here we go - got the launcher angled and detailed, with rough scale shot:

_________________
ONSLAUGHT MINIATURES onslaughtmini.com

Winning

_________________
He's a lawyer and a super-villian. That's like having a shark with a bazooka!

-I HAVE NO POINT
-Penal Legion-Fan list
-Help me make Whitescars not suck!

Nice. Though i think the MRL section could be a little bigger - another row of 3 on the bottom ?

Looks promising!

_________________
Vanguard Miniatures

Link, http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

Stockist of:

Vanguard Miniatures
BattleGroup Helios
Onslaught Miniatures
Pyrkol Gaming Markers
Gregster's Lab
Microworld Games
Troublemaker Games

- MAJOR UPDATE -

Well guys, I got some bad news today - I've been keeping this issue to myself until something was resolved, but it looks like this situation may be coming to a head, and unless I can figure out a solution, Onslaught Miniatures may be forced to close shop...

My caster is claiming that they must raise my production costs by over 80% in order to make my runs as profitable as their other, larger scale stuff. They are claiming that my stuff takes MUCH longer to cast and inspect, and that even with the 80% increase, they may have to cut additional corners to bring their labor hours down, resulting in an inferior product.

Wave 4 will be released next week - At this new rate, if I sell EVERY unit produced, I'm coming out ahead to the tune of less than $1,500.00 - this wouldn't cover the cost of a restock, never mind the production costs of a new wave of miniatures.

As it stands, Onslaught Miniatures has been more of a hobby than a business - I really don't make any money at all, especially considering the time spent in the creation of my models - but I obviously cannot take a loss on every unit sold...

So I'm sending out an SOS for a new caster - preferably one that has experience in casting smaller scale stuff.

I understand that 6mm gaming is a niche of niche of our society - but I'll be extremely upset and surprised if I can't make this work. Especially now that I'm creating some great stuff - it would be a shame to have to give it all up...

So let's get the word out - Onslaught needs a new spin caster! If any of you have the gear, and can produce quality miniatures, I'll make it worth your while... If these new rates are reflective of the industry standard - well, this may be it for Onslaught.

Thanks guys.

_________________
ONSLAUGHT MINIATURES onslaughtmini.com

Do you own the molds for your miniatures that are produced already?

I own the molds. Their mold production costs are manageable, so I can continue to use them for that, and have the molds shipped to the new caster if necessary.

_________________
ONSLAUGHT MINIATURES onslaughtmini.com

I'm shocked and here i was thinking you had been doing so well. This is really sad news for us 6mm fanatics as well as the hobby in general. Your casters just sound like they are trying to wring every cent out of you they can, i mean 80% is quite a mark up in one go.

Have you talked to the guys at Steel Crown they may show some interest in this regard after all they had been going to stock your range.

Anyway all the best with this and i for one will be really down hearted to see you and your fantastic models lost to use.

Regards John

_________________
Vanguard Miniatures

Link, http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

Stockist of:

Vanguard Miniatures
BattleGroup Helios
Onslaught Miniatures
Pyrkol Gaming Markers
Gregster's Lab
Microworld Games
Troublemaker Games

Full disclosure: I know nothing about casting, sculpting, or even business.

Have you considered investing in your own casting machine? It's quite an upfront investment, but maybe a kickstarter campaign could help with it?

My google-fu turned up these spin casting machines for about 8k:

http://www.tekcast.com/Casting-Machines/c9/p39/Series-100-A-Analog-Control-TEKCASTER/product_info.html

Again, I don't know anything about this stuff, or how tough it would be to operate and maintain a machine like this, but thought it was worth a mention.

_________________
Epic Gamers Los Angeles Chapter

Thanks - Casting myself would be a great option for the future, but I need a larger house first! And it will be a year or so before that happens... Besides, I'd rather pay a caster to manufacture the figs so I can focus on modeling - waves take long enough to turn around as is...

_________________
ONSLAUGHT MINIATURES onslaughtmini.com

Woah that is sad news. May i ask what the whole process coists you? or is this too private? I ask this because i am intressted in making my own miniature line someday.

And before you close your store, consider a full shapeways store until you can find a better solution. I know its way more expansive but its better than giving up. You could sitll release stuff and develop lines further. See wich armys have demand and cast then if the money allows it.

just some thoughts. hope it will get better soon

best wishes

_________________
Bioframe - my first wargame:
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=31704

Its not too private, just complicated.

You got the 3d print cost, either resin or bronze, then you have master mold costs, production mold costs, labor, spin costs, metal costs, even shipping is in there, and every unit is different.

On average, a unit doesn't actually make it into the black until quite a few of them are sold.

_________________
ONSLAUGHT MINIATURES onslaughtmini.com

Ouch.

That was a surprise. Seems that the 6mm mini business is quite challenging. Hang in there! I hope you find a better solution, much like Ben at Troublemaker did with his plastics. Your stuff has the potential to do very well, given half the chance.

_________________
Nitpicks Knapsack (Scratchbuilding and 3D designing and printing and painting)

Yes, i figured this much. hmm... I don't know how your situation is but what about a club/organisation for funding and developing you miniature line? This is just an idea. But i understand that this is connected with a loss of controll over the whole projekt.

Isnt there in international Forum for smaller miniature makers or something?

_________________
Bioframe - my first wargame:
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=31704

Perhaps consider resin for your vehicle line until you get everything sorted out. I know a guy i could recommend for that if you where interested.