IWM Hyperion versions

[M1ndr1d3rs]

Anyone actually bought a Hyperion from IWM? Of which version is it? The old AoG ones or the MGP ones?

I know the picture is of the older version, but just in case.. This site does spell Centauri as Centuari, y'know :wink:

 

[McKickaha]

Yep bought one a couple of months ago. Its a new sculpt of the old AOG/Mongoose version. (if that make sense).

Hell I thought the Centuari were a new race, ............. quick need to cancel my order then.

Actually the IWM Primus is very nice and larger than the Mongoose Version so is the G'quan ehich I am now using as a G'Quonth.

Fool that I am for using any Narn Ship starting with G'Q

 

[M1ndr1d3rs]

Really? how much bigger? I do know that they come with more pieces..I'm actually considering 1 (or more) new g'quan to convert into a... G'kar?

What about those that AoG still sell? Are they bigger as well?

Well, I already have some omegas on the way.. Hope they don't disappoint and we'll see how it goes from there..

 

[McKickaha]

Really? how much bigger? I do know that they come with more pieces..I'm actually considering 1 (or more) new g'quan to convert into a... G'kar?

What about those that AoG still sell? Are they bigger as well?

Well, I already have some omegas on the way.. Hope they don't disappoint and we'll see how it goes from there..

Here is a size comparison for both G'Quan & Primus;

First the G'Quan -Mongoose on the left & IWM mini on the right

Then the Primus, just to confuse things this time IWM on the left and Mongoose on the right. See also the inset which compares the thickness of these two minis.

Another reason why IWM are more expensive, quite a bit more metal.

Both IWM minis are excellent. Beceause the IWM mini's are both multipart they have visibility detail through parts of the hull structure that does not appear on the he Mongoose versions. As you can see the Primus does howver need a fair bit of, easy filling.

Don't have AOG minis but since AOG were also multi part and the Primus sat on two stands & you can see the 2 stand holes on the IWM mini, I am guessing the AOG & IWM versions are identical.

Hats off to Mongoose however on managing to capture the detail they did on a single cast piece, much more cost effectove way of making these minis.


Look forward to seeing your conversion for a G'Kar.

 

[M1ndr1d3rs]

VERY informative.. Thx a lot..

The new G'quan looks very crisp and clean indeed.. It's almost a pity to make a conversion out of it... Well, almost... :twisted:

Back to the Hyperion.. is it of different size than the original old version?

 

[McKickaha]

VERY informative.. Thx a lot..

The new G'quan looks very crisp and clean indeed.. It's almost a pity to make a conversion out of it... Well, almost... :twisted:

Back to the Hyperion.. is it of different size than the original old version?

When I posted these shots, I spotted the obvious & guessed you were going to ask that. My gut reaction is that they are exactly the same size but will check tonight for sure. (If I can find the IWM hyp amongst the rest).

Also I own 2 AOG ships from when AOG were in production, 1 is a Hyp and it is definitely same size as the original Mongoose version. IWM apparently got the original AOG sculpter to make their new Hyp.

IWM G'Quan is indeed a nice looking mini but sounds like yours is going to a good cause. My Narn scratchbuilding days are over, they were my main focus in 2008.

 

[McKickaha]

Here are some shots of the IWM Hyp;

Comparison pic;

Bottom Hyp is a AOG version purchased prior to the existance of CTA. My first Bab5 painted ship and well overdue for a repaint.

Middle Hyp is IWM

Top Hyp is a Mongoose first version Hyp painted this year & just goes to show I haven't learned much in painting over 5, 6 ? years, maybe LBH has got it right

IWM casting on its own;

Great casting, and the only Hyp I own, (& I own 17 - don't ask) which has all of its gun turrets formed correctly. Only to be expected from a new mould of course. Notice also the base stem connection point is now up to the job.

 

[M1ndr1d3rs]

Well, i had to ask...

It does look very nice..
Now i really have to decide.. IWM recast or New MGP? Both are very good now! Aaaarrgh! @_@

 

[McKickaha]

I like Mongoose CTA minis, in fact I own a hell of a lot of them, but unfortunately there is no comparison betweeen the new Mongoose Hyp v the IWM mini

There are few, not insurmountable, errors in the new Mongoose Hyp or at least the six I own. The location points for the engine nacelles are upside down. There is also a missing main strut behind the bridge tower.

