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Friends of Talaminiatures => Forge of Ice => Topic started by: Alxbates on September 27, 2008, 09:44:58 AM

Title: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on September 27, 2008, 09:44:58 AM
Hi everyone!

So... I'm starting my own miniatures company.  I've been tinkering with miniatures for about 20 years now, and I've had a lot of ideas for figures that I thought'd be cool over that time... sometimes I've found figures that looked like what I imagined, sometimes not.  Going to GenCon and meeting the Crocodile Games people in 2006 and 2007 made me realize that there was nothing stopping me from spending some time and money to have my ideas sculpted and cast into real figures!

 It's taken awhile, but things are really starting to roll for me - I've got a business license, an artist, sculptor contacts, and finally a few finished greens!

When Cacique Caribe over at TMP posted pics of the greens of his primitive hide tents in August of 2007, I jumped to buy them from him.  They're at the caster right now, I should have finished castings in my twichy little hands in a few weeks (then I just need to get a webstore up and running!  Aiee!).  Based on my disposable income and available free time, I expect that I'll be able to release six or eight miniatures a year, and I have a few ideas for T-shirts, dice, and posters, too.

I also got my first greens that are my "design", as much as a person can design a real-world animal.  The package arrived in the mail a few days ago (delayed by Hurricane Ike taking out Sandra's post office!).  Three peafowl, sculpted by the extremely pleasant and personable Sandra Garrity:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Malepeafowldisplayingfeathers1.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Malepeafowldisplayingfeathers2.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Malepeafowlatrest.jpg)

I'm two or three paychecks away from being able to afford to cast the birds in metal, but I expect I'll have them for sale in November or early December.  More updates will follow as progress is made!

Here's my ghetto fabulous photo setup... I need new bulbs and maybe crepe paper screens for the lights, but it'll do for now (and the lamps are a write-off!  HA HA!!  I can write off nearly all my hobby expenses this year!  I ain't paying a dime in taxes at the end of the year!!!):

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Myhellaghettophotosetup.jpg)

Here's a painting that I'm doing.  It'll eventually be the insert card for my clamshelled figures (I do hope to sell to retail stores eventually).  The painting is only about half done, I need to add some more movement lines and solidify my colors, but you get the general idea.  I placed it between to significant pieces of inspiration for me, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (that's a comic from 1981, I think), and the Fire and Ice movie, Frank Frazetta's only animated feature.  Neither of them is really anything amazing, but they both left a huge impression on me when I encounterd them as a kid.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Cardinsertpaintingandinspiration.jpg)

And some more inspiration:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Moreinspiration.jpg)

Mmmmm... ice cream...

The logo isn't quite finished, but again, it's close enough for you to get the general idea:

(http://rpgbomb.com/file/pic/gallery/1385_view.jpg)

And that's it for now!

-Alex in Alaska
-Forge of Ice
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on September 27, 2008, 09:46:34 AM
heh... looks like photobucket deleted the "peac ock" titled photos... must've been picked out by their profanity filter... I'll retitle and repost them shortly...

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on September 27, 2008, 09:50:53 AM
Dang filter.  Email sent to ya regarding this.  Congrats on your progress Alex!!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on September 27, 2008, 10:01:51 AM
I'll take a moment to mention that the display tailfeathers bit fits much better than that, but in order for it to stand up unaided I need to balance it slightly off-kilter as shown in the photo.  I couldn't find my blu-tack...

And the final catalog photos of the birds will have them next to a dual unit (inches AND cm) ruler for scale reference, but they're scaled for 28mm figures, the same size as Reaper's Dark Heaven line, Copplestone, Crocodile Games' Aegyptus stuff...

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on September 27, 2008, 12:14:54 PM
D'oh!  I forgot one - here's the peahen:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Peahen.jpg)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 08, 2008, 09:01:22 AM
And the finished castings of the tents are here!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Tenttestcastings.jpg)

*happydance*

Well, the first five sets, that is.  Sent for my approval, and I approve - they're perfect!

These will be painted four different ways (Knorne-y, Ice-y, LoTR film Orc-y, and natural) for my eventual online store catalog photos.  The fifth set will be set aside to go to the original sculptor, I owe him a few sets as part of our original agreement.

I should have the rest of the finished castings in a little less than a month, I think, and they'll be for sale (fingers crossed) before Christmas.

-Alex

Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on October 08, 2008, 09:42:21 AM
Those tents will rock for an SOK encampment, or for any fantasy RPG/TTG.  The peac-ocks would be really cool in any garden setting for an RPG,.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on October 08, 2008, 09:44:01 AM
They would work well for a few Sci-Fi/Post-Apocalypse as well!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on October 08, 2008, 05:28:42 PM
Very cool, I do like the tents, they seem very usable for a large variety of purposes, I'd like to see some close-ups though.    Also, any idea on the price point for these?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on October 08, 2008, 05:49:28 PM
Could you post a pic or two with figs to show scale?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on October 08, 2008, 06:27:30 PM
Yeah Alex, get busy!!  Topkick, I'm nearly unconscious; I'll ring you tomorrow night.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on October 08, 2008, 06:33:00 PM
okie-dokie
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 08, 2008, 08:12:35 PM
Could you post a pic or two with figs to show scale?

Your wish is my command, sir!  Three tents and a food cache:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/tentpiccloseupcomparison1.jpg)

Two tents and Cryx (Warmachine) Skarlock

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/tentpiccloseupcomparison2.jpg)

Tent, food cache and Sebeki Harbinger from Wargods of Aegyptus

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/tentpiccloseupcomparison3.jpg)

Tent and Chronopia Firstborn figure

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/tentpiccloseupcomparison4.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/tentpiccloseupcomparison5.jpg)

Tent, Asar Spearman from Crocodile Games Wargods of Aegyptus, and food cache.

Keep in mind, please, that these are quick snapshots I took on my gaming table in the living room - final catalog pics will be better.  There will be two catalog photos of all three tents and the food cache, too - an unpainted pic next to a ruler so you can see the exact size, and a nicely painted version so you can see what they look like painted!  I may do some sort of *very* light wash on the unpainted ones, as the tan resin doesn't show off detail very well in the photos.

As far as the price point goes... well, I'm reluctant to say anything publicly.  If I estimate wrong (and the final costs are not quite available to me yet - I've got one more bill I'm waiting on), then I'll be called to task for it.  So, as long as you keep that in mind, I'll say that right now it looks like they'll be around $8.50 (USA) apiece, maybe $16 for a set of two, $30 for a set of all four, something like that.  It may go up a bit depending on what I've gotta pay for that last bill, and I'll have to rethink it if I'm going to sell to distributors and retailers (both typically want a 40% or more discount, and at $8.50 apiece minus 40% I'm losing money on each one I sell... I won't be in retail stores for a long time, but I'd like to get there eventually!).

That gives me enough of a profit that I can pay for the first run (already spent well over a thousand dollars!) and have enough left over to do a second casting run (I've commissioned 50 sets to begin with).  I'll actually be able to pay myself something once I've sold the first 50, commissioned and paid for the next set of 50, and sold most of those!!  I think that my time should be worth something, after all.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on October 08, 2008, 08:17:55 PM
thanks for the quick response. They look good and frankly worth the prices you cite and more. If you have to adjust the prices between now you could easily ask for 10 +
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 09, 2008, 06:12:44 AM
Thanks, Topkick.  I don't think I'll have to go as high as 10 apiece on them (probably eventually, years from now, as prices inevitably rise...), but I appreciate the vote of confidence.  :)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 09, 2008, 08:34:24 AM
Someone on TMP asked for specific dimensions on the tents, so here they are:

Tent #1 is roughly oval in shape, 3 1/8 inches long at its longest point, 2
1/2 inches wide at its widest point, and 1" tall at its tallest point.

Tent #2 is roughly triangular in shape, 3 3/8" long, 2" wide, and 1 1/2" tall at the tallest point.

Tent #3 is roughly rectangular on its base, 3 1/2" long, 2 1/2" wide, and 1 3/8" tall.

Tent #4 is roughly triangular, 4" long, 2 1/2" wide at the widest point, and 1 1/2" tall at the tallest point.

That might be more helpful than pics of the tents standing next to minis (I really should have put a ruler there next to them...)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alpha on October 09, 2008, 11:12:33 AM
The work is really nice....and it's very cool what you are doing.

