Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Westfalia Chris on September 07, 2008, 10:40:55 PM
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Hi guys!
Yesterday, I received some samples from the forthcoming (actually, the first figures are already available) 28mm Sci-Fi figures by the proprietor of Sharkit Models, M. Renaud Mangallon for review.
I had previously bought some of his Sci-Fi models and was really looking forward to these figures; he had hinted that he was working on the range, and now the first pieces are finished. I was not disappointed.
The figures are to form part of the "Alterra 1" universe, a "pet project" of Renaud, whereas the main area of Sharkit is the manufacture of short-run airplane kits, mainly of exotic subjects such as X-Planes, "Luft 46" models and early guided missiles, but also rockets and spacecraft. Nonetheless, the 28mm range will see some more additions in the next months, and probably even more if it is well received.
Stylewise, the figures are reminiscent of the SF3D/MaK designs, so would work in a Sci-Fi setting (such as the Alterra 1 universe, background fluff for which can be found on the company website) as well as for Retro, Pulp and Weird War games. I´ve included a number of comparison shots of the finished models at the end of this article.
Well, what do you get? The figures are cast in resin, in multi-part moulds; the castings are rather good, with some large sprues, but only minimal mould lines and pinholes - the latter could, in fact, be filled using paint or white glue. The resin is a durable, sand-coloured variant, almost odourless and easily cut and sanded. The only problem I encountered was the rather large sprue stub on the bottom of the KRAB armoured suit head, but that was only a problem because I do not own a modelling saw - with such a tool, it would come off in seconds. All in all, I spent some 20 minutes per figure in cleaning up and assembling using gel superglue. No traces of mould release agent, although I washed them in warm water to be sure.
So, while these figures assemble easily, a modicum of modelling skills is helpful, especially due to the nature of the resin. It is easily handled, cut and sanded, but you need to be careful - then, however, you get some really nice models.
Now, some pictures. The first release includes the "KRAB" powered armour suit and the "PIKER" remote-controlled combat robot. Both are multipart pieces. A minor caveat on the KRAB: The right foot and the "toe" of the left foot are cast onto the supplied base, so you may have to do some converting if you wish to use another base style (easy since the foot shape is rather simple). This is apparently due to the shape of the mould and did not bother me that much, but I realize some people may prefer other bases. You could saw off the foot using a very fine modelling saw, I guess.
The KRAB, parts and assembled figure:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/001_CASTINGS_KRAB.jpg)
The PIKER, parts and assembled figure:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/002_CASTINGS_PIKER.jpg)
The long arm on the PIKER is supposed to carry a plasma blowtorch/cutter, but could also be used as a flamethrower, I guess.
In addition to the two above models, which are already available, I was sent pre-production samples of future releases, a "DROVAK" humanoid labour/combat robot and a reconnaissance drone.
The DROVAK, assembled figure:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/003_CASTINGS_DROVAK.jpg)
Note that the Drovak´s "Panzerfaust" is cast as a single piece with the left arm AND THE METAL WIRE ALREADY IN PLACE, so you get a stable weapon. The sample I received did not yet include a right arm, so I substituted a spare powered armour arm. This model comes in six parts, torso/head, two arms, the legs and two boots, plus a base. I substituted a "standard" slottabase so as not to conflict the walking pose.
The Drone, assembled figure with scratchbuilt flying base
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/004_CASTINGS_DRONE.jpg)
The Drone is one of my favourites. Very nice, sleek lines, and a nicely done jet intake. Comes in two pieces, front/intake and body.
After assembly, I primered the models white, then set about painting them. I chose a "marine" scheme since I want them to depict a naval commando landing force.
The two KRABS, showing basic variation in arm and head poses - the arms have spherical sockets, so you have some leeway in posing them:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/007_PAINTED_KRAB.jpg)
Then, the PIKER. Similar in theme, with some aluminum for the arm and darkish rust-metal for the engine.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/008_PAINTED_PIKER.jpg)
The DROVAK. This one displays a combination of the background camo scheme for the cloth legs cover and a field blue finish for the body parts.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/006_PAINTED_DROVAK.jpg)
And the Drone.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/005_PAINTED_DRONE.jpg)
And finally, a concept model which was originally scheduled as part of the first release but was withdrawn by Renaud due to copyright reasons. Sad, but he´s doing a new sculpt which will form part of a three-figure set with the KRAB and PIKER. I´ve included the pic to show the nice sculpting and attention to detail. The separate head which can be stuck in open or closed condition is a very nice touch.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/009_PAINTED_SAKS.jpg)
That´s it for the individual models. Next, a number of comparison shots with current figure ranges to give an idea of size.
