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@CWO:

I think the two Japanese sets are the first ones that HBG is producing using the computer-modeling technology to which they’ve moved, so my guess is that the issues are just temporary transitional ones.  As you say, once the kinks have been worked out it should be smooth sailing thereafter.

Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that they are doing it so different from past sets now. Sure would like to see how that is done and what a 3D printer looks like. What material is used to make the prototype pieces? Is it a type of plastic? Even if it is, I imagine it is somewhat different in consistency to the plastic used for the final production pieces. I wonder if Coach will have samples of the original pieces at GenCon. Kind of wish I was going now. Couldn’t get off work and Indianapolis is a pretty long trip. Are you going CWO Marc?

@knp7765:

Are you going CWO Marc?

Unfortunately not.  Coach will have to provide the answers to the 3D printing questions, since I know almost nothing about the subject; as they say in the military, “that’s above my pay grade.”

I can’t answer for HBG. I have a very basic, basic knowledge of 3D printing and maybe thier process. 3D printing/modeling is for the prototype(s). That shortens and refines the process for making a traditional mold by not necessarily having to have a sculpter sculpt a model for more tradional plastic or resin mini molds.

A mold still has to be made for the more effeicent, and less expensive injection molding which is almost impossible to do cost-wise in the US. Most plastic minis have to be made over-seas in high capacity factories.

3D printing is very cool and has huge potential in the miniature gaming/modeling world. However to the best of my knowledge it is still not cost-effective for large batches of miniatures in comparison to traditional injection molding.

Thanks for the info toblerone77. Like CWO Marc, I am next to clueless about the whole process. Do you know what type of material is used for the 3D prototype figures?

I did see a show, one of those crime drama procedurals that have become so popular. It might have been “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” or “CSI”. Anyway, the criminal in question had a 3D printer and a program to make an actual firearm. It was a .38 caliber revolver I believe and it could actually fire real live ammo. However, the gun was not made of metal but rather some sort of carbon composite. It was really only good for one shot. When they tried to fire the second shot, the gun blew apart. That’s how they caught the killer because of his injuries from the gun blowing up in his hand.

Anyway, Coach told me before that the 3D modeling was actually kind of a slow process so I imagine it would be impossible to mass produce these game pieces like that. Overall, I bet it is a little cheaper than having a sculptor on hand and you can correct any imperfections as you are designing the model. Still would like to see it work sometime.

@knp7765:

Thanks for the info toblerone77. Like CWO Marc, I am next to clueless about the whole process. Do you know what type of material is used for the 3D prototype figures?

I did see a show, one of those crime drama procedurals that have become so popular. It might have been “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” or “CSI”. Anyway, the criminal in question had a 3D printer and a program to make an actual firearm. It was a .38 caliber revolver I believe and it could actually fire real live ammo. However, the gun was not made of metal but rather some sort of carbon composite. It was really only good for one shot. When they tried to fire the second shot, the gun blew apart. That’s how they caught the killer because of his injuries from the gun blowing up in his hand.

Anyway, Coach told me before that the 3D modeling was actually kind of a slow process so I imagine it would be impossible to mass produce these game pieces like that. Overall, I bet it is a little cheaper than having a sculptor on hand and you can correct any imperfections as you are designing the model. Still would like to see it work sometime.

I am trying to learn as much as I can about 3D printing. There are many different mediums that 3D printing uses including silver and I believe gold. The problem with 3D printing is that it is expensive for large runs of models, parts,etc. It is cheaper to develop a prototype or small quantity of a design because then it can be used for testing, experimentation, etc.

The actual process of printing in 3D can be very slow for just one piece or part. What it does do is make the design process cheaper by being able to make a small quantity of something and making sure it will work for large scale production.

As far as the TV gun my wife just told me about that epeisode of whatever show that was LOL. We are both avid shooters and lovers of guns. However making guns with 3D printers still would require metal parts i.e. the barrel, etc. So yeah pretty fake.

