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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: nicknorthstar on April 07, 2019, 02:57:31 PM

Title: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 07, 2019, 02:57:31 PM
I'm re-releasing over the next couple of weeks the old Celt range made back in the 1990's by Fantasy Forge. The moulds have been hidden away for many years, but we're going to get them spinning again next week.

It's only a small range, we won't be adding to it.

It was originally planned as a Slaine range, so the figures (designed by Roy Eastland) have a Bisley look to them.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37CXb-wDm1c/UEfK1ZqXPnI/AAAAAAAAFVg/89lKs30lhTg/s1600/Simon+Bisley+-+Slaine+2000AD.jpg)

Keep an eye on the North Star site, we'll announce the release there.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on April 07, 2019, 03:26:44 PM
Oh heck.
Any chance they'll be at Partizan?
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 07, 2019, 03:33:19 PM
Can be. Remind me nearer the time.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on April 07, 2019, 03:38:52 PM
Cheers Nick,
I'll be dropping stuff off for my own ranges. But every now and again it's nice to paint something by someone else.
I had them first time round . But life and time have made them disappear .

Mark.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Orctrader on April 07, 2019, 03:42:54 PM
Painted a load of Celtos recently...even so, might pick up the "Leader."   ;)
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Westfalia Chris on April 07, 2019, 04:17:06 PM
Dang, that's great news.

I've got the characters already up in your store plus the Fomorians and am looking forward to those new releases. A bit of a pity that the poses are so samey (the reason I sold my original lot many years ago), but I guess these days I'll be up for converting some for more variety.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 07, 2019, 06:21:30 PM
Yeah, the poses were very much Roy Eastland and Fantasy Forges style back then, you love it or leave it don't you. Back in the day I wasn't keen till I started painting and basing them and saw the 'shieldwall' effect you could get with them.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Dilettante Gamer on April 07, 2019, 06:52:02 PM
I don't recall those as I was away from the hobby during those years, but the sculpts hold up remarkably well, what they lack in current dynamism they make up in clean sculpting and unique character.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Cubs on April 07, 2019, 07:12:44 PM
Dagnammit.

I really don't need more figures, but these are lovely.

Like some others, I had these first time around and got shot of them maybe 15 years ago.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 07, 2019, 08:43:24 PM
There's a pre-release deal for these on the North Star website now.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Metternich on April 07, 2019, 08:49:42 PM
Ah, the "cricket bat" swords. 
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: barbaric splendor on April 08, 2019, 03:41:14 AM
Love this range - will the Slaine figure be released as well?
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: swiftnick on April 08, 2019, 08:47:40 AM
I remember a certain Edinburgh toy shop owner being massively scathing about these when they came out. I feel they have a certain charm.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Captain Blood on April 08, 2019, 09:00:43 AM
They are strangely charming, and definitely capture the vibe of Simon Bisley’s Frazetta-like characters from the graphic novels. I really do like those.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 08, 2019, 02:29:07 PM
Slaine?

No, the mould was destroyed for that figure many moons ago, I know, I did it.

I've got one still in it's Fantasy Forge blister pack. I wasn't saving it as a collectors piece, it just got put in a box and I forgot about it for years. Then when I found it, it seemed a shame to break it open. (Till I want it painted of course).

The commander of this set is a straight head swop of course
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Cubs on April 08, 2019, 05:22:33 PM
There are a few Slaine models from other ranges doing the rounds as well. I've got a couple from when Foundry flogged off their 2000AD figs.

Well … they've gone on the birthday list then. I was doing so well at cutting back as well ...
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Westfalia Chris on April 08, 2019, 05:25:54 PM
I couldn't resist and just placed my pre-order. Hopefully that will get my Slaine project off the ground proper.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 08, 2019, 06:10:19 PM
If anyone is feeling like they want to get into a Slaine vibe, I've made the Celtic Hero from our Gods and Mortals range available on it's own here:

http://www.northstarfigures.com/enter_code.php (http://www.northstarfigures.com/enter_code.php)

Remember the code is LAFFIN

He's got a right old Slaine look to him.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: The Dozing Dragon on April 08, 2019, 08:42:24 PM
Great news. They're lovely minis that stand the test of time imho.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: James Morris on April 08, 2019, 09:09:26 PM
I love ‘em. The sculpting is caricatured but highly detailed and and a great homage to Bisley’s art.  Here’s a few of my older ones (very shonky 20 year old paint jobs which I retouched and rebased last week).
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: barbaric splendor on April 09, 2019, 04:10:59 AM
Slaine?

No, the mould was destroyed for that figure many moons ago, I know, I did it.

I've got one still in it's Fantasy Forge blister pack. I wasn't saving it as a collectors piece, it just got put in a box and I forgot about it for years. Then when I found it, it seemed a shame to break it open. (Till I want it painted of course).