I know I'll probably hate myself for broaching this topic, but I have to ask. Can you give a ballpark figure (no obligations) as to how much you'd charge to commission a sculpt (28mm Human)?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 10, 2008, 02:26:54 AM
I wouldn't accept your commission, because I'm not a sculptor!  I know a few sculptors, and they're doing work for hire for me, but I'm just an organizer.

I come up with an idea that I think is cool, then I find a sculptor who I think can do a good job turning my idea into a miniature, then I pay them to do it.

The hide tents were more of an inspired moment - I saw them online as sculpts, and offered to buy them from the sculptor (TMP's Cacique Caribe), and he agreed to sell them to me. 

Sandra Garrity sculpted the Peac ocks.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on October 10, 2008, 03:13:41 PM
I have a bunch of various things I'd like to see sculpted some day, my Dragonkin concept (See my avatar), my natasguri, my Emitters (Radioactive Sci-Fi . . .thingies), my earthkin, damn, I need money.  If you want Alex, I can post pictures of all of those,  Though I am certain your head is overflowing as well with concepts.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 11, 2008, 05:29:06 AM
I'm happy to look at any concepts that people have for figures they'd like to see turned into real miniatures - even if it's not something that I'd use, Joshuaslater or Manic_Miner might be interested in them.  I have very little interest in Sci-Fi (other than pulp Sci-Fi like John Carter of Mars or post-Apocalyptic fantasy/sci-fi like Thundarr), or in historicals past the invention of gunpowder, for that matter.

Nearly everything I'll be doing is going to be in an ancient "low" fantasy setting, inspired mostly by Conan and Tarzan stories, or 1970's-80's fantasy cartoons (Heavy Metal, He-Man, Thundarr, Blackstar, the Fire and Ice film, anything by Ralph Bakshi).  J. Allen St.John, Vaugn Bode, Art Suydam, Alex Toth, Richard Corben and Frank Frazetta are all artists that I admire.

Not that I'm any kind of artist myself, but that's the sort of aesthetic mix I'll be going for.

Another thing that I want to do is get all of my favorite sculptors from my teen years to do a sculpt or two for me - I remember when I first started to buy Ral Partha "AD&D" minis, and it was so cool to see names on the blisterpacks - "sculpted by S. Garrity", Julie Guthrie, Bob Olley, Tom Meier, and so on.  It's a real treat to have an original Sandra Garrity green in my hands! I couldn't stop grinning for about a whole day after I got the peac ocks in the mail.

(and I think it's hilarious that I have to separate the bird name into two words to escape the profanity filter... )

I have plans for at least two or three years worth of releases, maybe more than that (especially if I'm only doing this in my free time with my limited discretionary income!), which is what I kind of expect this to be.  I'll be shocked if I ever make enough money doing this to quit working a day job.

I can also now say that Kev White will be doing a character sculpt for me after Christmas, I just got confirmation from MrsHasslefree.

I've also got some thoughts for dice and T-shirt designs, which I may slip in between miniatures releases, as they'll be less costly for me to produce.  If they're profitable, I'll keep doing them.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on October 12, 2008, 05:12:19 PM
NOTE: This post contains some of my concepts, not stuff that Alex is working on.

I'll just lay them out here for you as there is they have all been posted to public eyes before.

Natsaguri are oriental themed elves, not tied to any specific branch, they are a gereric-ish themed army.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/Biokanan/NatsaguriSwordsmen.jpg

The Coautl Tribes are Mayan Dragonkin, created in the image of their patron diety.  (Note that in the fluff of the world these are from, their patron diety is also a diety of Natsaguri, they just don't know it, Quetzalcoautl being one the Natsaguri's Dragon Sun God).  They bear long hair like feathers along their heads, back and fore arms.  They use very little equipment, though it is not unheard of.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/Biokanan/dragonkin.jpg
This one has been colored to give a vibe of how I had imagined them, they each have bright and vibrant feather colors, despite a muted body tone.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/Biokanan/Avatar.jpg

The Earthkin are actually a plant elemental that fuses and imparts it's soul to earth.  It burrows into stone and animates it to work with it.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/Biokanan/earthkin002.jpg

These are called Emitters, a Sci-Fi race, they are from a o-G environment with no atmosphere and such, they feed off of radiation that was emitted by their star.  Naturally their bodies waste is also radiation, they also communicate and function using a combination of radiation and magnetism, the base of each foot is a magnetic center that can be activated at will.  They have a unique cellular function though, their cells are all stem cells essentially, and can alter their functions instantly, so if you shoot off the main "brain" area, cells will adapt to perform that function, etc.  When visiting other worlds they have constructed a form of portable star.  It creates a tremendous amount of energy, but most of it is wasted as they only built it for the raw radiation that they feed upon.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/Biokanan/Game001.jpg

Gutang, from Teddy Ruxpin, I can't help it, they are awesome.  I would totally buy a whole army, and never use a Goblin in D&D again for these.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/Biokanan/Fantasy%20Figures/gutang.gif

Later,
Glenn
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 14, 2008, 10:25:58 PM
You've got some cool ideas there, Glenn, but nothing that quite fits in with what I've got planned.

Maybe someone else would be interested in producing them?  The samurai elves, in particular, I think might have some broad commercial appeal.

-Alex
Title: FINISHED TENT CASTINGS ARE HERE!!
Post by: Alxbates on October 22, 2008, 12:12:46 PM
And the finished tent castings have arrived!  45 complete sets!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Tentsarehere1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Tentsarehere3.jpg)

I made a huge mess in my living room unpacking them.  :)  And I suppose technically it's only 44 sets, since I've already sold a set through email (he wanted them NOW, not to wail till I've got a store set up!).

I've settled on a price of $8.50 per tent, or $32 for a set of all four.

Now I just need to get started on that website with a store, calculating weight and international postage, then *maybe* some kind of actual packaging for them...

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on October 22, 2008, 01:12:01 PM
 Great Alex.I have sent you a message.You are way ahead of me now.I should have something to show soon  ;D.

 Glenn your concepts are very cool.I like the Dragonkin idea's.It would be nice to see them as miniatures.What weapons do you see them using?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on October 22, 2008, 02:57:44 PM
None for the most part.  Otherwise think Mayan and Aztecan levels.  Ranged attacks would all be Atl Atl's.  Primary caste is Clawfighters.  There is a sub species called Tail Strikers, these have Ankyosaur style tails that are some 10' long, double the length of their body, as they are rarer amongst the Dragonkin they are treated very carefully as their tails are hard to maintain.
Title: Ordering tents from me now
Post by: Alxbates on October 27, 2008, 06:53:08 PM
I suppose I should mention that if anyone really wants the tents *now*, I'd be happy to sell them to you - I don't have a site or a store set up yet, but send me an email to Alxbates AT yahoo DOT com (or a PM here) and I'll set up a Paypal invoice for them + shipping to you.  $32.00 for a set of all four tents, or $8.50 each.  Kind of an odd number, I know, but it's the price I need to sell them at for this to be worth my while (and I'm paying myself WAY less than minimum wage for my time).

-Alex
Title: PAINTED PICS!
Post by: Alxbates on October 30, 2008, 05:39:50 PM
My friend Rob in the UK has shamed me by painting his tents faster than I've painted mine!  They're done in natural-fur type colors, and flocked with snow to match his winter-themed (Wendigo) gaming table.  Here's the first painted fur tent pics, ever!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut2.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut3.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut4.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut5.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut6.jpg)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Nighthawk on October 30, 2008, 06:07:09 PM
VERY nice! The only thing missing now is a squad of Hussars sitting around a campfire.  ;)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 31, 2008, 02:55:10 AM
Well, they're not Hussars, but how about some Wendigo? (Again, painted by Rob Phipps - Thunderlord)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut7.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/RobertPhippspaintedhut8.jpg)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on October 31, 2008, 05:38:47 AM
It looks like we'll have to step up and buy some, paint'em, then post pics of them next to the SOK, and those Hussars.

