Stay Classy Palladium

by CaulynDarr

The Admiral is not amused

Man, I sure know how to pick Kickstarters.  This one for Robotech Tactics has turned into a real cluster frak.  One of the implicit understandings of a Kickstarter is that backers get the product first.  We put down money months to years in advance for a product that may or may not live up to expectations.  All because we want to see a cool idea come to life and be part of it.  And, if the implicit promise isn't enough for you, there's also the times when the creators make it explicitly:

In the end, you, our Kickstarter supporters, will be the first to receive a wonderful product that we hope will make you grin and provide endless hours of enjoyment. Thank you for sharing our dream. You, your pledges of support and unbridled enthusiasm are very much appreciated.

Emphasis mine.  So of course what is Palladium doing?  They are planning on selling at Gencon before they ship to backers. 

Cool New Helicopter Concept

by SandWyrm

.

Here's a much less silly video on a future aircraft concept. The all-but-admitted failure of the Marine Corps' V-22 Osprey is opening up an opportunity for new innovations on the Army side of things. This one is a leading contender. It has a lower top speed than the Osprey, but much greater lift capacity, more room, more safety, half the cost, much less maintenance, and the ability to land on a carrier deck without literally blowing people over the side. Or melting the deck itself with its downward-pointing exhaust plume.

Future (Silly) Aircraft Technology Concepts

by SandWyrm

If you thought the video I posted on the Russian mini-tank drone was a silly fantasy, you ain't seen nothing yet. BAE takes the cake with this one. The laser idea is the only one with legs at all, but that would require FAR more electrical power than a small aircraft could hope to generate.

More Relic Knights Photos

by CaulynDarr

Marikan To and a Serpent Priestess (Space Marine for scale)

The Noh faction for Relic Knights is turning out to be one of the better executed ones.  It helps that they are the monster faction and are about twice as large as any other model.  I've got all the models from the Noh and Shatter Sword factions assembled(except for one Shattered Sword figure that was miss-packet with two torsos and no sword).

Amelial, the Void Herald

by CaulynDarr

I'm about 85% done.  There's still some clean up to do on her wings and base.  I might also re-do the faceplate of her helmet.  It didn't turn out quite like I wanted.  

Lots and Lots of Toys

by CaulynDarr

So, yesterday this came in the mail for me:

Only took about 20 months to get it.

I'll save the review for when I get some miniatures painted.  The PVC plastic and soft features led to some mediocre results.  It might not be so bad depending on how the minis take to paint.

But then, this morning I got this:

4 Z-95s, 2 E-Wings, 2 TIE Phantoms, 2 TIE Defenders

So I think I'm set for gaming purchases for a while.  Oh, wait, who am I kidding.

Das Tank!

By CaulynDarr

New Brad Pitt war movie.  Looks a little corny, one 'merican Sherman versus the whole German army for the fate of the WORLD!  Still, hot tank on tank action.

There's A New Tank MMO In Town

by SandWyrm

It's called 'Armored Warfare', and it concentrates on modern armor. Including MBTs, IFVs, etc. Looks as though it plays like World of Tanks, which is a good thing. :)

Interesting Take On The Future Of Drone-Armor

by SandWyrm

This video is likely some marketing propaganda for a Russian defense firm in search of government funding. But I do find it to be an interesting take on how ground drones may evolve in the near future. At least for urban warfare. Outside of cities, nothing that small and light is going to be able to maneuver well cross-country. Nor would it be able to get close enough to an MBT to launch whatever version of the RPG this thing is supposed to be carrying in its scorpion tail. Still, it's interesting to think about.

This Is How You Deep-Strike A Tank!

by SandWyrm

Here's a neat video of some Russian paratroopers practicing their "deep-striking" skills. Check out how the tanks have a rocket-assisted landing rig built into the parachute system. Pretty cool, even if they aren't the size of Land Raiders. :)