All too often, we don''t look hard enough at the products produced for areas other than Armor or Figure modeling. A good example of this, are the products by this U.S. company - Skullcrafts. In this News Report, Rudi Richardson (TAROK), highlights a range of terrain modeling materials (such as scatter grass or texture pastes) which is certainly worth some consideration. Rudi''s very complete report can be seen:
Link to Item
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
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Dioramas
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NEWS
New to You?Skullcrafts Dio Products
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 12:23 AM UTC
keenan
Joined: October 16, 2002
KitMaker: 5,272 posts
Armorama: 2,844 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 06:46 AM UTC
Good catch. I wonder if the products only come in the kits or if they are also sold separately?
Their website only showed the "Summer Basing Kit," Spring Basing Kit," etc.
The Autumn leaves look promising.
Thanks,
Shaun
Their website only showed the "Summer Basing Kit," Spring Basing Kit," etc.
The Autumn leaves look promising.
Thanks,
Shaun
Whipster
Joined: December 08, 2007
KitMaker: 4 posts
Armorama: 3 posts
Posted: Friday, December 07, 2007 - 02:58 PM UTC
I received my autumn basing kit today in the mail. I must say that I was impressed with the web page layout and was genuinely excited to "get the goods" before I ordered. The items came in a priority USPS box. I imidiately ripped it open. The kit was very neatly packed, and to my suprize, there was much more in the box than just the kit. I swished around the package and found red, green, yellow and black hobby sand baggies. I also found an extra baggy of cork rocks and some yellowish brown raffia. Man I hadn't even got to the actual kit yet and I was already happy for the free stuff. My gf was upset thinking I spent more than I said but she calmed down after I said it was all extra stuff. She wanted the raffia so I gave it to her. I finally opened the autumn basing kit and was not disappointed. Everything was as Skullcrafts described it only much better in real life. The colors are vibrant yet realistic and the autumn leaf litter is simply astounding. The static grass is very fine and blended excellently as was the flock. I opened the lid to the black paste and it reminded me of when my mom worked at the hospital and came home smelling like the hospital (clean?). I can't wait to use it. Overall I am very pleased with Skullcrafts and I will definitely be doing more business with them in the future, gf willing that is.
Jeff_Healey
Joined: December 18, 2007
KitMaker: 3 posts
Armorama: 2 posts
Posted: Monday, December 17, 2007 - 06:10 PM UTC
This is incredible. I am so glad there are small businesses like this out there. I ordered the winter kit. I can't wait to see what I can do with it. I always like to support the small ma & pa business but skullcrafts looks very professional. One thing I don't like though is that I have to sign up to these modeling forums to make a comments. It's very time consuming and really not needed. I found Historicus Forma through a google search and found skullcrfats through a review someone here wrote. I did tell the skullcrafts person that I saw the article on here though but I haven't heard anything back. Do I get some kind of discount if I mention HF? If not, why is it required to go through all this hassle just to make a comment on skullcrafts review?
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Monday, December 17, 2007 - 10:39 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I did tell the skullcrafts person that I saw the article on here though but I haven't heard anything back. Do I get some kind of discount if I mention HF? If not, why is it required to go through all this hassle just to make a comment on skullcrafts review?
Jeff, first of - a warm welcome to the site. We all hope you'll be happy here and share your work with us.
In answer to your questions, taking the second part first. Why DO we give space for people to comment? Very simple really - to encourage people's thoughts about a New Product Release. After all, the core part of the Network, is the various Forums where people can ask questions, share their own modeling experiences, pass on anything model-reated or simply use it like a clubhouse to hang out with other modelers.
We have a pretty dynamic News Section and try to keep our Site-Users informed as to what's happening (and try to do it as quickly as anyone else and MONTHS ahead of the magazines). News serves a variety of purposes, firstly (and primarily) to keep our site-users informed. Secondly, to encourage manufacturers and retailers to advertise with us.
There are two clear benefits to this - if it wasn't for the support of the manufacturers, we WOULDN'T stay on-line very long. Secondly, as a source of direct News from them and to receive Review material, which is also one of the cornerstone's of the site - we do our best to get the highest-quality Reviews of new products to YOU, the site-user as quickly as possible.
