Metal versus resin

[Roc]

One of our members suggested that I do a poll on metal versus resin, I think that is a good idea.

Cheers
Roc.

 

[Paul Marshall]

Metal figures are way too expensive. i was thinking about trying a metal figure, but $40 for a 54 mm Pegaso. That's the price listed on the VLS website and that's way too much for a single 54 mm figure. Maybe it's time i learned how to sculpt.

 

[Paul Kernan]

At the sake of sounding like a fence-sitter, I would go for neither. There are definite pros and cons with both. The bulk of my grey army is probably metal but factors such as cost, selection, ease of use, etc can make the pendulum swing back and forth with one's decision.

 

[Edson]

I preffer Metal, for me its more easy to work, and there is no that ugly dust when you use dremel on it,,bah!! a lot of dust all over me, my notebook, in my mouth even my underwears!!....ooppss forget it the last part, lol

100% metal

Cheers
Ed :lol:

 

[captnenglish]

It depends, I like resin for figures/headsets/handsets but metal certain parts that tend to bend (i.e. scabbards, bayonets, swordblades etc). This is of course assuming all other factors are equal.

 

[Blind Pew]

I've gone for metal, they seem to paint up better. Although I do agree, that the prices of some are getting a bit out of hand.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I vote for resin cause of the weight, easier cleaning up, one can cut down on the pinning and parts dont bend that easily.

Cheers

 

[megroot]

I'll vote for metal.
I find it easyer to clean, because the moldline's are not so big as by resin.
Agree with Frank that it seems the metal paint easyer. But that can by psychologic.

Marc

 

[MPA]

I've voted for resin. For the scales I like (90 mm and up ) resin is the best it keeps the cost down, it is eaiser to work with and once finished I can't tell the difference between metal and resin. Also since I have to get any kits I want shipped to New Zealand the weight savings with resin are also a plus.
While the resin used can have a marked effect on the quality of the casting so to can the choice of metal alloy used.
Michael

 

[Steve H]

I prefer resin figures, but metal busts. Does that sound wierd?

 

[Guy]

I prefer resin especially larger mounted figures as you don't have to worry about metal fatigue.

 

[Glen]

My era of choice is the medieval period; I prefer metal over resin because I like to buff plate armor with a motor tool followed by washes to bring out the details. I also find metal figures are easier and less messy to clean up.

Cheers,

Glen

 

[Roc]

I like to work with both metal and resin, but due to the expensive nature of metal figures,I tend to lean towards resin.


Cheers
Roc.

 

[garyjd]

I personally prefer resin to metal. Though there are some manufacturer's who's metal figures are just as cleanly cast. The ease of clean up not to mention ease of conversion gives it a slight edge. A lot of us started out in the hobby when figures were either metal or plastic, so a lot of painters still favor metal.~Gary

 

[Von Bock]

I voted for resin. I fine it easy to work with and wet sanding keeps the dust down. The biggest problem I find is that there are a ton of white metal figures that you will never see in resin. Fusilier has some really nice looking figures of WW1 subjects that you just don't see in resin. Although I did get one and have a few on the Christmas list. They have very nice detail but are quite a bit heavier. I too find the price of white metal figures keeps me away from some very nice figures. So I guess it's resin # 1 for me but white metal is a close second. I guess I should add that the new Generation 2 figures from Dragon in plastic are also quite nice and showing that plastic still has it's place and may move up in figure builders eyes. Brock

 

[Einion]

Because it's usually just so much smoother and a better reproduction of the master I prefer resin overall, although for some types of model metal is nice if the mould is nice and fresh and the caster knows what they're doing.

Einion

 

[Major_Goose]

I like metal more and almost all my stock is metals. but the only disadvantage i dont klike is their weight, that sometimes causes damages while moving them for competitions , no mater how good u secure them.

 

[Roy]

I've gone for resin...but I think it's really about overall quality...and resin castings are getting very good in the way they recreate the smallest detail...if we can have quality figures then we shouldn't worry too much what they are made of.. as long as we can afford to buy them.

Roy.

 

[LVM]

I voted for resin for the same reasons that Uruk-Hai.
Resin figures are cleaner, it find it besser to prepare them for the painting
Moreover, WW2 figures are often in resins.

Laurent

 

[Kandor8]

Hi Guys,

I was a heavy metal guy for years, I loved the heft of a nice 90mm metal figure and was convinced this was the way to go and then I broke down and bought a Verlinden WWII US fighter pilot and was amazed at the detail but was still put off by the lack of weight and a lot of collectors (customers) at that time, early 80s thought they were getting an inferior product THEY wanted weight as well. Anyway,
after being away from the hobby for several years I come back and resin figures are mainstream and accepted!

Sorry, I digress. Michael-Roberts, Minie Ball, Lost Battalion, Nemrod, and other producers of outstanding resin figures have removed the scales from my eyes, and hands. Resin tends to have crisper detail, it cleans up easier, drills easier, and is a lot easier to hold while painting (getting old, losing my grip). The dust I can deal with and resin doesn't clog up my files like metal does. Don't get me wrong - Latorre, Art Girona, Ant, Time Machine etc. produce great metal figues but - $30.00+ a pop for a 54mm? Money talks.

Best!
Ric~ :lol: