However, my birthday in April allowed me to get my hands on a character I've wanted for many long ages of the world, but I still didn't rush into getting him done...somewhat appropriately...
This is the new plastic (and much improved) version of Treebeard (or Fangorn, or another name that takes a very long time to say) the Ent, along with Merry and Pippin.
The model is fantastic and is my first real taste of how much GWs plastic models have improved. The flip side is that he comes in 62 pieces (an evening's work by itself) - in stark contrast to the much older Daemon Prince I did recently, which was in about a dozen parts.
Despite the excellent nature of the kit there were a couple of tiny gripes. Two of the pieces (parts 61 & 62) aren't in the instructions...which raises some perplexing questions about the order in which things are made. Also, some of the sculpting decisions seemed oddly fiddly, including the hobbits having separate faces. I kid you not.
However, neither of these take away from the fact that Treebeard is loads of fun to build and a doddle to paint.
If ever there was a 'miniature'that was made for my lazy combination of washes and drybrushing, it's Treebeard.
As you'll no doubt have noticed, Merry and Pippin are detachable, and so were painted separately.
They both sit securely without any needs for magnetising shenanigans, but Merry is a bit easier to dislodge, so I'll have to be carefulnot to lose him mid game.
Given that the hobbits can dismount, the kit also comes with both characters on foot as well (yes, there were 4 separate faces to attatch).
I've tried to match the colours to those I chose when painting the metal models nearly 20 years ago, apart from the cloaks being grey to represent the gifts from Lothlorien.
Annoyingly, the close ups have pointed out that I've missed the green on Merry's brooch (and the snail in Treebeard's beard), which will need to be revisited.
I had been concerned that the new plastic kits would see some scale creep from the original models, but, as you can see, there's no issue (although Merry is noticeably plumper - which is arguably more book accurate).
There's something weird about the way GW photograph the new models, because they all look really chunky on the website - most notably Eomer, whose photo makes him look a bit like Thor in Avengers: Endgame.
All in all, I'm delighted with this week's work. The chapters with Merry and Pippin off on their own are some of my favourites in the whole of The Lord of the Rings.
I'm only counting this as three models painted as technically Merry and Pippin are 'riding' Treebeard like a cavalry model. Additionally, I didn't count them a separate on the acquired tally (how's that for honesty?). I've also picked up another model with my birthday money, so it's slow but steady progress.
Treebeard would no doubt approve of my lack of haste.
Acquired: 98
Painted: 86
That's a great looking model. I'm very out of touch with GWs LOTR figures but have an urge to pick this up again
ReplyDeleteThe newer models are very good, as are the old metals. Unfortunately, the old plastic sets are now showing their age.
DeleteThat looks fantastic Kieron! Interesting about the faces being separate, are there any other models in the range like that? This is the first time I've heard of it.
ReplyDeleteI've been told that other GW models do the same, for example the Harlequins, but it still seems an odd decision.
DeleteFantastic job. I always loved the Ent models.
ReplyDeleteCheers. So did I, but I'm glad i ended up waiting long enough to get this version.
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