Finally, as to discounts from SkullCraft, maybe you should ask them? Only mentioning the site to them means that they might consider advertising with us in the future.
Who knows, maybe at some point in the future, they WILL offer Kitmaker Network members a discount?
JuBster
Joined: January 07, 2008
KitMaker: 4 posts
Armorama: 3 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 06, 2008 - 07:36 PM UTC
I already have 3 out of the 4 basing kits, the only one I'm missing is the autumn. I'll be the first to admit that I was very skeptical of a company I've not heard of before but was willing to risk it and give it a go. I am very pleased with the kits and I have a load of respect for the guy who makes them for such a reasonable price. I would have to shell out a small fortune to get the variety in these kits. I will say that of all the items in these kits, 3 things stand out to me; the static grass, texture pastes, and leaf scatter. I am absolutely in love with how this guy operates. These are defnitely not like some of the other "basing kits" I've seen out there. The static grass is very rich, very realistic and seems to be the perfect size for my minis. The texture paste does just like he says it does, it makes doing moss areas very simple and easy. You can also use it as rust on tanks, metal pipes, walls, etc. As far as the leaf scatter is concerned, I can't recommend them enough! I ordered a bag from Antenociti's Workshop overseas last year and was very disappointed when I found out that they weren't the leaf scatter like skullcrafts has but just little colored pieces of junk. The owner of that site got really upset at me for asking a swap out or exchange and pretty much told me that he didn't care if I did business with them again. So I won't, not now that we have these kits available. I love that skullcrafts is in America, makes doing my hobbies so much easier. I don't have anything against anyone outside of America, but the few shops I've done business with that weren't in the USA were unsatisfactory. I highly recommend you give skullcrafts a look over and if you need some basing supply inspiration, their basing kits are aces.
BrentS
Joined: March 07, 2008
KitMaker: 3 posts
Armorama: 2 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 04:39 PM UTC
Actually they are not the only company out there doing this. I just got a master class basing kit from darktowerhobbies.com
I must say I am impressed great quality and low prices. You can also buy the stuff in individual packs as well. They also have seasonal kits as well.
I was really impressed I think you will be as well.
And you don't have to mention anything just to sign up to the site you get a dollar off your first purchase.
I must say I am impressed great quality and low prices. You can also buy the stuff in individual packs as well. They also have seasonal kits as well.
I was really impressed I think you will be as well.
And you don't have to mention anything just to sign up to the site you get a dollar off your first purchase.
Jeff_Healey
Joined: December 18, 2007
KitMaker: 3 posts
Armorama: 2 posts
Posted: Monday, March 10, 2008 - 04:56 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Actually they are not the only company out there doing this. I just got a master class basing kit from darktowerhobbies.com
I must say I am impressed great quality and low prices. You can also buy the stuff in individual packs as well. They also have seasonal kits as well.
I was really impressed I think you will be as well.
And you don't have to mention anything just to sign up to the site you get a dollar off your first purchase.
Actually I didn't have to sign up for skullcrafts at all, I had to go thru this website in order to make a comment about skullcrafts because I don't think many of us know about them yet. Dark towers hobbies repackaged a lot of premade stuff and while they are cheaper and offer single packs, the quality is nowhere near that of skullcrafts. When I made my last order I asked the owner guy about where he gets his resources. He gave me a very lengthy reply explaining how he achieves his results and I don't think he was lying because his knowledge about it was extended. A lot of it I don't understand and I don't really care to so I will continue to just buy his kits because I don't think I'll ever be that anal about making my own stuff. I'm glad somebody is though. I did look over the dark hobbies website and they do have a lot of cool stuff to offer, including the kits, and I will buy from them to. I list both as good resources for basing my armies.
Whipster
Joined: December 08, 2007
KitMaker: 4 posts
Armorama: 3 posts
Posted: Monday, March 10, 2008 - 05:12 PM UTC
Jeff,
I don't think Brent was saying that all of darktowerhobbies.com materials are hand made. He was saying that they are producing similar items for cheaper prices (which I am all for, btw). So what if they are premade? Personally, I don't want to go and spend $10 a tub for Woodland Scenics train supplies when I only need a little bit of it. Darktowerhobbies.com and Skullcrafts.com both supply resources for us to choose from. I am very happy with my Skullcrafts kits but that doesn't mean I won't give darktowerhobbies kits a try. Why not?