Black Tree Designs:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/SIZE_COMPARISONS_01_BTD.jpg)
West Wind, Secrets of the Third Reich:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/SIZE_COMPARISONS_02_WESTWIND_SOTTR.jpg)
Wargames Foundry:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/SIZE_COMPARISONS_03_FOUNDRY.jpg)
Ebob (if I´m not mistaken):
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/SIZE_COMPARISONS_04_EBOB.jpg)
Bolt Action Miniatures:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/SIZE_COMPARISONS_05_BAM.jpg)
And finally a figure which I got from North Star in one of their "Lucky Bags" - I couldn´t find out the manufacturer (although I didn´t try THAT hard, mind you), so if anyone knows who makes this figure (and similar ones), I´d be grateful to know.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/SIZE_COMPARISONS_06_UNKNOWN_NORTH_S.jpg)
That´s it pretty much. My verdict: I really like the figures. Some minor caveats, which may very well be sorted out in production, such as the base issue (some of the scenic bases had rough bottoms that required some rigorous sanding) and the stubs, but nothing that cannot be countered with some care. The price sounds reasonable to me as well, three figures for 10,- Euros. I will certainly get some more later on.
Finally, the links:
Sharkit Homepage (http://renax.club.fr/index.htm)
Alterra 1 Homepage (http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/_home/home.htm)
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The figure in the last picture look like an Artizan DAK machine gunner. ;)
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The figure in the last picture look like an Artizan DAK machine gunner. ;)
Thanks a bunch, mate! Never thought to look over there. Serves me right. lol
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That Drone could also double as a cool jet pack!
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Interesting, you have a link to the website?
The Krab is a bit awkward but the drone and piker are pretty interesting.
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Are you kidding me!?
Sharkit is finally going to do minis?
A long time ago, I had chatted with the guy there about doing some stuff in 1/100 when Gear Krieg actually had some followers. He seemed interested in gaming stuff but was uncommited to it.
I hope these are easier to get than his models.
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Hmm... if his Arachnoid-crawler was not quite as expensive, I'd probably buy some to use for 28 mm....
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Interesting, you have a link to the website?
Check the bottom of the opening post, repeated here for clarity:
>>>Sharkit Home Page (http://renax.club.fr/index.htm)<<<
>>>Alterra 1 Home Page (http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/_home/home.htm)<<<
Are you kidding me!?
Sharkit is finally going to do minis?
A long time ago, I had chatted with the guy there about doing some stuff in 1/100 when Gear Krieg actually had some followers. He seemed interested in gaming stuff but was uncommited to it.
I hope these are easier to get than his models.
I never had any problems ordering direct from him.
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And finally, a concept model which was originally scheduled as part of the first release but was withdrawn by Renaud due to copyright reasons. Sad, but he´s doing a new sculpt which will form part of a three-figure set with the KRAB and PIKER. I´ve included the pic to show the nice sculpting and attention to detail. The separate head which can be stuck in open or closed condition is a very nice touch.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/009_PAINTED_SAKS.jpg)
I see why, "Guerriers Méchanisés" (French MaK's) are not allowed, no doubt...
Rudi
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I love french stuff, so generally whacky and high quality!
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I think the 'awkwardness' of the KRAB gives it a lot of charm. In my opinion, a big clunky metal suit should be lumbering and clumsy, especially if in a Pulp or Weird War setting.
I really, really like the KRAB and the PIKER, and as regular LAFers probably know, I usually scoff and and turn my nose up at this kind of thing.
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Hi, I am renaud from Sharkit.
this Alterra1 range has been a long time in gestation.
I have many masters models but releasing them is a lot of work,
so here are the firsts.
There are discounts and extras because its new ...
Also free paper models
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/FreeDownload/download.htm
enjoy !
ren
Alterra1.com
Sharkit.com
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I like the Drone, but the Krabs make me think of Bill and Ben the Flower pot men. The arms and legs just seem a bit weedy considering they're meant to be human limbs clad in armour.
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Im thinking of automatons, or early steam powered cyborgs...off to have a look and drool
regards
N
~EDIT~
So is it 10E for three of them ? If so is that the discount already included?
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Its 10 euros, ship include to fo At Least three figures;
the discount is extra figures, depending on what I have left, like the drone,
or something else....or even both.
Its launching time....
by the way, the last wargamme thing I am working on:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGcauseway/causeway.htm
thank you,
renaud
alterra1.com
sharkit.com
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Woo, neat! I also like that drone very much!
I also think it's cool that Renaud of Sharkit is posting here, thus proving the maxim that if you post something to LAF, the creator/designer/sculptor/writer will be along to the thread eventually.
