I’m proud to announce that we have finally reached the 69th edition of The News Stand. Take from that what you will.
In the main news though, this week has seen all sorts of new items from across the Ultramodern world – Spectre has its new SAS previews, BobMack3d has shown off the Warrior and much much more!
As always, thanks to the News Fans and other patrons over on the ChargeBlog patreon for buying my time to make this wrap-up each week. If you like these roundups and find them useful, why not chip in on the Patreon? You also get access to other content, including the launch of Project Element and all the updates that will be released for that.
Spectre Miniatures Reveals The New SAS
First up, Spectre Miniatures dropped its first preview of the year, showing off the all-new and updated figures representing the SAS. The initial sculpts were released back in 2017 and things have moved on quite a bit since then, both in terms of equipment and Spectre’s sculpting style. This preview figure is rolling a heavily modified KS-1 rifle (including the GBRS Hydra mount for optics and lasers) and is wearing the current trend of high-speed low-drag gear, including panoramic NVGs, raid-style plate carrier and trousers with integrated kneepads. He does however have a distinctive look to him and it sounds like this is something that Spectre is aiming for with this range.
Those backing the Spectre patreon got a little extra info including a few extra details on what to expect both in terms of figure design and the overall range. However, even the free post is quick to mention that all the past SAS sets were returning with the updated style, as well as some additional themed sets. No details on the release date, so keep your eyes peeled for their arrival.
Austin Miniatures Prepares To Deploy The VDV
Austin Miniatures has continued to be hard at work on even more additions to their ranges. Following on from some of the Vietnam SOG figures that Austin has been working on, it appears we’re getting some VDV. These work-in-progress guys are armed with a good mix of weapons and poses and should be a great addition to the collection for anyone looking to add some late Cold War infantry to their collection.
BobMack3d Shows Off The Warrior
As I predicted last week, BobMack3d has shown off the last vehicle in the next Kickstarter “Lionheart” and it’s the Warrior. This IFV was a step up from the FV432, giving a vehicle that could support the advancing troops. I have a soft spot for the Warrior (it was one of the first vehicles I bought from Empress back in the day) so getting a 3D-printed one is going to be great. There has also been some voting on the BobMack3d group about what sort of stretch goals people want from the upcoming project and luckily for me, the voting seems to be heavily favouring the type of upgrades that let me drag the vehicles of the 1980s kicking and screaming into the 1990s+ (such as applique armour and Milan upgrades).
The Kickstarter launches next week, so stand by to add to your own BAOR force. If you want to know the moment the Kickstarter goes live, you can sign up to the preview page.
Combat Octopus Previews Two More Winter Deniables
Combat Octopus is rapidly getting ready to push out this month’s release and has been taking his time to make sure they come out the best they can. After the two figures shown off last week, this week we saw the other two for the set, bringing with them the winter chill. The figure on the left has the RPK (useful fire support for a low-profile team) while the one on the right brings the AK-74 with an underslung grenade launcher. I’m really excited about this set (maybe even more for the assaulters next month) and can’t wait to see the options the kit will include.
Goggles Miniatures Brings Out The Russian Toys
Goggles Miniatures has headed away for a little vacation break but before he did, he decided to grace us with a few more fun toys. Released to the backers was the Hokum that was previewed last week, bringing the futuristic (well futuristic to those of us who grew up in the 2000s) two-seat helicopter to your 3D printing bench. Backers will find it uploaded for them to peruse, while the rest of us will hopefully be getting it soon.
Meanwhile, the previews are showing off something else futuristic. The Falcatus MRAP is a ridiculous-looking vehicle used by Russia’s internal security forces and is a rather unique addition to any force. No details on when this particular vehicle is being released, but it’s a fun addition.
Modern Miniatures Goes For A Swim With Next Month’s Miniatures Release
Modern Miniatures is still working away on the Russian rural housing but there are also a few new items for those in the miniatures tier. Combat Divers are a rare figure for people to get to the table (not everyone gives up half the table for the local body of water) but they can be a fun project to work on. Backers next month will be getting a set of their own and we have the first preview above. There is an awesome level of detail on this guy, and who can’t help but love the MP5SD in action.
But that’s not all – Modern Miniatures has been hammering away at some daily hobby updates over on Instagram and we got to see a peek at the full set. There is a fun mixture of weapons among them, including the suppressed pistol pose perfect for sneaking around. I’m very interested in picking these guys up next month and it’s great to see how Modern Miniatures is improving from month to month.
Turnbase Miniatures Updating ADF Set
Finally, Turnbase Miniatures has updated their Patreon to say they will be releasing an updated set of ADF figures. The original set of figures is one of my preferred sets from them so it will be interesting to see what the new set brings – I assume the main thing will be replacing all of the M4s with the F90s.
Empress Miniatures Releasing Arnhem Heroes
Empress Miniatures has announced that the Arnhem Heroes range will be coming to retail. Previously a Kickstarter exclusive, these campaigns contain all the figures you’d need to run British Paras both within the perimeter and freshly landed at Arnhem. I have a set of these figures and they are awesome, some of Paul Hick’s best. If you’re looking for British paras, it’s going to be hard to beat these guys. They will be in the Empress store in the last weekend of January 2025.
If you want to support my work on gathering the news together, my Patreon is the best way to keep things going. With a minimal cost of £1 a month, every little helps to keep the news spigot flowing and to let me cover more of the suppliers out there.
Of course, if you are a REAL news fan, there is a brand new tier called, shockingly, News Fan. For £5 a month (or £1.25ish a news post), you can guarantee you’ll get your weekly dose of news updates.
If you think the news is only okay but would like to see me actually do something slightly more unique, you can join the ChargeReal Researchers. For only £7.50 a month, you’ll get to see first insight into the ongoing world of the ChargeReal, as I detail my fictional Ultramodern setting. Researchers will also get thanked in the final product as well as some input into the ongoing work such as suggesting ideas and providing feedback.
Leave a Reply