I like the fact that DTH (easier to type) sells individual packs of supplies, that's awesome. I wish Skullcrafts did.
I like the fact that DTH offers the kits at a much cheaper price, although both companies are way underselling these kits in my opinion. My play group agrees. Really, these guys could be selling the kits for $40 or $50 and I'd still buy them.
I like that Skullcrafts offers the leaf scatter and unique flavors of grass and flock.
I like that Skullcrafts gives you a pretty loud bang for your buck.
Both companies should be bull horned whenever possible so the word gets out that these types of kits are available to budding basers everywhere. My opinions anyway.
I don't think Brent was saying that all of darktowerhobbies.com materials are hand made. He was saying that they are producing similar items for cheaper prices (which I am all for, btw). So what if they are premade? Personally, I don't want to go and spend $10 a tub for Woodland Scenics train supplies when I only need a little bit of it. Darktowerhobbies.com and Skullcrafts.com both supply resources for us to choose from. I am very happy with my Skullcrafts kits but that doesn't mean I won't give darktowerhobbies kits a try. Why not?
I like the fact that DTH (easier to type) sells individual packs of supplies, that's awesome. I wish Skullcrafts did.
I like the fact that DTH offers the kits at a much cheaper price, although both companies are way underselling these kits in my opinion. My play group agrees. Really, these guys could be selling the kits for $40 or $50 and I'd still buy them.
I like that Skullcrafts offers the leaf scatter and unique flavors of grass and flock.
I like that Skullcrafts gives you a pretty loud bang for your buck.
Both companies should be bull horned whenever possible so the word gets out that these types of kits are available to budding basers everywhere. My opinions anyway.
BrentS
Joined: March 07, 2008
KitMaker: 3 posts
Armorama: 2 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 05:17 AM UTC
I am not going to start a flame war here but I was merely pointing out there is another company out there. I was amazed at what I got in the kit and NO it is not repackaged it is manufactured for them. So I was told.
SkullCrafts has a product and it to is nice however I do question the manufacturing process he says he has. Pumice is not abundant in Oregon Black Pumice is even more rare. If he is able to make his own realistic water he must have a huge chemistry set in the basement to make resins. I am sure the department of the interior would also love to know he is taking beach sand. and his white glue is as pure as Elmer's.
If his stuff is all natural he gets it for free from nature why does he charge so much for it?
Again I was only pointing out other companies no more no less but before you criticize something have you even bought from Dark Tower Enterprises?
SkullCrafts has a product and it to is nice however I do question the manufacturing process he says he has. Pumice is not abundant in Oregon Black Pumice is even more rare. If he is able to make his own realistic water he must have a huge chemistry set in the basement to make resins. I am sure the department of the interior would also love to know he is taking beach sand. and his white glue is as pure as Elmer's.
If his stuff is all natural he gets it for free from nature why does he charge so much for it?
Again I was only pointing out other companies no more no less but before you criticize something have you even bought from Dark Tower Enterprises?
Skullcrafts
Joined: March 13, 2008
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 4 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 07:55 AM UTC
Let's get this out of the way before I start addressing some of the posts made here. Thank you guys for showing so much interest in my products. I appreciate all the word of mouth advertising that's being done. You guys really don't know how much that helps. Thanks.
Okay, for starters, you do NOT need to sign up or create an account to purchase Skullcrafts products. You CAN sign up to the forums there if you wish to be a member of our community. There is NO discount if you mention Armorama or any website affiliated with them. I already charge just a hair over costs for most of the items I produce, I don't want to lose money but I definitely don't want to make people poor to check my products out. I am in this business to help hobbyists out, not to get rich quick and then quit.
As for offering single packs of materials...that will come in time. Remember that I am only one person, not a big corporation that can mass produce items at will. It takes me time, energy and money to make everything I offer. It will come though.