Way to go Alex.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on October 31, 2008, 06:09:29 AM
Great job! Very nicely done.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on November 07, 2008, 08:47:29 AM
I have this strange urge to go hunt mammoths!
Title: A few more previews
Post by: Alxbates on November 09, 2008, 09:50:17 AM
So... here're a few more previews.  A paleolithic venus, sculpted by me:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/WillendorfVenusbyAlex.jpg)

And the original reference material:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/WillendorfVenusreferencepics.jpg)

We've found quite a few of these ancient figurines - for 28mm scale mine is probably way too big - the Willendorf Venus that I copied my sculpt from is only a few inches high, small enough to fit into a human hand.  Sculpting something that tiny is way beyond my ability, so I made one that's big enough to be carried (as an objective counter, maybe...?), but still pretty small.  Idol sized - throw me the whip and I'll throw you the Venus.

I'm pretty happy with it - it's not perfect, I wasn't able to shape the breasts quite right, and I think the arms are too thick, but it's still recognizeable as a Venus (I think).  I'm very happy with the rough, worn stone-y texture (which I got by carefully dabbing a tiny piece of coarse sandpaper all over the figure before the putty completely cured).  I'm not sure when or if I'll release it, but I wanted to show it off.

Here's the "Mutant Terror Bird" that Tyson is working on, it's still a work in progress:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorbirdin-progress2.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorbirdin-progress1.jpg)

And another little thing that Tyson's just getting started with:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/OctoAxe.jpg)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on November 09, 2008, 10:12:38 AM
 Looking very good so far Alex.Might have to have at least two Terror Birds.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on November 09, 2008, 10:53:50 AM
Thanks, Manic Miner!  The Terror Bird is still a ways away from being done, but he's far enough along that I figured I could show him off.  We found a really nice museum-quality T-Rex model, and Tyson is using it as the basis for skin and musculature.  It still needs most of the skin and almost all of the detailing (face, claws, eyes, etc...). 

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on November 21, 2008, 03:14:09 PM
Lucas is a local (Fairbanks, Alaska) artist that I was introduced to through a mutual friend.  His work has an aesthetic that I like, and he's great to work with.  Here's a piece he's done for me:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/SkullScarabsvsBarbarian.jpg)

You can contact him through his blog -

http://bigfootillustrations.blogspot.com/

I know that he's looking for more commission work right now.

-Alex

Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on November 21, 2008, 03:20:03 PM
You and his art are like peas and carrots, Alex, a perfect match.  I'm diggin' the terror bird.  I'll prolly get some to use as mounts for somebody or other.

Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on November 27, 2008, 12:53:47 AM
And because someone asked for side views of the Venus:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/PaleolithicVenussideviews.jpg)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: DrFritz on December 06, 2008, 05:29:25 PM
I totally dig your development Alex.  What's next on the list? 
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 07, 2008, 09:10:16 AM
A Venus of Malta and some shields are gonna be the next most immediate releases, along with the Peafowl.

After that it'll depend on how much money and free time I've got.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on December 07, 2008, 09:20:18 AM
I still have not heard about the elemental, when abouts will you be ready to have him done up so I can ask for it to get done?

Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 08, 2008, 03:28:30 PM
I can have him cast in metal within a couple of weeks of getting my hands on the sculpt, I expect a relatively quick turnaround.l
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on December 09, 2008, 02:52:44 PM
No, I mean when will you want him?

Like end of January, June, etc.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 10, 2008, 01:06:38 PM
Ahh, hmm... February.  I plan on doing my next set of releases (I'm gonna "officially" release my tents later today or tomorrow, depending on how long it takes me to get good pictures) in mid January, and then ideally another small set in February.  He'd fit in well with the February stuff.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 13, 2008, 08:34:04 AM
And here are the pics that I'll be (tentatively) using as my catalog pictures for when I eventually get an online store up and running.  Painted tents, done by my friend Rob Mailander:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/Tentspaintedpic.jpg)

And pictures of the tents next to a simple scale page that I drew:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Tentsscalepic.jpg)

That's something I intend to do with all of my releases - take a picture of them next to some sort of measuring device so that a potential buyer will know *exactly* what size to expect the item to be.

Any feedback?  Should I make the numbers larger in the scale pic?  More light, less/more background stuff?

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on December 13, 2008, 08:48:50 AM
Maybe make the numbers a bit bigger. I would also suggest taking a side view so that people see how high the tents stand
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 16, 2008, 04:22:33 AM
Okie dokie - I just altered the photo to have larger numbers, and submitted a news item to TMP with the adjusted photo.  We'll see how the response is when the news item runs.  After TMP posts it, I'll re-post to Frothers (I want it to go to TMP first, since TMP has always been my online home).

And I've found a sculptor for my Pterromen!  Pteronadon-men, (AKA Mahars) for Pulp Lost World settings like Pellucidar.  I hope to have photos of in-progress greens in the next few weeks.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 27, 2008, 05:16:14 PM
There was a shooting at the bar I work at last night - some guy shot another guy in the face and neck, about ten feet in front of me.

During the ensuing ruckus, I got another finger broken.  I'm not sure exactly how this will affect my Forge of Ice, but it definitely won't speed anything up.

I'm talking about what happened over at TMP:

http://theminiaturespage.com/plus/msg.mv?id=143892

I'm fine, and the shooter is in jail, but I suspect I'm gonna need surgery to get the break set correctly.  Bah...
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on December 27, 2008, 05:56:11 PM
Remind me to never go and visit your bar . . .

Sucks about your finger, hope it heals well so you can paint.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Nighthawk on December 28, 2008, 03:06:58 AM
Insane. You're one of the Watchmen right? Hope all heals well with your finger and all.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 28, 2008, 12:58:10 PM
I've been a bouncer for about a decade now (13 years, on and off).

It's usually a good time.  :)

I just got an email from the caster that the Peafowl and a few other bits all arrived safely, and he expects to get masters cast within the next three weeks.  (It's a relatively long wait because I don't buy separate master molds for my figures, I wait till there's space on other peoples molds.  It reduces my costs significantly, but takes a bit longer).

I'll post an update as soon as I've got one.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on December 28, 2008, 03:59:18 PM
  Nice update Alex.Looking forward to seeing what else you have planned.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on December 28, 2008, 05:44:00 PM
Write it all down Brother so you can keep it straight. Some scumbag of an attorney will try to trash every word of your testimony and if you were 10 ft away and facing the incident you will be sitting in the talking chair when the case goes to court. Also, watch your ass - you never know if the shooter has friends just a stupid as he is.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: DrFritz on December 29, 2008, 08:37:08 PM
My God Alex,

There are many days when I miss gigging at bars.  But when I read or hear stories from you, holy crap, I'm glad I'm only a classical musician these days.  More to the thread, I'm excited to see the pea**** in production.  My game of choice lately has been Battlelore - which is a "board game."  I think your pieces would fit very well into the system there.  I have been pondering a few ideas about that.  I'll show you my stats for the creature soon!

Cheers!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on December 30, 2008, 07:26:27 AM
I'm thankful you're alright Alex, as are we all.  Take care of yourself man!!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 09, 2009, 08:20:53 PM
Hey everybody-

So I just got home from surgery on my hand… apparently the Physicians Assistant who saw me in the E.R. was worthless, it's not my finger that's broken – it's my hand. My doctors appointment went well this morning, but since it's now 2 weeks from the time of my injury, the doctor wanted to do surgery on me as soon as possible. I skipped breakfast this morning, so "as soon as possible" meant "immediately". I went straight from the doctors office to the hospital operating room.

I'm kind of loopy at the moment from the anesthesia and Percocet, but the Toradol is supposedly keeping the swelling and pain down.. which I'm a little skeptical because it hurts *really* bad, worse than the initial break. The broken bone is in my hand (the 4th metacarpal) and apparently hasn't healed much in 2 weeks. However, it is bent at a funny angle (downwards, towards the palm of my hand), and also rotated! With the splint off, when I try to make a fist, my ring finger turns sideways and points toward my thumb.

This is of course unacceptable, so the doctor put a pin through my hand from my knuckle to my wrist. Because of the nature of the pin, it is actually sticking out of my skin and visible (although I haven't seen it yet because I'm wrapped up in bandages).

WOW. I can sure feel it though!

The doctor wants me to take two whole weeks off of work, but there is just no way I can afford that. Maybe it's time to Ebay some old miniatures or something, or hit up the bank of Mom (*argh*) for a short term loan. I don't know what I am going to do.

I'll have some peafowl and other bits back from the caster in a few weeks, putting those up for sale will probably help, given the positive response I've gotten from the pictures of the greens.

