Smith & Tinker to release new Mechwarrior Game

Check out the interview at IGN, HERE

Also from Smith & Tinker

7/09/2009

MechWarrior to be Distributed Free on BattleTech.com

In honor of BattleTech’s 25th anniversary, Smith & Tinker has authorized MekTek.net and MekTek Studios to distribute MechWarrior 4 (along with its expansion packs) completely free. For years, MekTek.net has been the central point for online distribution of MechWarrior 4 expansion packs. Now they can provide the core game free to the fans as well. Keep an eye on BattleTech.com – the free download will be available soon!

THIS IS AWESOME

IMEX Display Case

November 2, 2007.

In my never-ending quest to find effective and affordable storage and display solutions for miniatures, here’s something I’ve come across during my summer foray into model railroading:

It’s a closed-topped clear acrylic display case made my IMEX. This particular version is suitable for displaying HO scale rolling stock, but lends itself rather well to the miniatures hobby.

The dimensions of this particular case is 14.125″ L x 3.5″ W x 3.5″ H (395mm L x 89mm W x 89mm H). IMEX makes different size display cases, as you can see below (this one is circled in red):

The display case comes carefully wrapped in bubblewrap. I’ve gotten three of these so far, and the finishes on all of the clear acrylic tops have been flawless. These are stackable, and the base tray has lowered (raised?) edges so that the upper stacked case would only touch the lower case’s clear top along the very edges.

The case consists of a clear, enclosed top, and a black plastic base. The top has two locks on the long sides that you disengage by pushing in the sides.

Here’s a front view of the display case, holding various 28-35mm scale miniatures and vehicle. From right to left, you have a Space Marine Razorback, Tau XV88 Battlesuit, Cadian Shock Trooper in front of it, and a Dreadnought and an AT-43 UNA Firetoad.

… and a top-down view. Sorry about the glare.

And, just in case you were wondering, this particular display case can hold 39 25mm round bases. Since the case is tall enough, if you are handy, it wouldn’t be too difficult to install a clear acrylic shelf, thereby doubling the storage capacity for 25mm round based-figures.

The MSRP for this case is $12.50, and I got it for $9 via mail order. Until I have the time and money to come up with an ultimate solution for miniatures storage and display (whatever shape that’ll take), this is a very cost-effective and dustproof way to store and display miniatures.

Originallly written for WeeToysSoldiers on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 11:15 pm by Hyun
We started talking to Hyun and he’s not sure what’s happening with his site at the moment. I, personally, hate to see good content disappear so we’re slowly going to republish (with permission) his articles either here or on TerrainMonster (depending on the type of article).

The June 2009 issue of Fictional Reality is out

Here we are with the new issue of Fictional Reality. The June 2009 issue of Fictional Reality is ready and it’s packed with all sorts of stuff.

You can check out the new issue at http://www.fictionalreality.org

Inside you’ll find…

* Battle Report: Learn how to play Warlands from Aberrant.
* Game Reviews: Two WWG sets, Incursion, The Quintessential Fighter and more.
* Miniature Reviews: Red Box Games, Reaper, Mercs, Aberrant, Urban Mammoth and more.
* Painting Workshop: U.S. APEs for Incursion and SOTR.
* Army Building: My (re)entry into Warhammer Fantasy Battle.

Due to a massive laptop failure I’m afraid that our e-mail list of people that wanted personal notification of each new issue has been fried. If you’d like to get on the list to get an e-mail from me as soon as each new issue is available just drop me a line at m.theurer@tx.rr.com with FR Subscription in the subject line and I’ll hook you up.

Thanks!

Mark, FR

Open Beta for the D&D Character Builder

Wizards of the Coast are pleased to announce that the Open Beta for the D&D Character Builder has now been released. The Beta, now open to players not subscribed to D&D Insider, covers levels 1-3 and includes new material added since the Closed Beta version released for D&D Insider subscribers.

Check it out on the Character Builder page.

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Topps Kills WizKids!

Topps announces they will stop making any WizKids products.

The Topps Company announced today that WizKids will immediately cease operations and discontinue its product lines.

Scott Silverstein, CEO of Topps, said “This was an extremely difficult decision. While the company will still actively pursue gaming initiatives, we feel it is necessary to align our efforts more closely with Topps current sports and entertainment offerings which are being developed within our New York office."

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Mithril Miniatures May Madness Newsupdate

Hi Mithril Collectors, Its the sale you have been waiting for. 75% off a huge range of miniatures, including key characters from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy.

From just 2.38 Euro for a pewter limited edition 32mm scale figure, there is now a unique opportunity for lovers of Tolkien's intricate story to collect beautifully crafted figurines that capture the emotion and personality that are intrinsic in why they have become such an addictive hobby for collectors worldwide.

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Hobbit Hostilities Escalate

Thu Jan 11, 11:46 AM

One ring might rule them all, but one lawsuits threatening the future of one of Hollywood's biggest franchises.

New Line Cinema co-head Bob Shaye has lashed out at The Lord of the Rings ringmaster Peter Jackson, calling the Oscar winner greedy for suing the studio over disputed profits from the first film in the trilogy. He also left little doubt that New Line considers the director persona non grata when it comes to future projects, including the highly anticipated big-screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkiens The Hobbit.
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Mystery of the Pickled Dragon

A pickled "dragon" that looks as if it might o­nce have flown around Harry Potter's Hogwarts has been found in a garage in Oxfordshire, England.

Warning… You will Believe! 🙂
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History of Arranged Marriages

Note – i thought this article would be a great resource for those roleplaying in a standard fantasy/medieval setting. Is has a little of everything, law, religion, money, and can help flesh out the private lives of your NPC villagers. I think we should come up with some adventure hooks in the comments. – Hamster

A History of Single Life Consenting Adults
by Ken Mondschein February 3, 2006

A series about hooking up through the ages. The fundamental assumption of single life is that were free to date, sleep with, and marry whomever we choose. This idea is so ingrained in our culture that no one seriously questions it, no matter how much of an asshole we think our sisters boyfriend is. Besides, without the fundamental right of choosing with whom we get romantically involved, wed never have developed great social customs like Internet personals or rebelling against your parents by coming home at three a.m. on the back of a Harley-Davidson.
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Repairing Plastic Miniatures

I'm going to show you how to fix your plastic miniatures using an old method most people use on their metal miniatures. The technique is called "Pinning". To pin something is to use a rod of metal of various thickness, depending on the size of the figure, to secure or fasten another part two it. Kind of like graphing. Most large figures will have a post and a hole (male and female part) when you glue them together. Well if a figure breaks you basically do the exact same thing.

***Those under the age of 18 get parent supervision when using lighters and knives***
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