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maybe next....
a vertical take off and landing machine;
weaponery is to be on pylons beneath the wings.
the head is the same than the drone.
renaud
alterra1.com
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/fluker/demo5513.jpg)
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Now that's pretty nice.
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Weaponery can be carried under the wings.
I'll start casting next week, I think.
ren
alterra1.com
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We have release a free pdf ezine,
here:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/Dimension1.pdf
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/news1/dimensionad.jpg)
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We're looking at carrying these in the U.S. possibly by Fall-In. Interesting product all around.
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We're looking at carrying these in the U.S. possibly by Fall-In.
I'll be watching here and your website!
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I just sent the money off. :) We're going to have a very small stock at the show. To get a feel for demand, but mostly because we have done alot of stocking recently and we need Fall-In to be good for us to recharge the warchest. Lots of stuff coming out from Hydra and getting in all of Ramshackle's stuff takes lots of cash. Not to mention our own line... :)
If it goes well we'll put it in regular stock on the site. Maybe in December.
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New ALTERRA1.com 28mm Arachnid machine
Last release, 28mm wargame range
(compatible some others scales)
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/WGganerk/5651.jpg)
"GANERK"
Arachnid machine
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/alterraserie/alterraserie.htm
9 resin parts, required some assembly.
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/WGganerk/parts5639.jpg
Length: 3in 1/4, 8.2cm
Price 8 euros.
Picts of the fast assembled model:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/WGganerk/DSCN5654.JPG
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/WGganerk/DSCN5663.JPG
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/WGganerk/DSCN5687.JPG
thank you everybody !!
renaud
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DIMENSION the Ezine, issue2,
can be download direct here:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/WGstock/Dimension2.pdf
also, the Alterra1 news:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/news1/news1.htm
thanks !
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/FreeDownload/dimension2ad.jpg)
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Renaud was so kind as to send me a prototype casting of the new heavy walker kit. I assembled and painted it over the last days, no problems with that, just some casting sprue and some mould-lines to be removed, and wanted to show it. It will become available at a later time, once we get the instruction sheet done, and will probably differ slightly from this model - I made up the left top arm (with APERS machinegun) from other resin pieces from the range. But the gun arm and two manipulator arms will be included in the kit. You can assemble the head hatch open or closed, or leave it movable, but you have to be careful with positioning the driver head for that.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/WALKER_COMPOSITEcopy.jpg)
More pictures soon! I have ordered a bunch of models and will make a demo army from them to go with the Sci Fi add-on I´ll be developing for T&T.
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That looks amazing, I have to say I love the work so far, I'll be watching this with interest.
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Quite like the cuttlefish drone, but the mini-Mak, and the arachnid (missile pod from a Harrier on legs?) don't for anything for me.
As for the latest walker - am i the only one wondering how the crewman gets in and out (or are they welded into it, when it was constructed)....nothing wrong with it in wargaming terms, but it looks like a deathtrap.... ;)
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its for wargame...
then you should prefer and modeled this one:
here
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech/grVhMech.htm
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech/mec6.jpg)
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Mad as a box of fish - are those legs off of an Action Man? lol
My comment about realism is not about the subject matter - afterall its "weird" world war.
It does drive me nuts though when you see a mini armed with two giant weapons that they couldn't possibly hold/aim/fire/reload, or a piece of kit which is completely impractical.
IMHO, the best weapons/vehicles etc whether it is on a wargames table, or in a movie, have the greatest impact, because they are plausible - background can be as wild/fantasy as you want, but a well thought out piece of kit/mini gives you something "rational" to relate to.
Having said all that - i love the new long-legged walker - i just pity the poor sod that has to bail out of it.... ;)
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bail in and out procedures
(just to talk about that)
have been describe years ago,
for instance with with pictures down
(shelter conditions, maintenance, instructions)
bail in and out, field conditon, can be viewed in Dimension 1;
(up in the post)
Emergency and asssitance to unconscioous pilot here, in text:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/lanthanidFr/lanthanidFr.htm
(chapter 21 and 26 if my memory is good)
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech/DSCN1141SM.jpg)
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech/0235SM.jpg)
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech/mecanoSM.jpg)
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Finished up some more figures!
A squad of KRAB powered armours, with SMGs, an LMG and a "mini-RPG":
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/KRAB_SQUAD.jpg)
Plus a pair of the Fluker light attack/scout skimmers:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/FLUKERS_GROUNDED.jpg)
In flight:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/FLUKERS_FLYINGcopy.jpg)
Plus a preview of the unit card design for the T&T adaptation (will be available as a PDF from the T&T website and probably the Alterra one as well):
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/Alterra1WalkerCardpreview.jpg)
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wow :o
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Both Light and heavy mechas are now available.