I also got a couple of updates on the shooting incident that led to my hand getting broken. It looks like the victim of the shooting is only paralyzed from the waist down, the swelling isn't as bad as they originally thought. That's still terrible, but it's good news since a few days ago they thought he would be paralyzed from the neck down.

The shooter isn't even going to trial until March, and I haven't heard any mention at all about charges being pressed against the couple who drove the shooter from bar to bar looking for the guy he shot. You would think those guys would be in deep deep serious trouble too, but if so word hasn't hit the newspaper or local rumor mill.

And that's about all I got for the moment. I think I'm going to go pass out now and sleep for 14 hours!

Hope you all have a good weekend!

-Alex in Alaska
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on January 10, 2009, 06:35:01 AM
Don't you get workers comp for this?  I thought it happened at work while you were doing you job?

Oh yeah, and sue the *astard!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on January 10, 2009, 07:33:50 AM
Veez has a very good point, you should be getting compensated through work for this.  You were working when you got injured, now it may have been extreme circumstances, but none the less, you were at work.

Anyways, I'll dig through my check book and see if I can make an order. 
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 10, 2009, 07:55:40 AM
Oh, yeah, workers comp is going to cover my lost wages, but not the lost tips (about 20% of my income), and they won't send me the check for several months.  I'll get by - my boss is a great guy, I'm sure he'll forward me some money till then if I ask.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 10, 2009, 08:10:23 AM
 Good to know you got the hand sorted.
 If I had spare cash I would have ordered some of your tents by now.But things are hard over here.Should be sorted in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alpha on January 10, 2009, 12:18:38 PM
I'm glad to hear you're on the mend, Alex.....but that is just awful. Good that you'll be compensated though. Get well soon.....
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 15, 2009, 11:49:01 AM
Here's a link to my friend Rob's painting site - he lives here in Fairbanks and has painted a bunch of stuff for me over the years, and he'll be painting a lot of the "official" Forge of Ice catalog miniatures.

http://www.squidoo.com/Pro-Painted-Minis

He's available for commission work!

Heh... man, "official" Forge of Ice catalog miniatures" sounds so pretentious.  They'll just end up sitting on top of my TV next to my DVD's... :)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on January 15, 2009, 11:52:51 AM
Very cool, though I am not a big chaos fan.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 27, 2009, 06:35:35 AM
And another green pic, just a quick snapshot I took with bad lighting, but you get the idea, I think:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Flintspeargreensreferencepic.jpg)

They're flint-tipped primitive spears.  I'll be sending them off to the casting company later this week, along with a simple ancient shield and two turtle-shell shields (large and small), patterned after an Alligator Snapping Turtle shell and a Razorback Musk Turtle.  The Alligator Snapper shell shield is about accurately sized, but I had the sculptor exaggerate the size of the box turtle shell - I liked the look of the shell, and it'll be about right size for a buckler.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 27, 2009, 06:49:29 AM
Spears and shields all sculpted by my buddy Tyson Rhody.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 27, 2009, 08:31:23 AM
 Looking good Alex.The shield's will come in handy for the Sebeki  ;D.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on January 27, 2009, 08:55:51 AM
'Musta heard me naggin' "Mention the Sculptors!"  through the internet.  Lookin' great, Alex.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 27, 2009, 03:14:12 PM
I think it's important to always give the sculptor credit for their work.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on January 27, 2009, 03:48:49 PM
So would you say his sculpting is, "Spearior?"
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on January 27, 2009, 03:58:02 PM
MOMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Veez is being bad and should be pun-ished
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 29, 2009, 11:07:58 AM
And the turtle-shell shields, Alligator Snapper and Razorback Musk Turtle, as well as the simple ancient shield and the flint-tipped spears again.  I'm sending them all off to the caster tomorrow, maybe today if I get up early enough to make it over to the post office (sleep is still off schedule with the percocet I'm on for my broken hand).

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/TurtleShellShieldsgreens1.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/TurtleShellShieldsgreens2-backside.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/AllgreensJan2909.jpg)

Sorry for the crappy pictures, I just snapped them quick in the living room... my girlfriend is out of town this week, and I've taken the opportunity to take almost all the miniatures in my house, stack them up, and sort through them. 

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Messylivingroom1.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/MessyLivingroom2.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Messysecondbedroom.jpg)

I've got a bunch set aside for Ebay, I've repacked more, thrown away excess packaging, combined others into single boxes, cleaned up the TV stand... it's been a productive week, but I've still got quite a lot to do.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 29, 2009, 02:32:21 PM
 Looks like quite a stash of miniatures Alex.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 29, 2009, 06:05:19 PM
It's quite a mess, too...  :)

You can see why I waited till the girlfriend was out of town to do anything about it...
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: warzoneD on January 29, 2009, 09:40:37 PM
Ah, I love see piles and piles of games...it warms the ****olds of my heart (...and there's nothing quite like a warm cuckold).

BTW if you ever decide to part with your Advanced Hero Quest - I'm your man! ;)  ::) ;D
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on January 30, 2009, 11:29:33 AM
Battlemasters!  I soooo remember that game; the gateway drug to Warhammer.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on January 30, 2009, 11:42:22 AM
Reminds me of my place, only better.  I'm envious as all hell.   >:(
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on February 02, 2009, 09:42:35 AM
Great gaming gods of pewter madness.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on February 09, 2009, 07:31:20 AM
Just heard from the caster - all the current greens have arrived, the molds should be finished in about a week.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on February 17, 2009, 06:09:29 PM
I had a slight delay while figuring out some numbers, but the production molds are getting spun tomorrow - my latest greens will be in metal by this time tomorrow!  (hopefully they'll be in my hands soon after that!)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: DrFritz on February 22, 2009, 01:41:39 PM
To think that I use to live with that mess.  Remember your "studio" apartment near UAF and having all that stuff?  Ah, those were great days. 
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on March 05, 2009, 02:08:45 AM
And more pics of the Vulture Clan Totem based on Adrian Smith's artwork for Empire Chronopia er, um... "Mutant Terror Bird" sculpt by Tyson:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Terrorbirdlegjoint1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/TerrorBirdinprogress2.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/TerorBirdinprogress1.jpg)

One of the legs still needs skin texture, and there are issues with the leg joint (figuring out how to cover it up), but it's nearly finished!

What do you guys think of the spurs on the legs?   They match the art, but seeing them in person they look a little long.  Then again, it's super simple to clip them short and file them sharp if you want shorter spurs.

I also finally (ACK!  I was late!   :-[ ) paid for the castings today, so they should be in the mail to me shortly.  Peafowl, spears, shields, venus idol, I'll have them all soon!

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on March 05, 2009, 08:40:50 AM
Nice.  When this one's finished, and I settle up with Topkick, I'll prolly place a group order with some folks around my way.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on March 05, 2009, 02:28:40 PM
 Looking very good so far Alex.Tyson is doing a great job.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Von Koss on March 05, 2009, 06:39:16 PM
Oh yeah, I'll be picking up one of those "Mutant Terror Birds" ;) if they are offered.  It is coming along very nicely.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on March 26, 2009, 12:42:27 AM
More stuff for the future - my Pterro-men!  Psychic Pterodactyl men of the Lost World...

The sculptor, Jack Wolfe, says that he'll start work on the "Pterro-man" sculpt
tomorrow, and he's confident that he'll be able to finish it quickly, so I
figured I'd share the concept art with everyone.

This piece of artwork by Frank Frazetta is one of my inspirations:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/FrazettaMaharagain.jpg)

As well as the supervillian Sauron in Marvel Comics, and an old episode of Johnny Quest that had a tame Pterodactyl in it.

(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/8200/223063-35093-sauron_super.jpg)

Here's a detail of some of my original horrible little sketch artwork:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20art/Maharskullsketches.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Maharpartsforcasting2.jpg)

And here's the final art that the Jack sent back to me for approval:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20art/MaharSketch2.jpg)

One of the notes that I sent back to him:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20art/Maharheadrudderadjustment.jpg)

The figures will have slightly shorter and more awkward-looking legs than are
shown in his finished piece - proportioned more like chimpanzee legs rather than
human or reptile ones.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Maharlegneedstobeabitstumpier.jpg)

I make no promises or predictions regarding final price or release date!!!

And I'd be interested to at least listen to any feedback that anyone has.