Someone asked the question that "if" I get my materials from nature then why do I charge people for them? That has a very long answer and a very short answer...I'll shoot for something in between: All of the natural products I offer MUST be sterilized. That takes time and energy...sure, it doesn't cost anything. If the natural materials I gather need to be preserved, it takes time and energy and a little bit of money for preservatives. If the materials need to be colored, cleaned, seperated, sifted, whatever...it all takes time, energy and a little bit of money. I don't simply grab a handfull of dirt, throw it in a bag and call it "turf scatter" and sell it for $10 a bag. What if there were chemicals in the dirt? What if there were poisonous bugs or other harmful debris in it? See, I don't want to run the risks of injuring my customers, so I take steps to avoid it at all costs.
Another question was about glue? Well what can I say? I have the recipe (er or something very very close to it) of Elmer's Glue-All. It's not hard to make but it takes a while...again, time and energy and a little bit of money. Want the same recipe? It's not that hard to find if you know where to look.
On the subject of Pumice. I don't know of any black pumice you can buy wholesale or otherwise. I buy gallon buckets of normal pumice and then add "this" and "that" to it to make my black and white texture pastes. Same is true for my scenic water. No, I don't technically make the water, I buy it wholesale in large quantities and then transfer it to useable containers. However, the water I use is about the safest you can use. Nothing like the harsh chemicals used to produce many other water effects.
Flock, tall grass, static grass, etc., I do NOT make this stuff. I buy the materials in bulk that come either pure white or an off-white color from different manufacturers and then color them to specifics. I do NOT buy precolored or premade tubs of anyone elses materials. Why would I? I'm trying to offer something unique here, not just anything you can buy from anyone else.
Oregon Beach Sand and Oregon Reindeer Moss both fall into the same categories as far as someone mentioning the legalities of offering them in the kits. Nothing about the sale of those (after what I do to them) restricts me from selling them...unless I were to collect my materials from a federally protected piece of land. I'm not entirely sure if it would matter either way. I'm also not entirely sure what difference it makes, but anyway...
As for Dark Tower (I guess they are my competitor?), I can say nothing but good things about them and how they conduct business. I have not heard one bad or negative thing about them or what they do. Yes, it appears that they do use Woodland Scenics materials in their kits but so what? I customize mine, they don't...they're still cheap and very useable for the hobby. Again, I'm not entirely sure what the argument would be about? I think it's great that we both offer something for the "hobbyists" out there who don't want to spend $10 a bag just to get a little variety of materials. I offer my full support for Dark Tower and I would recommend them to anyone who have no interest in my kits. Not to mention, they offer much much more than just basing materials.
Hopefully that clears a few things up. Strange, I find myself having to defend statements made on message boards more and more lately. I don't mind, just gets a little confusing after belonging to so many of them now.
Again, thanks for all the support.
Okay, for starters, you do NOT need to sign up or create an account to purchase Skullcrafts products. You CAN sign up to the forums there if you wish to be a member of our community. There is NO discount if you mention Armorama or any website affiliated with them. I already charge just a hair over costs for most of the items I produce, I don't want to lose money but I definitely don't want to make people poor to check my products out. I am in this business to help hobbyists out, not to get rich quick and then quit.
As for offering single packs of materials...that will come in time. Remember that I am only one person, not a big corporation that can mass produce items at will. It takes me time, energy and money to make everything I offer. It will come though.
Someone asked the question that "if" I get my materials from nature then why do I charge people for them? That has a very long answer and a very short answer...I'll shoot for something in between: All of the natural products I offer MUST be sterilized. That takes time and energy...sure, it doesn't cost anything. If the natural materials I gather need to be preserved, it takes time and energy and a little bit of money for preservatives. If the materials need to be colored, cleaned, seperated, sifted, whatever...it all takes time, energy and a little bit of money. I don't simply grab a handfull of dirt, throw it in a bag and call it "turf scatter" and sell it for $10 a bag. What if there were chemicals in the dirt? What if there were poisonous bugs or other harmful debris in it? See, I don't want to run the risks of injuring my customers, so I take steps to avoid it at all costs.
