Poor Casting

[Tecumsea]

I have opened three kits in the past three weeks to prep for painting.

1) The subject of another post - Art Girona
2) Probably the worst piece of white metal casting I have ever had the misfortune to own. I have spent 8 hours on a 54mm figure but it is going in the bin, everytime I sand off a casting flaw another one occurs, the kit was full of pits and 50% of the body was covered in a black dust which suggests some sort of rot in the metal-this model was only released in April 2017.-Borin Models
3) The third is a resin casting I assume produced by someone with no idea about the process, no other comment is necessary.-Semper Fidelis

All kits from bona fide producers which suggest a complete lack of quality control or reluctance to replace worn moulds.

It is no wonder that the Russian Producers are gaining such a great reputation for quality sculpting and casting. Based on my recent experience some Western European producers seem to need to up their game.

Keith

 

[DEL]

I think you're spot on Keith it is indeed a matter of quality control.
I now tend to only buy at shows where I can examine kits.
The producers who subcontract casting need to apply a greater level of scrutiny to the end product.
Whilst I don't mind a bit of tidying up I draw the line at rescuing poor products.
Have been watching Warhammer tutorials on youtube and a number of them show how to correct flaws caused by mould slippage........it's their problem and fault ...........replace or refund

 

[Redcap]

Agree totally Keith.

These days most stuff I buy (due mainly to my interest in ancients and medieval) is Russian stuff such as Mercury, Altores, Medieval Forge, Tartar etc. and it is always flawless casting, well packaged and the engineering and fit would make a Tamiya kit engineer nod in approval. Given the Russians are quite new to the (wholesale) market with figure kits and many of the 'big names' in the hobby have a start on them of many years, it does make you wonder if the Russians have developed some secret techniques - or - if some companies are starting to rest on their laurels and adopt an attitude of 'it will have to do' or the punter can fix it?

I am quite happy to buy a Russian kit online with total confidence in what I will eventually receive however for many brands in the market and like Del said above, these days I will look at the product (before) I commit to buy and irrespective of any reviews ...which says it all really.

Gary

 

[valiant]

One of the advantages of metal casting is that there should be no loss or "seconds". If the quality control exists, then miscasts can be put back in the pot and recast. Not possible with resins, obviously, but again there are many manufacturers out there with little or no knowledge or experience in the casting or moulding processes and their myriad problems.

 

[elgreco]

Hello Keith,
If you bought the Semper Fidelis kit from us, please send us an email with photos of the kit. Occasionally mis-castings occur. We can then replace or refund as necessary if you return the kit to us in its original state and packaging. Thank you.

 

[Paul Kernan]

Completely agree. I believe we are in a bit of a 'Golden Age' for the hobby......numerous companies producing interesting topics and fortunately for the most part at a very high standard. Under these circumstances, companies have no excuse and cannot afford to release substandard product. There is just too much competition and we as consumers will talk with our money. I regularly order from SK, Stormtrooper, Mitches, etc for this very reason. Top notch product with excellent customer service to back it up.

As pointed out, the Russians are now making serious in roads to the market. I recently purchased my first kit (Sterlet bust) from Legion Miniatures and I can only say good things about my experience . I had a issue (packaging/damaged during shipping) that the owners took extremely serious and offered a complete replacement without question. This speaks volumes about the integrity of the company and I would highly recommend them. BTW, it is a beautiful kit.

 

[Pilgrim_uk]

I am no stranger to complaining about companies who provide me with poor casts. Decent shops and resin cast companies will normally respond to your concerns.

If you don't find them decent then don't provide them with your hard earned sheckles.

You don't have to be as black and white as that. Maybe possibly try them again at some point. I find companies can have lows as well as highs. That goes for the same as sculptors who pick bad parties who do their casting. They have to live with the flak. Take the hit and move on.

 

[Alex]

Just received RPmodels Boudica charriot (resin). While most parts are fine, I can't say that casting could not have been better. Wheels are a little bit out of round. There's a huge casting block line going on the side of the floor of the charriot which will need to be sand off, then engraved. One piece of cloth of the driver is way to thin and will need some putty to strengthen it. Both horses have thick mould lines going from top to lower part of leg while one has another one on front part of horse and head, etc.

 

[Alex]

however most parts are well cast and I will keep the kit because I like it overall. Is this the best casting I have ever seen ? no and I have seen better casts but it is surely above average. Mercury models, recent Tartar releases, Blacksun miniatures, Alpine, Castle, Nutsplanet, Lucas pina all produce excellent resin kits. In metal, Pegaso models and Alexandros for the most part produce great castings.

 

[Ronaldo]

I think there is quite a complacency creeping in due to the sheer volume of new figures coming out month by month , the larger companies tend to do better in the most as they keep there back catalogue, the guys on the peripheral side may not always have time or resources and rely on outside subcontracting and a swim or die existence and a constant flow of new material.
There are companies ; one in particular of whom I cannot remember there name who produce mould line free and flash free castings in the fantasy realms of modelling.
Myself and Dereck Bell were astounded at the quality of detail and casting this company produced while at the Glasgow show a couple of years back.
Perhaps Del will remember who they were .

 

[kagemusha]

Just received RPmodels Boudica charriot (resin). While most parts are fine, I can't say that casting could not have been better. Wheels are a little bit out of round. There's a huge casting block line going on the side of the floor of the charriot which will need to be sand off, then engraved. One piece of cloth of the driver is way to thin and will need some putty to strengthen it. Both horses have thick mould lines going from top to lower part of leg while one has another one on front part of horse and head, etc.

I think you should message Hugo about the issues with the chariot Alex....you won't find a more helpful company than RP.
He recently replaced the head on the elephant bust for another member...when they pointed out some chipping around the collar....no fuss...just great customer service.
Marc (Megroot) has just started an W I P on this kit...and has not yet high-lighted these issues...so hopefully yours is not the norm.

Ron