-Alex
-Forge of Ice
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on March 26, 2009, 09:02:30 AM
 A very cool idea Alex.They remind me of the flying things from an old film.I cant remember the name but they wrapped their wings around people and ate them then dropped the bones.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on March 26, 2009, 09:44:43 AM
You're thinking of the winged creatures from "Beastmaster", perhaps?  I loved that movie as a teenager (mmm... Tanya Roberts...)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on March 26, 2009, 10:52:52 AM
Johnny Quest and Tanya Roberts in the same thread.  Rock on. 
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on March 26, 2009, 11:13:03 AM
 Yes that was the film.Beastmaster.I also loved the guy's they put the grub into there ears.They would make cool miniatures  ;).
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on March 26, 2009, 01:18:51 PM
I know that wink icon in the world of minis Andy.  Go forth and conquer.  I'll have to pick up that movie if I find it in the bargain bin somewhere.  It's not as good watching as an adult, but there were some cool parts.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on March 26, 2009, 05:59:54 PM
Johnny Quest and Tanya Roberts in the same thread.  Rock on. 

I only steal from the best.  :)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on April 27, 2009, 05:00:59 AM
So, here they are, as promised, the "Pterro-Man" green pics in progress, (a bit rough at the moment, but well over half finished):

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-progpicwithhead.jpg)

The head is nearly finished, the crest will be extended a bit.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-proggesturehand.jpg)

There's a nubbin of wire sticking out of the palm of the hand, but it'll be removed before the sculpt is sent off to casting.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-progpicfrontchestinfo.jpg)

In person, this looked really good, but looking at this picture, the left leg just doesn't look... correct, to me.  I'm not sure what's up with it, maybe it's too close to the other leg, or turned a bit too far inward...?  I'm not quite sure how to articulate my unease... the toes maybe need to be splayed even further outwards...?

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-progresspicwithleftwi.jpg)

The left wing is probably the least finished part of the figure, but this pic with me holding it in place gives you I think a good idea of the general pose.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-progpicfomleftside.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-progpicfromdirectrear.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/EditedMaharin-progpicfromrear.jpg)

The "Pterro-Man" is being sculpted by another talented local guy named Jack Wolfe.  Working with him has so far been a real pleasure, a definite collaboration - this will be his first 'professional' sculpt, and he's been really open to my input and willing to take direction in a way that is really important to ME, as a client looking for work-for-hire.  I want an artist to give me what *I* want, not what they think I should have (I've had some nightmare encounters with "artists for hire" in the past).

I'll also add that both the sculptor and I are aware that there are some visible fingerprints on the sculpt, and those will all be either removed or covered up before the sculpt is 'finished'.  There are some large sections of the model that don't have 'finished' skin yet.

Input, questions, comments?

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on April 27, 2009, 08:40:20 AM
It is cool and interesting, but unfortunately, I have no desire for one.  I think it is a great addition to the pulp world of gaming though.  I just don't play in it. 
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on April 27, 2009, 09:36:44 AM
I like the fig. It looks like it would be a lot of fun to paint.I just don't have an army I play with that would include the as a fig.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on April 28, 2009, 11:35:17 AM
 This sculpt is looking very good so far.Cant wait to see it finished.

 It is hard to keep your fingers from touching when sculpting.Does he use the rubber ended sculpting tools that Andy Foster sell's.They are going to be on my next order I think.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on May 01, 2009, 03:22:37 PM
The sculptor, Jack, builds up a frame to layer the skin onto - and since the skin is going over the top of that frame, he leaves fingerprints all over it.

It freaked me out for a minute till he explained his process to me, too.  :)

I've got another set of pictures I need to edit and post, progress pictures.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on May 01, 2009, 04:30:20 PM
Finallly!  I've gotten my act together enough to assemble this list.  

The Forge of Ice Catalog:

FOI 000’s – Terrain
FOI 100’s – Animals
FOI 200’s – Accessories
FOI 300’s – Weapons
FOI 400’s – Shields
   
Primitive Hide Tents:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/Tentspaintedpic.jpg)

FOI 001 - is roughly oval in shape, 3 1/8" long at its longest point, 2½" wide at its widest point, and 1" tall at its tallest point.

FOI 002 - is roughly triangular in shape, 3 3/8" long, 2" wide, and 1½" tall at the tallest point.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/Tentsscalepic-1.jpg)

FOI 003 - is roughly rectangular on its base, 3½" long, 2½" wide, and 1 3/8" tall.

FOI 004 - is roughly triangular, 4" long, 2½" wide at the widest point, and 1½" tall at the tallest point

Tents all sculpted by Dan Martinez

Tents are $8.50 each, or $32.00 for the set of four.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/AllThreePeafowl.jpg)

Peafowl!  And I can't use their common name, because the profanity filter edits out the last half of the word...

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/Peahenmain.jpg) (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/Peahenrear.jpg)

FOI 101 – Peahen – $3.00 - the female of the species!  About ½ an inch tall from the bottom of her base to the top of her crest, and ¾ of an inch long from the tip of her tail to the tip of her beak.

[(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/MalePeafowlatrest.jpg)

FOI 102 – Male Peafowl with tail at rest.  - $4.00 - ½ an inch tall from the bottom of the base to the top of the crest, 1 7/8 inches long from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/MalePeafowlonDisplay-front.jpg)(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/MalePeafowlonDisplay-rear.jpg)

FOI 103 – Male Peafowl with tail on display.  - $5.00 - The tail is about 1 ¾ across and 1 ¾ high.  He’s just over ½ an inch long from the tip of his beak to his rear.

Peafowl all sculpted by Sandra Garrity.

You can buy all three birds as a set for $11.00.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/PaleolithicVenusIdolfront.jpg) (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/PaleolithicVenusIdolrear.jpg)

FOI 201 – Paleolithic Venus, modeled on the “Willendorf Venus”.  Just over ½ an inch tall, and about ¼ inch wide at her fattest point in the middle.

Venus sculpted by me, Alex Bates.  Cheap, only $1.00!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/FlintTippedSpearSprue.jpg)

FOI 301 – Flint-Tipped Spear sprue – $1.50 per sprue - Two spears on the sprue, both are about an 1 ½ long (one is about a 16th longer than the other).  Sculpted by Tyson Rhody.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/LargeSherdenShieldfront.jpg) (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/LargeSherdenShieldrear.jpg)

FOI 401 – Large Sherden style shield.  - $1.00 - ¾ of an inch across.  Sculpted by Tyson Rhody.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/SimpleAncientShieldfront.jpg) (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/SimpleAncientShieldrear.jpg)

FOI 402 – Simple Ancient Shield – $1.00 - 3/8 of an inch wide, ¾ of an inch tall.  Sculpted by Tyson Rhody.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/BoxTurtleShellShieldfront.jpg) (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/BoxTurtleShellShieldrear.jpg)

FOI 403 – Box Turtle Shell Shield – $1.00 - Approximately ½ an inch across.  Sculpted by Tyson Rhody.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/SnappingTurtleShellShieldfront.jpg) (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20Catalog/SnappingTurtleShellShieldrear.jpg)

FOI 404 – Snapping Turtle Shell shield – $1.25 - 5/8 wide at the widest point in the middle, and ¾ tall at the longest point.  Sculpted by Tyson Rhody.

All prices are listed in US Dollars.

So... how do you place an order...?

Send me an email at Arcticon2004 AT Yahoo DOT com with a list of the things you want to order, along with your address (so I can figure out the shipping cost), and I'll send you an invoice through Paypal.

If you don't have Paypal, then send me a list of what you want, I'll email you back with a total plus shipping, and you can send me a money order.

The system is a little clunky, but without an online store, it'll do for now, and keeping most transactions though Paypal gives everyone involved a little bit of protection.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on May 01, 2009, 04:40:04 PM
*EDIT* -

OK, the pictures are fixed now!

I should also mention that all the miniatures, logo, artwork & related items are Trademark and Copyright 2009 Forge of Ice - that's me, Alex Bates - where applicable.  

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Glenn M on May 01, 2009, 08:40:13 PM
Looks good, though I feel I need to ask, doesn't paypal allow you to set up a store fairly easily?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on May 02, 2009, 01:06:58 AM
 Nice selection Alex.I will place an order in a couple of weeks once I get sorted.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on May 02, 2009, 05:34:38 AM
Looks good, though I feel I need to ask, doesn't paypal allow you to set up a store fairly easily?

Yep, but I've gotta pay for it, and I've also got to take the time to set it up, and I haven't had the time yet.