Another question was about glue? Well what can I say? I have the recipe (er or something very very close to it) of Elmer's Glue-All. It's not hard to make but it takes a while...again, time and energy and a little bit of money. Want the same recipe? It's not that hard to find if you know where to look.
On the subject of Pumice. I don't know of any black pumice you can buy wholesale or otherwise. I buy gallon buckets of normal pumice and then add "this" and "that" to it to make my black and white texture pastes. Same is true for my scenic water. No, I don't technically make the water, I buy it wholesale in large quantities and then transfer it to useable containers. However, the water I use is about the safest you can use. Nothing like the harsh chemicals used to produce many other water effects.
Flock, tall grass, static grass, etc., I do NOT make this stuff. I buy the materials in bulk that come either pure white or an off-white color from different manufacturers and then color them to specifics. I do NOT buy precolored or premade tubs of anyone elses materials. Why would I? I'm trying to offer something unique here, not just anything you can buy from anyone else.
Oregon Beach Sand and Oregon Reindeer Moss both fall into the same categories as far as someone mentioning the legalities of offering them in the kits. Nothing about the sale of those (after what I do to them) restricts me from selling them...unless I were to collect my materials from a federally protected piece of land. I'm not entirely sure if it would matter either way. I'm also not entirely sure what difference it makes, but anyway...
As for Dark Tower (I guess they are my competitor?), I can say nothing but good things about them and how they conduct business. I have not heard one bad or negative thing about them or what they do. Yes, it appears that they do use Woodland Scenics materials in their kits but so what? I customize mine, they don't...they're still cheap and very useable for the hobby. Again, I'm not entirely sure what the argument would be about? I think it's great that we both offer something for the "hobbyists" out there who don't want to spend $10 a bag just to get a little variety of materials. I offer my full support for Dark Tower and I would recommend them to anyone who have no interest in my kits. Not to mention, they offer much much more than just basing materials.
Hopefully that clears a few things up. Strange, I find myself having to defend statements made on message boards more and more lately. I don't mind, just gets a little confusing after belonging to so many of them now.
Again, thanks for all the support.
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 11:21 AM UTC
James, first of all welcome to the site - feel free to post whatever you like and, if you've got new product ranges to publicize, pass them onto me and i'll put them together as news reports..
I can't say i'm happy when any manufacturer feels they have to come here (or anywhere else) and defend their products. A lot of people (who've actually) bought Skullcrafts' products seem to be absolutely delighted with them. The consensus amongst them is that they are good value for money and do the job which they're designed to do.
What i'm afraid I do take exception to, are comments like:
Well, even if they are 'lying around the place' as the poster seems to suggest (which I STRONGLY doubt), someone's time has to be spent collecting them and if you're packaging and marketing them, surely that person should be compensated for their time and energy?
This strongly reminds me of several (many?) conversations i've had with 'Mig' Jimenez. Several people have said they can buy big bags of pigment for only a few dollars and can easily make their own weathering powders. Well, good on them. I don't have access to these stores, and frankly, for a few bucks more, i'd sooner buy it ready-mixed - by a modeler whose experience and reputation is second to none. Yep, it's the same with thinner and items such as acrylic paste - I don't have the access to the stores who sell this stuff in several brands and i've tried about every type of thinner known to man until I found what I liked (coincidentally, from Mig Productions)
So, the moral of the story is, thanks to people like James, I don't have to start wandering thru leafy groves looking for suitable lichens, mosses or anything else. I can sit here and order a product like this without having to enter into nasty fresh-air...
If nothing else, it's good for what's left of my sanity...
I can't say i'm happy when any manufacturer feels they have to come here (or anywhere else) and defend their products. A lot of people (who've actually) bought Skullcrafts' products seem to be absolutely delighted with them. The consensus amongst them is that they are good value for money and do the job which they're designed to do.
What i'm afraid I do take exception to, are comments like:
Quoted Text
If his stuff is all natural he gets it for free from nature why does he charge so much for it?
Well, even if they are 'lying around the place' as the poster seems to suggest (which I STRONGLY doubt), someone's time has to be spent collecting them and if you're packaging and marketing them, surely that person should be compensated for their time and energy?