The commander of this set is a straight head swop of course

Thanks for the heads up - I will keep an eye out on Ebay as usual.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Commander Roj on April 09, 2019, 08:57:18 AM
Ah, the "cricket bat" swords.

My thought exactly. Very Celtos.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Tim Haslam on April 09, 2019, 12:45:49 PM
Just makes me feel all nostalgic and warm and fuzzy.
I always loved these figures, even with there big swords, ooer missus!
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Orctrader on April 09, 2019, 08:33:41 PM
I was only going to buy the Leader, then you put them in a sale... :D
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Westfalia Chris on April 09, 2019, 08:59:37 PM
My thought exactly. Very Celtos.

Now, now... compared to Celtos, those are sublimely understated.  ;)
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on April 10, 2019, 08:10:17 AM
I never saw these minis on their first time around but I did spot them on ebay about 6 months ago and picked most of them up, still the pre-order is tempting.

These are lovely sculpts with a good level of detail, its a shame the game was never produced.

The cricket bat swords are a little much but at least they aren't as bad as Celtos.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Cubs on April 10, 2019, 10:58:23 AM
So Nick, I know you said the range would not be expanded … but if there's a lot of interest and you're confident they'll sell … you know, never say never ...
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 10, 2019, 01:13:08 PM
It's getting someone to match up with Roy's original style.
Even Roy doesn't design like that anymore
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Cubs on April 10, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
There's a beautiful smoothness and simplicity to them that really appeals to me. They're almost naiive in their style, and all the better for it. The poses are very flat (no doubt two-part moulds back in the day) but that's okay because the separate shields allow for more 3d options and a bit of minor conversion could no doubt help.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on April 10, 2019, 04:49:47 PM
To be perfectly honest I was intending of hacking the living daylights out of them and re sculpting in to a more La tene style to end up with a 'bronze age' multi purposed war band.

As Paul said they're nice figures I'd love to see more.

Mark.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: The Dozing Dragon on April 11, 2019, 11:39:08 AM
Quote from: nicknorthstar
If anyone is feeling like they want to get into a Slaine vibe, I've made the Celtic Hero from our Gods and Mortals range available on it's own here:

Damn. Ordered the Celts but didn't order this.
Title: Re: Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on April 11, 2019, 11:53:08 AM
Just ask if you can add it to the order, Northstar are very good.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on April 12, 2019, 09:56:47 AM
The super deal I've put out on these Celts ends tomorrow.

They will be at a new price till Easter, then they will only be available singularly.

Cheers
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on April 12, 2019, 02:06:54 PM
If I could log in I would have bought the damed things but I keep getting locked out at the checkout.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on April 12, 2019, 03:49:18 PM
I ummed and arred...then ordered the set :D But now my Fomorians are outnumbered...
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on May 07, 2019, 05:07:18 PM
I did finally manage to get an order in so , High speed hack and paint has begun.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on May 07, 2019, 05:13:15 PM
I particularly like the first conversion but they all look good.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on May 07, 2019, 05:58:56 PM
Cheers I'm not a fan of the busty chainmail bikini barbarian.But these have a little context(for me) As the theme is a nod to the old fire and ice animation. I've just got to find the time to build an axe wielding barbarian with a wolfs head mask and. Cowel. Then it'll be a speed game of Heroquest (for my son and his friends.)
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Westfalia Chris on May 07, 2019, 07:05:02 PM
Painted mine as well (sans conversions, but also the first batch I got last summer).

Very happy to have them again. Kicking myself a bit for letting go of my originals (I would have had most of a warband for Dragon Rampant or Saga AoM then), but they went to a fellow LAF'er, so it's not a great loss.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on May 07, 2019, 08:30:36 PM
Some work sir!

Chris, did you cut off the tabs or build up the bases?
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Orctrader on May 07, 2019, 08:58:28 PM
Conversions and both painted examples very inspiring.   :)

Mine are still in the bag.   ::)

That said, I've put them with my few remaining Celtos and a lot of Renegade Miniatures Celts I have recently acquired with a view to have dense crowds of multi-based figures.  Still debating which base sizes to go for.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Westfalia Chris on May 07, 2019, 09:10:42 PM
Some work sir!

Chris, did you cut off the tabs or build up the bases?

I glued them directly to slotta-style round bases. Most are on 25mm, the chieftain and war dog handler on 30mm, and the war dogs on 40mm, although I considered the small oval bases by GW for the latter (they looked a bit off, in the end).

The rest is PVA and a sand-grit mix. No putty or something, except for some larger stones placed to slightly conceal very obvious steps (some of the integral bases seem to be a bit thicker than others).