These can be fixed and quite easily but the biggest issue for me, in the comparison, is the lack of surface detail on the new Mongoose mini(s). On the Balosian Hyp above you can see I have painted the grey panels in front of the bridge. These panels don't even exist on the new Mongoose Hyp, although you can of course paint them in. (in fact none of the fine detail panel lines are present which is admitedly great for a camoflauge scheme I plan to paint on my assault Hyps).

On the other hand, and discounting conversion, if you want an assualt, command or missile Hyp then the only option is the new Mongoose versions. For the standard Hyp however I would definitely go IWM.

 

[M1ndr1d3rs]

What about the ships that are recast, but not remastered by IWM? Are there improvements in quality as well? Like symmetry and amount of flash.. I'm particularly curious bout EA ships..

 

[McKickaha]

What about the ships that are recast, but not remastered by IWM? Are there improvements in quality as well? Like symmetry and amount of flash.. I'm particularly curious bout EA ships..

Have bought a few, but only 1 "EA" a Shadow Omega. Really bought it for the tendrils with a vague plan of sometime painting up the rest as a std Omega.

Have'nt looked at since I received it but do remember thinking that the cast was good std for an Omega. Two areas in the Omegas sometimes need attention, the "face" and particularly the engines. Both these areas were fine in the IWM recast. Not a great ammount of flash either but then none of my Omegas suffered from large ammounts of flash.

 

[M1ndr1d3rs]

I'm curious about a Warlock. Of the 3 I have, only 1 has definable thrusters. Had much flash in the way on the other 2.... As you may have guessed it's my favorite EA ship.. :wink:

 

[McKickaha]

I'm curious about a Warlock. Of the 3 I have, only 1 has definable thrusters. Had much flash in the way on the other 2.... As you may have guessed it's my favorite EA ship.. :wink:

talk to IWM direct and ask the question. From my own contacts they seem not only very good but I don't believe they would knowingly supply a very bad cast.

Even if engines "clogged" at the very worst still could be Dremeled out and if necessary replace the engine nozzle with tubing. realise you don't want to waste money but depends how bad you want another Warlock......... and with the clock ticking down.

My own Mongoose direct Warlocks have suffered some flash in that region but nothing too deadly.

Have 4, but one is destined to be converted to a Vorlon crossover. 8)

 

[McKickaha]

Took a final shot of the 2 Shadow Omegas I bought from IWM.

Bits as recieved, minus the bg of spines of course. Note the engine bits, particualrly the gap between the engines. I have six standard Omegas and a quite a few Shadow Omegas. Theses casts are the best quality of any Omegas I own.

& as you see no flash at all other than one or two air release pieces.

I doubt you will have any problem with a IWM Warlock.

 

[Greg Smith]

They are very nice. To be fair to Mongoose, the Shadow Omegas I own are very clean of flash. A hundred times better than the regular Omegas.

It does look as though IWM are doing a good job. Shame the licence ends soon.

 

[McKickaha]

Shame the licence ends soon.

So say we all.

 

[McKickaha]

To be fair to Mongoose, the Shadow Omegas I own are very clean of flash. A hundred times better than the regular Omegas.

If it wasn't for Mongoose I would have been scrummaging around to build B5 Wars fleets from AOG remnants and E-Bay. It was a brave decision for Mongoose to not only go into mini production but also to pick such a massive range of minis to start with. When you mutiply the number of ships by the number of parts moulds it is amazing the standard of quality that Mongoose delivered.

My thanks to Matt and his team over the years for not only producing a great game but also the great minis to support it. (and not only even that but minis at an affordable price).

& I very much look forward to whatever is in store for CTA 3.

 

[AdrianH]

My thanks to Matt and his team over the years for not only producing a great game but also the great minis to support it. (and not only even that but minis at an affordable price).

Seconded, although for me it was more or less the other way round. Being a fan of B5, I was happy to buy display grade models of ships from the series. And I got a game to play with them as well.

 

[McKickaha]

On second thoughts- Curse on you Mongoose for producing CTA, and leaving me a pauper, I could have been a millionaire.

(Just need to wait a few years for the minis to become collectors items :lol: :lol: :twisted: )

 

[Da Boss]

My thanks to Matt and his team over the years for not only producing a great game but also the great minis to support it. (and not only even that but minis at an affordable price).

Seconded, although for me it was more or less the other way round. Being a fan of B5, I was happy to buy display grade models of ships from the series. And I got a game to play with them as well.

Indeed many many hours of fun, laughter, tears and great games

much appreciated.