southeast Asia, this vehicle brings quad 23mm autocannons to the battlefield. Bobmack does note it’s not quite right for arming arab forces in 1973, but the correct ZSU-23-4V will be among the stretch goals.
The Kickstarter launches on the 12th of July but you can already sign up so you’ll be made aware when it goes live. Plus, you’ll see it in the News Stand for the next few weeks as we still have a few more previews to enjoy.
Black Hills Games Releases South American Police Set
Black Hills Games has sent out the May set of figures to backers, as well as showing the renders to the rest of us. Ideal for patrolling the favelas, this set of police includes four figures in body armour with M4s and a shotgun, two police detectives ready for action and even a suspect in cuffs ready for his role as an objective marker. These figures are portrayed in more patrolling poses so ideal for some cat and mouse through the maze of back alleys and rough structures. In addition, patrons last month got a discount code for Urban Scatter gaming’s favela sets – always nice to see two key parts of the hobby working together!
As always, this set (and the smaller Assault set) is already available at the Black Hills Gumroad store.
Combat Octopus Releases Some Extras
Despite having literally just released his figures moments before last week’s News Stand went live, Combat Octopus was not stopping. It seems the NAWE Octopods were missing one last weapon option, in this case the HK416 with 10.5 barrel and Geiselle handguard. These additional weapons are now included on the Combat Octopus patreon for Sgt+ tiers so you can grab them and make your operators even more operator. Additionally, the stash of parts now includes the Quad NVG, ideal for editing other helmet sets with the pieces.
In addition to these, there have been a few other releases. First up, for those who want some anime mixed with their tactical, CO has released a pair of anime-style tactical twins rolling with UMP-45s. There is a discount for backers but they are already out on MMF. For those whose interests lean more towards German tanks, the Cold War German tank crews that CO did for the BobMack3d Kickstarter are now on MyMiniFactory, ideal if you miss out on that particular Kickstarter or if you just want the pile of tank commander parts.
Flytrap Digital Issues Admin Updates
Flytrap Digital has announced a few little changes in how Gunslinger figures are going to be released. First up, Flytrap Digital has launched a MyMiniFactory Tribes page as an alternative to Patreon, giving you an option about where to get hold of the latest Gunslinger releases. And speaking of those releases, rather than releasing on the 15th of each month, from June onwards Gunslinger will be releasing on the 4th of each month, in line with the rest of the Flytrap Digital offering.
Admin to one side, there is also some good news! Flytrap Factory is now 21 years old, with Flytrap Digital itself being two years. In celebration, there is currently a Flytrap Digital sale on MyMiniFactory, giving you a 25% discount if you use the code FLYTRAP21. Ideal if you want to jump into the Gunslinger range and pick up a whole force.
Modern Miniatures Launches Modern Cars Mega Set
As previewed last week, this week Modern Miniatures launched the Modern Cars Mega Set, bringing a set of eight vehicles ready for the printer. Ranging from sedans and SUVs up to sprinter vans, the single vehicles will give you plenty to fill your tabletop with. Of course, the US and EU semi trucks (complete with trailers) are going to take your board to the next level, providing some more feature terrain to fight over.
As with all Modern Miniatures releases, these vehicles have been tested printed and painted up, giving plenty of beauty shots on the project page to get the creative juices flowing. There are also a few milestones to be unlocked – as well as the cargo trailer mentioned above, a set of ambulances give you an extra vehicle while two upgrade kits will add elements to the US pick up truck and Muscle car, making them more suited for police use. The campaign runs until July 11th and you receive the unlocked models as soon as you pay.
In Patreon news, next month’s release will be a MAT-V MRAP, complete with a 30mm remote weapon system and a regular manned turret for all the weapon systems Modern Miniatures has released. The miniatures releases will bring a set of snipers and spotters in a combo, promising a pretty fantastic set of releases. Stand by for previews soon.
Turnbase Miniatures Releases April Set and Launches Technicals Frontier Campaign
Finally, Turnbase Miniatures has released the sets for April. Tier 2 received 4 African militia fighters with a mix of weapons including an RPG and PKM. Tier 3 however received a pickup truck complete with mounted ZPU-1 weapon and gunner.
The bigger news however is that Turnbase has launched their Modular Technical Campaign. This will run until the 27th of June and if you back it you’ll receive several technical platforms and weapon systems. There is actually a good mix, ranging from the simple weapon post and BMP turret up to more advanced systems like the Vampire guided rocket system or the 20mm Vulcan cannon. There is even a pair of alternative vehicles such as a heavily uparmoured technical and a truck with an advanced mortar system, ideal for providing to your special forces troops. The milestones will potentially add more vehicle types and weapons, such as the CROWS RWS or cut down land cruisers ideal for Somalia. The campaign will run until the 27th, so you don’t have long to jump on if you’re interested.
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