I recently was given a Biker figure which Vamipfan (AKA Bryan) and Brummie (AKA Simon) were able to identify as coming from West Wind Productions . Having found the source I immeadiatly oedered a set. For £19.99 you get 10 Bikers and bikes. Now for me 10 mounted figures for £20 seemed like a very good deal. Postage cost were not too high and delivery time was within 1 week which considering it is the week before Christmas is very quick service. Having had one I was aware that they were multi part figures. (2 Part Bike, separate arms and heads).
The bike chassis were all the same, which is not a major issue. Two different forks were included, 5 of each type. It would have been nice to have some "Ape-hangers" for handlebars but the variety of forks will give some degree of variety. Still as it works out at £2 each with rider it would be churlish to make a fuss about what one would have found in an ideal setting.
There are 10 bodies, with legs attached in 3 different poses. Which should make for a less uniform look to the gang. Three head sprues, each of four heads for a total of 12 heads. Add to this 10 arms. For me the problem with the arms is that they did not send the right combination. By that I mean I have an ODD number of sleeved and bare arms. In an ideal world they would have been equal or even a couple of spares. Most of the weapons are OK, But as only 10 were supplied there is not so many choices that you can make. One is armed with a chainsaw for example only an utter fool would use a chainsaw on a motorbike. It in no way will lead to a happy outcome. Therefore this arm even if no others will get converted. Maybe a simple weapon swap maybe something more dramatic. The other weapon I don't like is the M16 which seems very small and weedy when compared with the other toys.
I can only speak for the pack I received and it is possible that other packs might have a better selection and more variety with arms and weapons. As mentioned above though for the price I really can't complain. If I can get 6 I am happy with for £20 I will still think I have had a bargain.
That's it for today. All the best and speak soon Clint.
Clint, without doubt, the best thing about this set is the price. Ten mounted figures for a mere £2.00 each is great value for money. Also, the fact that there is a lot of scope for customisation makes this a winning combo. I was not aware that the weapon arms were supplied randomly. My set contained no melee weapons. If you don't like them, you could always raid your bits box for alternatives. I actually wouldn't mind the chainsaw arm. I look forward to seeing what you do with them. One tip you might want to consider is this - quite often the left hand won't reach the handlebar, depending upon how you fix the rider to the bike. In this instance I would cut the hand grip from the handlebar and then twist the handlebar so that it aligned with the hand. Be warned that they can be quite fiddly to put together. Just be patient and make them one step at a time instead of trying to make each model in one go.
ReplyDeleteIf you want the chainsaw arm send me a message on the Board of the living Lead Forum with you adress and I'll drop it in the post.
DeleteI noticed the left arms not reaching on the one I was given. I put it down then to me using an alternative (viking) arm. I learnt a lot from the first one and will take your advice on board. Cheers Mate.
PM sent on the Board of the Living Lead forum.
DeleteArm sent. 2nd class expect it about new year.
DeleteNice review, and agree that the price seems right! Question I have is how big are they? Are they 28mm? And how close to GW or other model makers models height are they? Could be a good addition for many a project on the go for myself, but curious all the same.
ReplyDeleteCheers and looking forward to seeing you paint them up!
yes they are 28 mm. Not too far off scale wise with foundry or copplestone. Some of the heads and weapons are not the best but for the price can't be beaten. A couple of the weapons won't look right, but nothing a bit box swap out can't fix. I will be swapping the chainsaw for an axe I think. And maybe the M16 as well.
DeleteAlthought I will contact West wind and ask if they can sell components seperatly. As I want more pistols and I see on thier website a pump action. (Just for the Terminator and no other reason).
They're a great set, despite some of the apparent pitfalls and really great value for money. My biggest gripe about sets like these is that there is not a parallel dismount set, which would have been nice. I also think that a set of just the bikes would also have been a good idea and I'm sure they would sell too.
ReplyDeleteThey're still on my long term shopping list though.
I think they are worth the money so don't leave them on the long term list for too long the price will no doubt rise.
DeleteYes It would be nice to have some parked Bikes and dismounted riders. But I am already thinking of getting a second set. Use the riders as car pasengers and leave the bikes Riderless.
That looks like a great set and good value for money too. I think they might make it way to my door soon.
ReplyDeleteI shall try to get a couple painted soon. Very good value. I would recomend them IF you have a use for them! (Not that wargames NEED a use for every figure we buy. But Nice to have a reason!)
DeleteLook forward to seeing these built or will they be going under the tree for 6 more sleeps?
ReplyDeleteThey are not going under any tree, but I can't see them getting started for a week or two. More like 3 as not in a painting mood at the moment.
DeleteI shall look forward to these being given a lick of paint Clint!
ReplyDeleteMe too! They not even close to the paint table just yet. Maybe in the New year! But only Maybe.
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