I would encourage you to take a look at Shapeways. Coach actually has some designs up there you can have printed by Shapeways and they will print and ship to your home. You tube also has a lot of information on miniature making.

Lastly, there are companies that make small injection molding machines for home use. You would still have to have a mold machined and the home version would make probably just one piece at a time. HOWEVER LOL, this may be the wave of the future for small businesses and ultra-hobbyists.

Everything I’m posting is pretty limited and not definative by any means but it’s honest and as accurate in relation to my self-studied knowledge. Hope this was helpfull.

I was just on the HBG Facebook page and saw 3 different French soldier sculpts (one was French Foreign Legion). Are these planned for the WW2 French set or the WW1 French set?

I was wondering when you were going to have more of the Russian set in stock?

@Yavid:

I was wondering when you were going to have more of the Russian set in stock?

And the Neutral sets?

Hey guys! Yeah, looks like we’re sold out of a few favorites… I spoke to Coach today about the Russians. We’re looking to re-order in the next few weeks, but that puts them back in stock around… February or so? As for the neutrals, I will need to check on those.

Feb. is perfect. BTW it can’t be said enough you guys do an awesome job. And I do have one more question. Is there any plans for a Chinese set? something like 6 art. and a fighter would make me happy

There is a Chinese set to vote for.
Please vote by putting your 5 Expansion Sets you would like to see get made on your waiting list, miniatures, rules, markers, and or reference will add to HBG Global War 1939 game.

http://www.historicalboardgaming.com/HBG-Global-War-Exp-Sets_c_449.html

what do I do if I want them all? They seem to be like pokemon. Well ok no zombies

@coachofmany:

There is a Chinese set to vote for.
Please vote by putting your 5 Expansion Sets you would like to see get made on your waiting list, miniatures, rules, markers, and or reference will add to HBG Global War 1939 game.

http://www.historicalboardgaming.com/HBG-Global-War-Exp-Sets_c_449.html

So these are not just pieces?

Guys,

WOW!  :-o

––These sets are going to be Awesome! HBG has come up with a great formula for releasing most all of the units that we have been talking about for the last 2-3 years. Although they’re supplying Rules for the use of these new units in their Global '39 game,….most if not all of these units can be used in our “regular” G-40 games.
----Way to go, HBG!

----Although I’m anxious to buy all of these, the sets that interested me most were:

1.) Island Warfare
2.) Battle for the Atlantic
3.) D-Day
4.) Operation Sea Lion
5.) Africa at War

––All of these sets had units that could be used in our “regular” A&A games, the HBG '39 games, and make possible many NEW games such as “Amerika”, or a “Solomon Islands” game that I’ve been dreaming of.

––Three Cheers for “the Coach”, a.k.a. “General Doug” of the “Big Green (HBG) Division”

“Tall Paul”

Yeah,
I am super stoked about this two. I have always wanted to fight key battles out on a more focused level within the strategic game. This game is about to come right off the hook in a big way.

I voted:
Diplomacy
Atlantic
Amphibious
France
D day

Berlin.
D-Day.
Arica.
France.
Atlantic.

I voted for:

D-Day
Island Warfare
Battle for the Atlantic
Axis Secret Weapons
Allied Secret Weapons.

I would eventually like to see them all produced.

WARRIOR888

I know people are going to laugh but this is a serious question. When you make a French set can the infantry have there arms up in surrender? I think it would be awesome for the Vichy French.

I voted for:

China
Island Warfare
Battle for the Atlantic
Axis Secret Weapons
Allied Secret Weapons.

I voted For:

D-Day

Sealion

Axis Super Weapons

Allied Super Weapons

Island Warfare

In second but skipped:

China

Battle of the Atlantic.

More French

These are all really good. Really hard to pick.

I’ve been looking around and kind of waiting for it and I can’t seem to find it but did HBG ever announce the unit line-up for the UK set?