Also, I'm already irritated at the chunk Paypal takes out of any money people send me, and with a store they get even more.  There's no real way around it, but thinking about it certainly doesn't help to motivate me...

Thinking up new stuff and designing it, talking with sculptors, getting things cast in metal and digging through boxes of new stuff - thats the fun part of doing this!  Sorting orders and packing stuff is the tedious part.  An online store only adds another layer to that tediousness.  I'll get one sorted out eventually.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on May 02, 2009, 06:53:02 AM
And my friend Paul Billinghurst in the UK has already painted up a few of my shields - here are a couple of pictures with them mounted on a Crocodile Games figure (an Asar Hero of Elephantine, the human warriors dedicated to the god of the Khemru):

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/PaulBillinghurstBoxTurtleshield.jpg)

Box Turtle Shell shield

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/PaulBillinghurstSnappingTurtleshiel.jpg)

Snapping Turtle shell shield

I think they turned out GREAT, and you get a nice idea of how they look in comparison to a 28mm scale figure (it is mounted on a 20mm square base).

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on May 02, 2009, 09:24:35 AM
 Those look great Alex.Very cool paint jobs too.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on May 02, 2009, 09:51:34 AM
Probably better off to set up a Forge of Ice website and set up a store as part of that.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on May 02, 2009, 12:01:16 PM
Thanks Thom!!  I was just going to ask about our friends slinging great product.  Got your own section now Alex.

Kings to you.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on May 04, 2009, 09:03:38 AM
Holy cow those figs are great. The shields paint up very well.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on May 29, 2009, 05:52:09 AM
I should mention that I'm nearly out of the spears (surprisingly my most popular item!).  I thought the Peafowl would be my best seller, but so far not too many people have bought them.

Next in the pipeline:

Primitive hand weapon sprue - Stone club and two stone axes
Primitive dagger sprue - with two stone daggers on the sprue

Small Sherden-style ancient shield

A second Snapping Turtle Shell Shield to complement the first one (and I may ask Tyson to sculpt a third.  Not that they've been selling all that well, I just think they're really cool!)

An actual Snapping Turtle miniature (scaled exactly with the shields!)

Two more Paleolithic Venuses (Venus of Malta and Venus of Hohle Fels)

Tyson Rhody is sculpting everything except the Venuses (Venii?  It just sounds dirty, either way...), I'm sculpting those.

I offer NO firm release date for any of those things, just mentioning that they're probably next to be released.  The Pterro-Man and the Mutant Terror (Pterror?) Bird are coming along nicely, but I suspect that the other stuff will be ready for sale first.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on May 29, 2009, 11:04:38 AM
The turtle shell is looking like something I will need when I make my rivet bulls. They match up well with the shoulder pads of Rasputins which I beleive are supposed to be the armored head plate from rivet bulls. I just need to get them and then cut them down to fit the head of the animal I use
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 05, 2009, 12:05:28 PM
And I am now sold out of the spear sprue! I'll post a notice when I get them back in stock.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 10, 2009, 05:26:03 PM
More greens that'll be sent to the caster in the near-ish future:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/upcomingpicsJune1020091.jpg)

And for scale:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/UpcomingpicsJune1020092.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/UpcomingpicsJune1020093.jpg)

Not fabulous pictures, just quick snapshots I took while I had them out and handily available.  No firm date on when I'll be sending them to the caster - I'll wait till I have enough greens to fill another mold before I have any new molds made, so these probably won't be available for sale for a few months.  If you're *really* motivated and want to buy enough to make it worth my while to have them cast immediately (100+ of either little piece), drop me a line and I'll make it happen!

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Topkick on June 10, 2009, 05:33:27 PM
Those would be great as a swarm allied with a Necromancer. They could be the scarabs that re-animate corpses into the skeleton warriors
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 20, 2009, 04:02:07 AM
And some more green pics! 

Of interest to Chronopia players, the Mutant Terror Bird:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorBirdsizecomparison2.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorBirdsizecomparison1.jpg)

Of course, the bird creature has more than one leg and one arm - they're on a separate sprue:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorBirdscalepic2.jpg)

(my apologies for the terrible picture)

And here are some pictures of the sculpt lying on its side next to a measuring tape... it's really difficult to take good pictures like this - when a figure is lying down it distorts the details and exact scale.  But I think the pics are good enough to give you an accurate idea of what the figure looks like.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorBirdscalepic1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/MutantTerrorBirdaltview.jpg)

The main foot comes sculpted onto a "rock", which is not quite enough for the figure to balance on on its own - you'll need to attach the figure to a base of some kind, but the 'rock' is small enough that you can put it on a 40mm round to use as a 1st Edition Chronopia Vulture Clan Totem, a square base to use as a monster in Warhammer Fantasy, or a large washer to use with your Pulp games (it's a Venusian riding beast!).
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 20, 2009, 05:13:08 AM
And here are the promised stone weapon sprues, to compliment the stone spears I released earlier this year.  There are two different sprues - one with two axes and a club (or simple maul, however you prefer to describe it).  The second sprue has two stone daggers on it. 

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Stoneweaponspruescalepic.jpg)

You may think that the blade of the axe on the end is too small, but it's accurate for many of the stone-tool-using cultures that we have artifacts for.  The one in the middle is intended to be more generic, to be something of a cross between what ancient stone axes looked like, and what the popular depictions of them are.  The maul, or big two-handed stone club on the end, is also fairly accurate to what native american simple stone mauls looked like, and is probably similar to what they looked like worldwide.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Stoneweaponspruedetail2.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Stoneweaponspruedetail.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Stoneweaponsprueinperspective.jpg)

I ran into a similar issue with the stone daggers - the blades on most of the stone daggers we've found are tiny, often only a couple of inches long.  So, to my eyes, they look like the blades are too short - I can't help but mentally compare them to metal daggers and how I know they look.  But stone is a different medium - it shatters if it is too thin or too long, and of course re-sharpening a stone blade means flaking off more of the blade material.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Stonedaggersprue.jpg)

Kev White (and a few other sculptors) can make huge, anime-style oversized weapons look good, but it's a rare talent.  So I asked Tyson to sculpt the daggers very small.

As an example, here's "Otzi the Iceman"'s dagger, along with his scabbard and wooden retoucher:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/IcemansDaggerscabbardandretoucher.jpg)

Also, I think that most of my customers will be historical or pulp gamers, or even up to modern (Sentinelese Islanders still use those stone tools today!), and they're generally more conscious of proportionate weapons than fantasy gamers.

Tentatively, the axe sprue will be $1.75 (or $1.50) and the dagger sprue will probably be $1.00 (maybe $1.25).  I'll be able announce firm prices once I send the weapon sprues off to the casting company.

Both of the weapon sprues and the Mutant Terror Bird are sculpted by Tyson Rhody.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on June 20, 2009, 08:45:47 AM
 I love how the Terror bird has turned out.Looking forward to ordering a few once available.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on June 20, 2009, 09:35:16 AM
Those turned out great!

Good luck with the line!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: dave kufner on June 21, 2009, 04:31:27 AM
Alex nice tools.  Who makes that Minotaur???
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on June 21, 2009, 05:50:59 AM
 That would be the Horned ONes Blood Totem.Very cool miniature.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on June 21, 2009, 02:25:03 PM
It's like an evil version of that bird in UP!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 21, 2009, 05:49:59 PM
Alex nice tools.  Who makes that Minotaur???

Thanks!  The 'minotaur' is (as Manic Miner said) a "Horned Ones Totem", a Chronopia miniature that I included in the picture for scale.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 18, 2009, 03:52:37 AM
 Just recieved my order from Alex.The tents are great.Very clean castings.Also got some of the Turtleshell shields.They are destined for a Wargods warband at some point.
 Looking forward to ordering more from Alex when the new releases come out.Keep up the great work Alex.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on July 19, 2009, 07:47:09 AM
Thanks Andy - I'm glad you got the package intact.

And here's a VERY simplified approximation of what my packaging will look like... it's literally cut and pasted together (and sketched on!), but it shows the basic general idea of what the card insert will look like once I've got the artwork finished:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/ForgeofIcepackagingmock-up.jpg)

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 19, 2009, 02:01:22 PM
 The packaging looks good so far.

 Every one on here needs to order some pieces from Alex to help him get the next ones out.I am thinking of using the tents for a Son's of Kronos raiding/hunting party set up.I think they will work well for small groups moving around like that.

