Hogwarts Castle and Stormbreaker dropping into Coming Soon on the same day? I knew I sensed a disturbance in the Metal Model Hobby, as if hundreds of individuals were greatly pleased. Oh, and they’ve added the Osprey that was teased in the Newsletter. Which is still cool, don’t get me wrong. It’s just in the shadow of two rather sizable Fandoms at the moment.
Oh man, I am excited to see this actually happening! And given it’s popularity in my “what do you want” poll, I’m thinking you are probably excited, too! It must have been a hard job deciding which elements from which movie renditions of the castle to include, but I’m not disappointed, that’s for sure! This beauty is a four sheet Premium Series (ICONX) model, which is not that surprising when you get in there and notice all the details, such as the courtyards, dormer windows, buttress-like-pillars, etc. And, being a fan of snow, I’m rather fond of the decision to make it a mid-winter rendition of the Castle. At least, that’s what I’m thinking is going on here with all the white.
Stormbreaker! Wowzers, that thing looks like it means business. It’s rather solid looking, and I like how they layered the handle wrapping around the head. I’m also quite amused at how they used the additional pictures to show how many display options you have. And I also like how they thought to make the stand/base as versatile for displaying it in so many ways. I’m very much looking forward to building this one.
And finally, we wrap with the additional photos of the V-22 Osprey, with the surprising detail that there are a few, quite restrained, highlights of color on this model. I’m hoping this is an acceptable compromise for those silver-purists out there. It looks to be the soft-inking style that was used with the P-51D Sweet Arlene and the Star Destroyer, which is also a rather resilient coloring method. Unfortunately, it does not look like the angle of the rotor assemblies will be [easily] customizable.
As usual, the checklist will be updated.
Sources: MetalEarth, MetalEarth, MetalEarth
I think I am most excited about Stormbreaker. I am a big Marvel Fan. Not so much for Harry Potter tho I am sure I will end up building it eventually as part of the “I want to build them all” thought process and because the model envelopes have insisted I “Collect Them All”.
The Osprey look awesome as well but I am not that great when it comes to the 3D curve bending.
I do really dig the Stormbreaker. Especially the thought given to how to make the stand versatile for display options. And it just looks so freaking menacing. Of course, I’m equally excited about the Hogwarts Castle, but I read all the books before watching the movies, so I’m solidly in that fandom. And yes… I have the urge to Collect Them All as well. Just following the instructions… I’ll have to use that excuse on my wife. lol.
Curves were my Achilles Heel for quite a while. I just kept at it and kept at it, and found a lot of random things around the house that were good templates to use. As well as experimenting and finding good techniques for using those found item-tools. But the best tool, for me, was patience. Any kit that has much curving in it will take me a lot longer than another equally sized kit that doesn’t have much curving.