Oh goody! This week, I get to talk about real-world distribution issues. However, it is balanced out by the fact that we have great updates from Spectre, Austin Miniatures, Combat Octopus, SEN Games and White Dragon Miniatures! Read on for all the details.
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First up, we kick off this week with REAL WORLD NEWS. The big news story across several retailers this week was the removal of the De Minimis concept by the US government, which will be kicking in later this month (August 29th). Previously, parcels under $800 and addressed to an individual within the US were exempt from a duty free exemption – good for ordering your plastic crack, but also good for companies such as Temu selling direct to the consumer (who would artificially lower the value of those items to avoid paying duties) and, according to an exclusive order signed, bad actors. This has now been changed so that any parcels processed on the 29th of August and onwards will have to pay the tariff for their country of manufacturing (which for the UK is 10%, for the EU it’s 15%).
What does this mean for wargamers? Well, it seems to vary. For the first part, this only affects US gamers as it’s for importing into the US. However, the actual effect varies from company to company. Several in the UK have already announced they are halting shipments to the US in the next few days (such as Empress) so they can set up the new pipeline to collect duties on packages being sent to the US. Other companies have already managed to setup the Delivered Duties Paid (DDP) service through the Royal Mail, and so you’ll see an increase in delivery costs to cover the 10% tariff. Others like Spectre will be relying on DHL and other delivery services who will also be collecting the tariffs at purchase time. For our US wargamers, This is definitely a wait-and-see moment which is not great if you’re wanting to get started on a project. Standby for more updates as they are announced.
Spectre Miniatures Delivers To Europe and Drops A Preview
Well, as one door closes, Spectre Miniatures opens another one. Spectre is now fully registered with IOSS, a system to make it easier for buyers in the EU to make purchases without having to pay VAT once the parcel enters their country. It has been a while since Spectre first mentioned they were attempting to get fully registered, so now it’s all sorted, which should make things easier for EU gamers to get their hand on Spectre stuff. This also includes Spectre’s stock of Black Site Studios items, as well as all of their physical products.
Over on the Spectre Patreon, we have a new preview for the Covert/Overt releases coming in this month’s releases. As you can see above with the Overt team (missing between 1 and 3 figures), we’re looking at a mixture of weapons for the sneaky types (including the return of the VP9, given to someone new as my favourite Nomad Undercover got the Flux Raider instead). Some of the designs are very much inspired by the original sets, updated and resculpted, such as the MPX user on the right side. Interesting to note that the plan is separate the Overt and Covert figures into two separate packs, letting players pick which style of figures they are likely to use. These guys and girls are all Western styled and equipped, with the plan that next month will bring Russian and Chinese style operators.
The second half of this month’s release will be a pack of 8-12 Hostile Civilians in aggravated poses (ideal to mix with your militia fighters) while next month will bring their more relaxed counterparts.
Austin Miniatures Releases Red Jungle STLs
In a surprising move, Austin Miniatures has released the STLs for the upcoming game Red Jungle. Originally announced to be coming via Kickstarter, these STLs cover the whole gamut of forces for a Vietnam era game. For the US forces, you have a set of US Marines as the regulars to accompany two sets of MACV-SOG, specialists with a fantastic set of weapons. On the other side of the wire, the Communist forces are split between a pack of NVA soldiers and the VDV that formed the core of the last Austin Miniatures Kickstarter. All the sets are modular (although I’m not quite sure on the specifics, as we don’t have images for all the individual pieces), meaning each pack should provide plenty of options.
Of course, if you’re more interested in the spooky side of the equation; there are plenty of pieces for you there. In ascending order of spookiness, the Zombie Horde give you a modular set to build up crawlers to emerge from the jungle with a very Vietnam theme. The Soviet Werewolves give you a threat that mixes “carrying a PKM machine gun” with “capable of ripping your head off”, while the Dark Walker provides a horffiying monster to riddle with 40mm and 7.62 until it eventually goes down.
If you’re interested in either of these, you can find a discount code on either the Red Jungle Facebook group or over on their Discord. The Kickstarter is still coming, intending to bring plastic MACV-SOG and VDV kits alongside the game itself.
Fire Modern Combat Is Being Shipped Out
Not official news, but anyone who ordered just the book from the Fire! Modern Combat campaign should be looking out for an incoming package from Spain. The team at SEN Games has started distributing the game to the backers, as you can see with my copy pictured above on my desk. Those waiting for the complete package, which includes the figures, will need to wait just a little bit longer.
As for my thoughts on the game? Well, I’m going to need a little bit longer to actually get it on the table but the book itself is very nice to have in the hand.
White Dragon Miniatures Kickstarter and Unlocks All Stretch Goals
White Dragon Miniatures‘ Kickstarter “Courage in Contact: US Marine Platoon” came to an end last week. After managing to kick it’s way into breaking way past it’s original goal and reaching £11,513, the project managed to hit half of it’s stretch goals naturally and will be delivering figures to 113 backers.
As said above, however, we only hit half the stretch goals naturals. Luckily for the backers, Alan at White Dragon has decided to unlock all the remaining stretch goals, making sure that every capability for the platoon is available. As planned, all the free models will be in every pack, while the paid for Add-Ons will be included in the Reinforced Platoon. You can see some of the finished sets above, with the Stinger, M72 and M2 .5cal already looking pretty good.
For the unfinished sets, the exact makeup is going to be modified due to the need to get them done, despite not actually hitting the goal. For example, the Javelin team has been downsized to a single model in the seated position, while the sniper team will be a pair of figures (one with the M110 and the other with a Mk13 MOD 7 bolt action rifle).
Overall, the goal is for everything to be ready in late September/October – in the meantime, Alan is taking a well-earned holiday, and I hope he’s having a good time.
Combat Octopus Releases Navy SEALs in Iraq
Finally, Combat Octopus has released the first pack for the Navy SEALs in Iraq. This set gives you four figures assembled in to stack, all ready to kick in some doors. Each figure comes with a literal pile of weapons to pick from (including multiple variants of the Mk18 rifle), giving you plenty of options to build your own fireteam. The set also includes a pile of heads with the MICH helmet, including both a pretty bare set and one where each helmet is laden down with addon parts such as goggles and strobes. There is also a handy set of modular parts, themed after the older style of pouches of the era (as opposed to the higher speed pieces of the NAWE releases).
Something you can also notice from the previews (aside from again being impressed by the sheer number of AR-15s you can pick from for each pose) is that each pose actually has two torso and two leg options. These are cut versions of the non-modular figures included with the Sergant level releases, and I think are a great addition to the releases. The modular aspect of Combat Octopus is both a strength for the kit builder in the hobby but can be a lot for a new player who suddenly has to print a load of tiny pouches. The non-modular figures were a great step, but having the uppers and lowers with pouches already on means you can easily build 16 unique and detailed operators already covered in pouches. I am hoping we’ll see this continue, making it even easier to jump in and play around with Combat Octopus’s incredible kits.
Speaking of the kits, next month’s release will give you the rest of the Navy SEALs, giving you another team (and other set of those poses to play with). However, if you want these figures, you can sign up on the Combat Octopus Patreon now.
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