Conversions and both painted examples very inspiring.   :)

Mine are still in the bag.   ::)

That said, I've put them with my few remaining Celtos and a lot of Renegade Miniatures Celts I have recently acquired with a view to have dense crowds of multi-based figures.  Still debating which base sizes to go for.

It's tricky. Most of the figures should fit on 25mm washers (i.e. lacking the bevel of the slottas), but some have a rather wide stance with quite some overlap. I must admit I'd be unconvinced about using multibases for these since it would probably reinforce the similarity of the figures' poses.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on May 07, 2019, 09:15:22 PM
I glued them directly to slotta-style round bases. Most are on 25mm, the chieftain and war dog handler on 30mm, and the war dogs on 40mm, although I considered the small oval bases by GW for the latter (they looked a bit off, in the end).

The rest is PVA and a sand-grit mix. No putty or something, except for some larger stones placed to slightly conceal very obvious steps (some of the integral bases seem to be a bit thicker than others).

Cheers, I might have to try this...I was thinking of cutting off all the tabs...
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on May 07, 2019, 11:31:29 PM
You did well to squeeze them onto 25mm rounds .I was going to quietly content myself with picking up some 30mm bases  at Partizan.
I do like the hounds now I've seen them coloured in.So I'll probably end up getting them as well. ::)

I'm glad you post yours gives me some ideas for colour combinations, although its sickening that you've finished the lot lol. Still stops me bring smug with myself because I've started a project within a month of buying them.(no easy task for me as there's never enough hours in the day. Plus I've a back log of pulp stuff to get through.)
Mark.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: TWD on May 07, 2019, 11:44:04 PM
These all look great. Been painting some of mine this evening. Need to get the first bargain bag finished before the next lot arrives!
I managed to fit all the humans on 2p pieces apart from the leader who went on a 30mm washer (he probably would fit on a 2p but I wanted to mark him out as a hero for OGAM games).
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on May 08, 2019, 05:09:53 PM
You did well to squeeze them onto 25mm rounds .I was going to quietly content myself with picking up some 30mm bases  at Partizan.

I was going to use 20mm round bases but it will be a right pain to cut all the tabs off. I'm now thinking 32mm round bases should do the trick, even though they are a little bigger than I'd like.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: TWD on May 13, 2019, 09:47:59 PM
I finished my first six

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_r0zFAHbpU/XNiccYGfujI/AAAAAAAAUnc/dlIr2LzSNcQQQWH8nldxRsGUk0lod-iDQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010464.JPG)

Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: tin shed gamer on May 13, 2019, 11:42:19 PM
Oh your just putting me to shame  lol.(I've got sidetracked with other people's stuff.)
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Lost Egg on May 14, 2019, 06:29:17 AM
Nice job TWD!

I may have got distracted too...I was waiting for some bases and drifted onto something else, its only a 5 man marine squad so I should be good to start my celts in about 6 months :D
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: barbaric splendor on May 14, 2019, 07:19:15 AM
I finished my first six

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_r0zFAHbpU/XNiccYGfujI/AAAAAAAAUnc/dlIr2LzSNcQQQWH8nldxRsGUk0lod-iDQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010464.JPG)

Brilliant metals!  Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on May 14, 2019, 07:16:00 PM
Cracking stuff TWD. Are they marching out on Sunday?

Just so people know, there is a limited release to this range. We've just cast 100 of each models, and the moulds have been put away. When the figures have sold through, we won't recast them immediately.

We will pull the moulds out again a couple of years time, but once this lot are gone, that'll be it.

http://northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=155&cat=369&page=1 (http://northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=155&cat=369&page=1)
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: TWD on May 14, 2019, 07:19:25 PM
Cracking stuff TWD. Are they marching out on Sunday?

Thanks Nick, I don't think mine will see the table, they'll suffer in comparison with James' versions 😀
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Orctrader on May 14, 2019, 08:07:52 PM
Very good painting.   :)
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: Garanhir on May 16, 2019, 08:58:04 AM
I think I'll be using mine in my Barbarians of Lemuria game. I bought the dog handler some years ago but the dogs are ridiculously big, the size of large ponies!

They are lovely doggies, though, so I gave them to one of my giants to keep him company, and the handler got some spare GB wolfhounds that he has a hope of controlling.

I must say, one of my favourite things about these guys is the shields, I can't get enough of 'em.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: swiftnick on November 13, 2022, 03:38:55 PM
Will we ever see these these figures on sale again Nick?
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: nicknorthstar on November 13, 2022, 05:22:11 PM
Yes. Not sure when. When the casters have a free moment they'll go through the moulds to make stock. It won't be this year.
Title: Re: (Commercial) Re-releasing the old Fantasy Forge Celts.
Post by: swiftnick on November 13, 2022, 06:18:16 PM
Ok thanks for the answer