This strongly reminds me of several (many?) conversations i've had with 'Mig' Jimenez. Several people have said they can buy big bags of pigment for only a few dollars and can easily make their own weathering powders. Well, good on them. I don't have access to these stores, and frankly, for a few bucks more, i'd sooner buy it ready-mixed - by a modeler whose experience and reputation is second to none. Yep, it's the same with thinner and items such as acrylic paste - I don't have the access to the stores who sell this stuff in several brands and i've tried about every type of thinner known to man until I found what I liked (coincidentally, from Mig Productions)
So, the moral of the story is, thanks to people like James, I don't have to start wandering thru leafy groves looking for suitable lichens, mosses or anything else. I can sit here and order a product like this without having to enter into nasty fresh-air...
If nothing else, it's good for what's left of my sanity...
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 06:57 PM UTC
Competition is good as it prevents costs spiralling up for the end user, with that in mind I am more than happy to see another supplier of this type of product at a reasonable cost for a good product that does what it says on the label. I can’t think of any valid argument as to why this manufacturer should supply his product at cost, after all he is using his time and expertise in providing a product to save us the end user time and trouble in trying to replicate in miniature various forms flotsam and fauna. If you take that argument further it’s like saying everything should be free or supplied at cost because everything comes from a natural product that is refined.
If you don’t like the product don’t buy it, if it doesn’t do what it says on the label then say so, but don’t knock it just because there are alternatives. I very rarely purchase this type of material but after reading this review even I am looking at investing in some of the materials available. I am happy to see similar products from other manufacturers reviewed here and comparisons made or not depending on how the review is written.
Lastly I would also like to take the time to thank James for coming onto Armorama and answering some of the comments made here both negative and positive in an informative manner, for me this shows a person who cares about the product he is supplying and not just how much they can make from it. I look forward to further updates in the future and wish you luck with this enterprise.
If you don’t like the product don’t buy it, if it doesn’t do what it says on the label then say so, but don’t knock it just because there are alternatives. I very rarely purchase this type of material but after reading this review even I am looking at investing in some of the materials available. I am happy to see similar products from other manufacturers reviewed here and comparisons made or not depending on how the review is written.
Lastly I would also like to take the time to thank James for coming onto Armorama and answering some of the comments made here both negative and positive in an informative manner, for me this shows a person who cares about the product he is supplying and not just how much they can make from it. I look forward to further updates in the future and wish you luck with this enterprise.
mj
Joined: March 16, 2002
KitMaker: 1,331 posts
Armorama: 569 posts
Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008 - 07:58 AM UTC
Well, I'll say one thing about Skullcrafts, they are very efficient. After reading about them here, and checking out their website, I thought I would give their products a try. I sent them an order at 10:15am this morning. Checking my email later, I saw one from Skullcrafts (which I assumed was a confirmation), time-stamped around 2:10pm, that my order had shipped! Now that, my friends, is service!
I've been churning out more aircraft than armor vignettes lately, but if these products are half a nice as they appear to be on screen, I can be found rummaging through my figures stash...I have a feeling Skullcraft is going to take me to another level.
Mike
I've been churning out more aircraft than armor vignettes lately, but if these products are half a nice as they appear to be on screen, I can be found rummaging through my figures stash...I have a feeling Skullcraft is going to take me to another level.
Mike
Skullcrafts
Joined: March 13, 2008
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 4 posts
Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008 - 08:58 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Originally posted by jimbrae
James, first of all welcome to the site - feel free to post whatever you like and, if you've got new product ranges to publicize, pass them onto me and i'll put them together as news reports..
I can't say i'm happy when any manufacturer feels they have to come here (or anywhere else) and defend their products. A lot of people (who've actually) bought Skullcrafts' products seem to be absolutely delighted with them. The consensus amongst them is that they are good value for money and do the job which they're designed to do.
What i'm afraid I do take exception to, are comments like:
Quoted TextIf his stuff is all natural he gets it for free from nature why does he charge so much for it?
Well, even if they are 'lying around the place' as the poster seems to suggest (which I STRONGLY doubt), someone's time has to be spent collecting them and if you're packaging and marketing them, surely that person should be compensated for their time and energy?