 Any idea as to when the Terror Bird will be due out?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Von Koss on July 19, 2009, 02:20:45 PM
The packaging looks good so far.

 Every one on here needs to order some pieces from Alex to help him get the next ones out.I am thinking of using the tents for a Son's of Kronos raiding/hunting party set up.I think they will work well for small groups moving around like that.

 Any idea as to when the Terror Bird will be due out?

I would also like to know about the planned release of the Terror Bird.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on July 20, 2009, 05:10:03 AM
I would also like to know about the planned release of the Terror Bird.

Oh, man... that's the tough question.  I hate, hate, HATE it when companies announce a release date and then don't make it, so I've been reluctant to mention specific dates on any of my releases.

I expect to send the green off to the caster within the next month, and I should get the finished castings back within a month after that.  So I should have them for sale in 4-8 weeks.  Give or take a bit.  I have only a general idea of what the retail price will be - I need to wait to see how the casting goes before I can figure out what I'll sell them for.

But it's good to know that there's some interest in the bird!

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 20, 2009, 08:46:13 AM
 I think I will be after at least three of them.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on August 18, 2009, 05:27:54 AM
I haven't updated the thread in a while, so I figured I'd post ... something.  Not much to say.

The Pterro-man green was damaged, and the feet need to be re-sculpted (they broke off while the base was being worked on!), but the second head optioin is coming along nicely.  I've also made some nice forward progress towards a dedicated site - I'll post a link as soon as I'm able.

And that's about it for the moment.  I still haven't been able to send the most recent greens off to the casting company, but I still expect to do so "soon".

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on August 18, 2009, 07:48:34 AM
Looking forward to it indeed.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on September 06, 2009, 06:14:54 AM
I figured I'd show off something for one of my long-term projects - here are some sketchy designs by my buddy Peter Foglesong ( http://piotrov.deviantart.com/ ) for a Snake Priestess.  She's based vaguely on the Minoan Snake Goddess idols found on the island of Crete.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20art/snakecult_designs_1_sml.jpg)

As I mentioned, this is a long term project, something that I probably won't even be ready to really begin for another year or so, but I've started hashing out what I want stuff to look like.

Plus I wanted to show off Peter's sweet artwork.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on September 06, 2009, 10:28:17 AM
That art work is amazing.He has done a great job.My only question is why are here boobs out  :o.

 This will be one of the miniatures for the Temple set?Looking forward to seeing what the guards will be like.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on September 06, 2009, 02:58:26 PM
You're one to talk about miniatures with their baps out!

But these are historically accurate nekkid boobies (well, maybe):

(http://scienceblogs.com/neurotopia/MinoanSnakeGoddessColor-l.jpg)

I'm not trying to do anything entirely historically accurate though, just low fantasy inspired by history and mythology, and I like the way that Minoan Snake Goddess looks, so she'll be the high priestess of my Snake Temple boxed set.  I've also found an artist whose work looks *EXACTLY* like Frank Frazetta's work, and he's designing some stuff for the boxed set I plan to do after the snake one.

Once I've got those designs finished, I might post them... but again I should mention that these are long term projects.  I don't have sculptors lined up, nor frankly can I afford to have them sculpted (not at the moment, at least!).  But I can keep working on finalizing the designs!

All the original artwork here is Copyright and TM 2009 Forge of Ice, whereever applicable.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on September 06, 2009, 04:13:49 PM
Mmmmm....historically accurate!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: DrFritz on September 21, 2009, 04:33:46 AM
I love Peter's drawings.  Thanks for posting his info too, it was nice to get in touch.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 27, 2009, 05:44:09 AM
And another very small update - I'm quite pleased to say that the incredibly talented painter Vesa Mäkelä will be painting a set of my Peafowl for the catalog.

I just dropped them in the mail yesterday, I should have the finished figures in my hands in the near future.

Here's a link to Vesa's blog:

http://nomadpainter.blogspot.com/

I am deeply jealous of the talent there!

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Veez on October 27, 2009, 06:19:24 AM
Some good stuff there; very subtle and blended.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 10, 2009, 06:20:25 PM
*fingers crossed*

Next week I've got a lunch with a local gal who does website design... hopefully this will result in me getting a Forge of Ice website actually set up and running!  Argh... so many false starts on this damn thing...

Also, Vesa Makela has finished painting the peafowl - they look amazing!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/PeafowlpaintedbyVesahalf.jpg)

Here's a link to his blog again - http://nomadpainter.blogspot.com/

I will definitely try to have him paint more figures for me in the future.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Von Koss on December 11, 2009, 02:07:31 AM
Good Lord...don't feel bad about being jealous about that kind of talent.  I'm with you on that account.  He has got some serious "paint-fu" going on there.  I think the pea fowl on the right is my favorite of the three, good mixture of color.  Also gotta say that's the first time I've ever heard them referred as peafowls.  They are known around here as pea****s and when they scream it sounds kinda creepy(at least to me).  Anyway, best wishes on getting the web site off the ground.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 11, 2009, 10:51:16 AM
Well, their more common name gets edited by the profanity filter (and by Photobucket's profanity filter, too!), so I've started calling them peafowl...   ::)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Arthadan on December 14, 2009, 12:10:57 AM
They look great  :)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 17, 2009, 03:48:06 PM
I am now sold out of the Snapping Turtle Shell Shields (FOI 404).

I'm also moving over the weekend, so I may have only sporadic internet access from Friday of this week (December 18th) to the beginning of January.  I'm not sure exactly of the date I'll be going offline, or the date I'll be coming back on again - this move is rather sudden - but I'll post some sort of update as soon as I have information to share.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 09, 2010, 05:42:11 PM
Good Grief, has it really been months since I posted something here?  I'm still here, still in the game.  My move and family stuff has settled down for the most part.

Not really much else to say, I just figured I should pop in here and post a "hello".  :)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on June 14, 2010, 06:07:07 PM
You're still faster than me!!   :-\
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on August 08, 2010, 05:19:08 AM
Here are some awesome pictures of my tents, painted by Dags over at Frothers, for Manic Miner:

http://frothersunite.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=27637&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on August 10, 2010, 12:05:28 PM
Those look great.   :D
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on August 11, 2010, 08:09:42 AM
Blocked at work. I will look at later tonight.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 02, 2010, 08:16:51 PM
Another small update - I just got an email from the company that does my casting (Dark Platypus).  Here's the meat of it:

Quote
Just letting you know the package got here safe and sound, and I'll be getting everything done I should think within the next couple weeks. :)

This next set of stuff includes:

-the long-awaited and pre-ordered Mutant Terror Bird
-Stone Age axe/maul sprue
-Stone Dagger sprue
-two new snapping turtle shell shields (so you can equip a unit with 'em and not have every shell look identical!  One's from a more mature turtle, a little spikier and scarred, the other is from a younger turtle, a little smoother and rounder)

I've also got a complete restock coming, the spears and shields that I've been sold out of for far too long.

I'll post details and pictures when they arrive!

-Alex in Alaska
-Forge of Ice
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on October 03, 2010, 07:48:56 AM
 Thanks for the update Alex.Looking forward to seeing more stuff from you.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on October 05, 2010, 08:36:20 AM
Awesome!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 23, 2010, 06:32:20 PM
I will be attending my first show as a trader - Forge of Ice will have a table at "Pop Con", a pop culture convention hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks on November 12 and 13:

http://www.uaf.edu/activity

(http://www.uaf.edu/_internal/cimg!0/amz3hbwjhwwhpj1ifev1jvh4ljpl4j9)

I will also be running games of Wargods of Aegyptus and War Rocket over the weekend.  I should also have all my new releases for sale by then, too.

