Comments on: Huntsman Spider Tank

By: Concrete

Concrete — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:40:49 +0000

Great review, thanks a lot, Ken! I first noticed Ramshackle due to the TGN coverage, and being an avid GW Necromunda fan, I was eyeing their vehicle kits, trying not to drool…
Looks like this is a must-have, despite the tricky assembly.

By: briguy

briguy — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:54:26 +0000

Great review, I was curious how big and how difficult to assemble this would be when I saw it released. I’m trying to resist buying anything new right now, but this is one COOL looking model, which may break my resolve… :-)

Thanks for the review, that was very well written.

By: ramshackle_curtis

ramshackle_curtis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:23:24 +0000

Hey thanks for the great review! Nice pictures and good description.

To address some of the issues raised, we now package the model better and since the new packaging came in we have had no breakages reported.

The resin is a pain, but thats why I can offer it at this price. Basing the model improves the strength hugely. I based up the one in the photographs. I have been taking it to shows and letting customers handle it. No dreakages so far…

The models photographed on the site and in the instructions have had no filling work done, only cleaning up the mould flash with a knife and metal work file. I actually used the worst examles of cast pieces on the images, so demontrates it is possible to assemble one with no filler!

As for release agent, I dont use any. I do however use petrolium jelly to protect my hands while demoulding this kit, so as Ken and Stu say it is worth washing before assembly.

Anyway, a very positive bit of feedback, thanks.

By: Stu

Stu — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:13:29 +0000

Mold release is usually a silicone spray so you definitely want to be washing that off prior to trying to prime anything as it’s a lubricant.

For the price I don’t think you can really complain about casting issues. Air bubble holes are usually fairly easy to patch. This thing is as big as a Defiler after all which retails for an extra $20us.

By: Veritas

Veritas — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:46:04 +0000

Just to add my two cents. I’ve worked with garage kits here in Japan that use this type of resin. It’s good because it’s cheap, but if you’re going to use the model for regular gaming I’d recommend making a base for the model and firmly anchoring the legs to it. Those thin pieces will have a greater tendency to snap because of this resin if you’re not careful.

However, that said, the mini is a real steal for what you get. I’m definitely going to pick one up. I’ll think about what to use it for later. ;)

By: mathieu

mathieu — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:32:32 +0000

Great review, Ken. I’m still shocked at the price of this model, especially after seeing that comparison shot. £18 is definitely an amazing deal!

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:07:17 +0000

Well, they’re decidedly more stompy than a spider, but I get your point. :)

By: evernevermore (John)

evernevermore (John) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:52:28 +0000

Ork walkers? like Dreads and killa kans or like Stompas and Gargants?

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:27:34 +0000

Oh boy, that thing’s huge. Wonder if my orks are skilled enough mechanics to use walkers..

By: nanite

nanite — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:25:34 +0000

But I have no willpower when it comes to these things.

I really dislike working with resin though, and this particualr example sounds like a headache.

Thanks for the review.

By: evernevermore (John)

evernevermore (John) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:17:57 +0000

I think I can hold out for a while - I just dont have the money for it, and I need to finish some of my Battletech minis and Darkson AE WW2 stuff before plowing into a project of this size

By: nanite

nanite — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:03:07 +0000

Must. Resist. Buying….

Fail.

By: evernevermore (John)

evernevermore (John) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:39:25 +0000

Most impressive - I like the review and thank you for the comparison pic at the end