Games Workshops new Airbrush Paint range...

The rumors where true, Games Workshop is releasing a range of 51 airbrush paints... in their stupid flip top pots. WORST MOVE EVER!

Who in there right mind made this decision? Dropper bottles are a (well almost it seems) a no brainer when it comes to airbrushing. Controlling the amount of paint in the brush is essential. 

It seems increasingly odd coupled to the new marketing approach (with AoS) alienating all the existing older fan base, essentially the ones who would own or use an airbrush. I can't imagine many 14 year olds. Must be aimed at 40k tanks...

And it seems according to the blurb the paints are "great for base coating" your models. The wastage that will be seen from using pipettes is obviously the plus side for GW, as they will sell more. Marketing genius! 

We recently seen Forgeworld go down the same route introducing an airbrush paint range aimed at their 30k line, once again in flip top pots. I have actually purchased a few of the clear paints to cover some gaps in my selection, but promptly put them into dropper bottles.

With such a huge range of airbrush paint available already in dropper bottles aimed specifically at the scifi/fantasy gaming community such as Vallejo Game Air and Badger Minitaire ranges, which are developed by airbrush professionals, the market appears saturated.

Not to mention the even larger range of 'true colours' aimed more at historical gamer's, model kit builders and dioramas from industry specialists such as Vallejo Model Air, AK Interactive and MIG productions. 

All these well established brands make excellent paints. I have tried all of the mentioned ranges and can recommend any of them for quality, consistency and price (it works out about half the price for the same volume). The Vallejo Model Air metallics are some of the best in the market, and I use much of the paints I have for brush work as well as air.

Vallejo also do an extensive primer and auxiliary range in sizes from 18ml to 200ml containers, including polyurethane primers, airbrush cleaners, acrylic thinners, flow aids, masks, varnishes etc

And guess what, all of them are in dropper bottles...

Games Workshops new range will need to be a cut above the rest to make up for the shortfall of not being in dropper bottles, not to mention double the price...

Deal or no Deal... Games Workshop bargins?

Enter the Hammer of Cadia

So the new Imperial Guard.... err I mean Astra Militarium release has bought the joys of massed armour to us once again. Every veteran scifi wargamer has something stir in them every time they see armoured columns deployed on the table. Flames of War is founded on this principle alone!

So when Games Workshop releases a boxed set packaging an armoured column together I tend to take notice. This time us punters are happy to see a rather hefty discount on the package. Complete with 3 Leman Russ, 3 Hellhounds and a single Hellhammer, what more armour could you want (answer: all of the armours!)

In NZD it retails for $585 
RRP of all the components separately total $783
This provides us Kiwis with a substantial saving of $198 which is basically the Hellhammer for free, or a 25% discount from Games Workshop! Smart punters will know you can shop around locally and get between 10-15% off this again

So how are the rest of the world fairing with this boxed deal?
In Australia the price is AUD$495 (NZD$543)
States Side, they pay US$330 (NZD$385)
And in the Motherland, GBP205 gets the goods (NZD$400)

All I can say is Wow. We are still getting ripped off, the Aussies as well, especially considering you can easily find a 20% off deal from the states. The so called price equalisation does not appear to have lasted long. A quick scout around and I can get a Hammer of Cadia to NZ for NZD$330 shipped! That's getting very close to half price....

So the verdict is bad. GW southern Hemisphere trade is still ripping people off, atleast at first glance. Lets look at some other new releases

Taurox:
NZD$65
AUD$55 (NZD$60)
USD$48 (NZD$56)
GBP29 (NZD$57)

So the Taurox is a completely new kit not based on anything else, and the new policy from GW seams to apply here. Pricing is reasonably consistent across the board (16%)

Hydra:
NZD$90
AUD$85 (NZD$93)
USD$56 (NZD$65)
GBP34 (NZD$66)

The Hydra however is based on an existing kit, and could be considered an "upgrade". Huge variation in price here with a 38% price variable. I suspect this has something to do with keeping the price consistent with similar kits (Chimera, Basilisk, Hellhound) in each region, however does go against the pricing policy that is current. I suspect they may have been worried about Aussies and Kiwis just buying the Hydra kit for new Chimeras...

Verdict? Southern hemisphere shoppers are still getting the raw end of the deal, at least for older product range pre 2013. If you have access to buying from Uk or US, do so.