I'm kinda excited and nervous, at the same time.  Tyson (the guy who sculpted 90% of my stuff) and another friend Jason will be working the table with me.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on October 25, 2010, 08:15:35 AM
Good luck! I am sure everything will be fine.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Manic _Miner on October 25, 2010, 08:44:54 AM
 Have a good time.They are fun to do and it is good to chat to people too.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on November 02, 2010, 03:40:54 PM
Here's a preview of two of the new turtle shell shields that I should have within the week, to compliment my existing snapping turtle shell shield - this will allow some variation if you want to equip a unit with the shields.  One is smoother, as if from a younger turtle, and one is a little spikier and rough, as if from an old and rugged turtle.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/NewSnappershields1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/NewSnappershields4.jpg)
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: luckyone on November 03, 2010, 02:56:37 PM
Neat - shields. I think they will paint up nicely.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 23, 2010, 07:48:00 AM
Some time ago I sent a sample pack to Clarke Payne, an extremely prolific painter and converter.  It seems that I've forgotten to post a link to his album, so here it is!

http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/572242339tkJueI

Some of my favorites:

(http://thumb15.webshots.net/t/62/762/5/69/6/2556569060014208215bolOyi_th.jpg) (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2556569060014208215bolOyi)

(http://thumb15.webshots.net/t/62/762/7/16/91/2518716910014208215hkCdHg_th.jpg) (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2518716910014208215hkCdHg)

Sorry about the small size, thumbnails are all I can figure out how to post...

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on January 22, 2011, 06:30:17 PM
Alrighty, I was planning on waiting for www.ForgeofIce.com to go live (so far, just a logo and a bunch of behind the scenes stuff is there) before I announced these new releases as official, but what the heck!  I'm announcing them anyways!  Here are my new releases now available:

FOI 302 – Stone Dagger sprue - $1.00 each

FOI 303 – Stone Axe & Maul sprue - $1.50 each

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Editednewshieldsetc2.jpg)

FOI 405 – Old Snapper shield - $1.25 each

FOI 406 – Young Snapper shield - $1.25 each

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/PaintedTerrorBird1.jpg)

FOI 501 – Mutant Terror Bird - $16.00 each

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/PaintedTerrorBird005.jpg)

The terror bird stands on its own, and does not come with a base.   However, it is recommended that you mount it on a base for stability – the painted example is mounted on a 40mm round plastic base.  The Chronopia Dwarf is included in the picture for scale reference only.

All prices are in US Dollars, shipping varies depending on where you are in the world – I’m in the USA, central Alaska.

I also have a complete restock of the items I was sold out of – FOI 301, the stone spears, and FOI 404, the snapping turtle shields (which are complimented by the two new snapper shields).  I’m running low on the tents, and I will most likely not ever be restocking them, so get them now if you want ‘em.

Ordering is by the usual clunky method – email me at Arcticon2004@yahoo.com with a list of what you want & your mailing address, and I will send you an invoice through Paypal.  I know, it’s not ideal, but until I’ve got the store on www.ForgeofIce.com set up, it’s the way that works best for me.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on February 19, 2011, 04:03:50 PM
And, www.ForgeOfIce.com is up and running, the basic framework of the site is laid out.  I even have a few tshirts for sale in the online store.

I'll announce it a bit more publicly with a news item on TMP and Frothers in a few weeks when I've got the online store completely sorted out - but if anyone here has any feedback for me, I'd love to hear it.

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Seamus on February 19, 2011, 08:53:18 PM

- but if anyone here has any feedback for me, I'd love to hear it.

-Alex

Looks good Alex.  Need to add this forum to your links.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on February 20, 2011, 06:10:31 AM

- but if anyone here has any feedback for me, I'd love to hear it.

-Alex

Looks good Alex.  Need to add this forum to your links.

*facepalm*

See?  That's exactly the sort of thing that I need pointed out to me.  So obvious it missed my attention.

Thanks Seamus!

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on April 04, 2011, 10:07:24 AM
Looking forward to the online store working.  I did send an email, but never heard back.   :'(
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on April 21, 2011, 07:55:06 AM
HM?  Never heard back?

I'm pretty dilligent about answering emails.

What address did you send the email to?
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on May 05, 2011, 11:39:50 AM
Something like ArcticCon somethin' or other.  No worries Alex.  I'll just wait for the shop to open. 
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 17, 2011, 10:12:54 PM
Holy Smokes!  It's been awhile!

I'm sending new greens off to the caster this week!

I'm in a quandary... the pictures aren't all that great, and I'm concerned that bad pictures are worse than no pictures at all... but what the heck, I want to show them off.  First up, I've got four possessed mummies!

Cultists have broken into an ancient tomb, and planted Seeds of Nyarlathotep into the embalmed corpses found there.  Hoping to create powerful servants, the mummies rose up, uncontrollable and mindless - and bursting like hideous fruit.  Their ancient bones and bandages cannot contain the eldritch evil contained within!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Allfourmummiesfront.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Allfourmummiesrear.jpg)

The Marionette!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Marionettemummy.jpg)

The supplicant!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Kneelingmummy1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Kneelingmummy2.jpg)

The crawler!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Torturedmummy1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Torturedmummy2.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Torturedmummy3.jpg)

The gesturer!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Tentaclehandmummy.jpg)

The mummies are in "True 25mm" scale, like old school Grenadier or Ral Partha models.  This makes them significantly smaller and more slender than current figures from, for example, Games Workshop or Reaper.  Sculpted by Tyson Rhody, based on designs by me!  Tyson used Ebob's excellent armatures as the base for the sculpts.
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 17, 2011, 10:24:28 PM
Next up, I've got a Pterro-Man, sculpted by Jack Wolfe!  The sculpt has two different heads, and as he's a member of an entire race of beings (albeit a rare and dying race...), this gives you the option to have more than one on your table. 

The Pterro-Men rule whatever parts of the Lost World that they inhabit, using their mystical/mental powers to enslave the brutal prehuman races that inhabit the land...

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/PterroMan1.jpg)

I've left the wing off for the first couple of pictures, to give you a better look at the body.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/PterroManhead2pic3.jpg)

It's a multi-part model, I used blue tack to hold it together for the pictures... apologies for the lumpy fit, but that's what happens when you put a blob of putty in the joint...

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/PterroManbothwings.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/PterroManrearside.jpg)

And here's a picture of the wonderful textures that Jack sculpted on the back:

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/PterroManrear.jpg)

These are the photos that I'm unhappy with... I don't know why they look so rough.  The Pterro-Man is in "Heroic 28mm" scale, and matches well in size with most current manufacturers.

And I've got a couple of more poses planned...
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on October 17, 2011, 10:26:29 PM
And last but not least... it's a little turtle!

A snapping turtle!  Scaled to match my turtle shell shields, sculpted by Tyson again.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Turtle1.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/Forge%20of%20Ice%20greens/Turtleandquarter2.jpg)

I'm sending them off to the caster this week, hopefully I'll have them back by the time I graduate from the Police Academy in mid November!

-Alex in Alaska
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 01, 2011, 07:26:23 PM
My buddy Brian Roe painted a few of the new figures - they turned out great!  Chek them out on his blog (and the rest of the blog is pretty cool, too - worth a read!)

http://roebeast.blogspot.com/2011/11/mummies-and-pterro-man-from-forge-of.html

-Alex in Alaska
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on December 01, 2011, 08:04:41 PM
I should mention prices:

The Mummies are $4.00 (US Dollars) each, or $15 for the set of all four

The Pterro-Man is $8.00 - that gets you both heads.

The Snapping Turtle is $2.00

Until I get them into the online store on the website, you can as usual order them by emailing me at Arcticon2004@yahoo.com

-Alex
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on December 14, 2011, 09:54:29 PM
Dig!!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on April 03, 2013, 05:02:28 PM
Heya folks - so, a couple of things:

First of all, I'm all out of Pterro-Men.  I should have them back in stock later this summer, but for now they're all gone.

Also, there's some sort of problem with the Online Store at the moment, so I'm back to taking orders via email (Alex AT Forgeofice.com or the old Arcticon2004 AT yahoo.com still works too).  I'll post a note when the online store is working again.

Thirdly, Forge of Ice is on facebook - check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/ForgeOfIce
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: joshuaslater on April 16, 2013, 10:12:14 AM
Got my Mutant Terror Birds!!!!!  Woot!!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on June 17, 2013, 04:50:15 PM
Huzzah!  Looking forward to seeing pics of them in action!
Title: Re: the Forge of Ice, miniatures from Alex Bates - blog/preview thread
Post by: Alxbates on March 10, 2014, 07:57:04 PM
It's worth mentioning, if you haven't been following my facebook page ( facebook.com/ForgeofIce), that I have a BUNCH of new releases coming out at the end of the month.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/Alxbates/SnakePriestessfinal_zpscc667dad.jpg) (http://s16.photobucket.com/user/Alxbates/media/SnakePriestessfinal_zpscc667dad.jpg.html)