You can download the PDF sheet:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech72/mechs.pdf
(same as the pict just below)
the page:
http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech72/grVhMech72.htm
thank you all
(http://renax.club.fr/alterra1/grVhMech72/mechs500.jpg)
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Quite nice. They've got that retro-feel to them. I'll have to look into these.
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I have desgin them to be modular, and to be easy to use with others ranges...
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I am still alive....
Chris were are you ?
painting : Thomas
Blick auf die Flasche !
Look the bottle!
http://renax-models.blogspot.com/2010/05/drovaks-robs-paint-par-thomas.html
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dhHUhNuXBFY/S_Oezc-AxAI/AAAAAAAABJs/ulWVsVW1mQs/s400/P1000849.jpg)
More:
http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/alterraserie/alterraserie.htm
http://sharkit.com/alterra1/characDrov/characDrov.htm
(http://sharkit.com/alterra1/characDrov/kits.jpg)
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I am still alive....
Chris were are you ?
Hi Renaud, I'm currently studying in the UK. Sorry about being so quiet, but the project had fallen off my radar, somehow. Really sorry about that, my fault. That Drovak is superbly painted, both the camo and the grey/metallic areas.
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Nice,
your still here.
I understand you focuse on your studies, its not a bad thing !
Well if ever you want mail me:
renaud@sharkit.com
(dont hesit to give news)
This last time I wander on
http://www.phoxim.de/forum/
2 monthes before holidays !! stay tuned !
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Nice to see new stuff from this serie! Keep it up!
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and here is the plasma gun of the Drovak (http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/characDrov/characDrov.htm) mini just up,
scale 1;
fun no ?
more:
http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/arsMore/arsMore.htm
(http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/arsMore/DSCN4432.JPG)
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I'm definitely liking those Drovaks! They're just the look I am wanting for pseudo-humaniform androids for one of my projects.
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Is the FLuker for sale?
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Is the FLuker for sale?
yes its stocked
http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/WGfluker/WGfluker.htm
(http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/WGfluker/mo5513.jpg)
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there are some docs to download,
like:
HD file: http://renax-models.blogspot.com/2010/05/mecha-28mm-ou-172-wargamme.html
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dhHUhNuXBFY/S_V_MKgRSYI/AAAAAAAABKc/HipjhFrY1J0/s400/mechwargame.jpg)
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Will there be more drovak figures than just the one?
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Will there be more drovak figures than just the one?
At the moment there are two different legs
(the ones below) and many arms.
(gun, grenade, panzerfaust, etc)
Chest and head are about the same.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dhHUhNuXBFY/S_Oezc-AxAI/AAAAAAAABJs/ulWVsVW1mQs/s400/P1000849.jpg)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dhHUhNuXBFY/S_OeinPOTKI/AAAAAAAABJU/L496ilrZf8c/s400/P1000853.jpg)
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Sharkit%20Alterra%201/006_PAINTED_DROVAK.jpg)
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Will there be more drovak figures than just the one?
but about the futur, I dont know.
I cannot release a lot of new minis.
(below model by Pierre-françois)
http://renax-models.blogspot.com/2009/04/encore-une-armure-par-pierrot.html
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dhHUhNuXBFY/Sd3-cUGbJVI/AAAAAAAAATc/ZgL3en5xEjw/s400/Alterra+conversion+test+2+Montage.jpg)
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yes its stocked
http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/WGfluker/WGfluker.htm
(http://www.sharkit.com/alterra1/WGfluker/mo5513.jpg)
Excellent me thinks they will fit for my Quar :D
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The website seems to have vanished for these.
Does anyone know where you can get them?
Thanks
Wolt
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From what I recall, the range was discontinued in 2011. Unfortunately, there will not be any reissue, as far as I know.
Since there won't be any updates to this thread, I'll lock it to avoid confusion.
EDIT: Unlocked (see below).
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Good news!
I was sent a PM by Renaud who told me that while the range was indeed taken off the page, there are some sets of figures remaining. If you are interested, you can get in touch with them by sending a PM to user "renax" or visit his blog:
http://renax-models.blogspot.de/
where you can also find contact details.
Also, Recreational Conflicts still have some product from the range available, so if you are in the US, you could also contact them:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=94724.0
For these reasons, I'll re-open the thread despite the six-year threadomancy. ;)
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If some of you want some infos, feel free to post here or mail me direct to renaud@sharkit.com,
thanks
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Hrmmm... I think I have some of these in a box under my game table. :? I'll look tonight.