This strongly reminds me of several (many?) conversations i've had with 'Mig' Jimenez. Several people have said they can buy big bags of pigment for only a few dollars and can easily make their own weathering powders. Well, good on them. I don't have access to these stores, and frankly, for a few bucks more, i'd sooner buy it ready-mixed - by a modeler whose experience and reputation is second to none. Yep, it's the same with thinner and items such as acrylic paste - I don't have the access to the stores who sell this stuff in several brands and i've tried about every type of thinner known to man until I found what I liked (coincidentally, from Mig Productions)
So, the moral of the story is, thanks to people like James, I don't have to start wandering thru leafy groves looking for suitable lichens, mosses or anything else. I can sit here and order a product like this without having to enter into nasty fresh-air...
If nothing else, it's good for what's left of my sanity...
Thanks. It's not Armorama's fault that I feel compelled to defend my company and products, it's something that I feel is very important for me to do though. I don't want anyone having misconceptions about what I do and what I'm about. I appreciate the support at any rate, it's reassuring when others come to the defense of a company that's only trying to help.
Quoted Text
Originally post by CMOT
Competition is good as it prevents costs spiralling up for the end user, with that in mind I am more than happy to see another supplier of this type of product at a reasonable cost for a good product that does what it says on the label. I can’t think of any valid argument as to why this manufacturer should supply his product at cost, after all he is using his time and expertise in providing a product to save us the end user time and trouble in trying to replicate in miniature various forms flotsam and fauna. If you take that argument further it’s like saying everything should be free or supplied at cost because everything comes from a natural product that is refined.
If you don’t like the product don’t buy it, if it doesn’t do what it says on the label then say so, but don’t knock it just because there are alternatives. I very rarely purchase this type of material but after reading this review even I am looking at investing in some of the materials available. I am happy to see similar products from other manufacturers reviewed here and comparisons made or not depending on how the review is written.
Lastly I would also like to take the time to thank James for coming onto Armorama and answering some of the comments made here both negative and positive in an informative manner, for me this shows a person who cares about the product he is supplying and not just how much they can make from it. I look forward to further updates in the future and wish you luck with this enterprise.
I am/was unfamiliar with Armorama before I was informed that there was a discussion going on about the products I produce. I didn't know the massive following it has. Since this review, I have received many emails telling me that they found me through this website. I can't deny the power that has...I may have to set up some kind of relation with the owners. I do appreciate the support as well as the feedback, it helps more than any of you could know. Indirectly, it helps to keep me focused on things I "need to do" rather than sticking to my guns and just putting out the things "I'm interested in".
Quoted Text
Originally posted by mj
Well, I'll say one thing about Skullcrafts, they are very efficient. After reading about them here, and checking out their website, I thought I would give their products a try. I sent them an order at 10:15am this morning. Checking my email later, I saw one from Skullcrafts (which I assumed was a confirmation), time-stamped around 2:10pm, that my order had shipped! Now that, my friends, is service!
I've been churning out more aircraft than armor vignettes lately, but if these products are half a nice as they appear to be on screen, I can be found rummaging through my figures stash...I have a feeling Skullcraft is going to take me to another level.
Mike
As always, I am very pleased when I have a happy customer...it's a little different when that customer hasn't received his/her product yet, but I'll take it. Yours should arrive sometime early next week, I am sure you will not be disappointed. Thanks again Mike.
Tordenskiold
Joined: February 12, 2005
KitMaker: 426 posts
Armorama: 293 posts
Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008 - 09:38 PM UTC
James,
I am another customer who found your product through the review on this site. My order is still waiting to arrive - but I am sure it will live up to my expectations and the service received this far has been good
I am another customer who found your product through the review on this site. My order is still waiting to arrive - but I am sure it will live up to my expectations and the service received this far has been good
JuBster
Joined: January 07, 2008
KitMaker: 4 posts
Armorama: 3 posts
Posted: Friday, July 04, 2008 - 01:01 PM UTC
Skullcrafts are beginning to offer seperate basing supplies now. The have begun with leaf scatter and there is talk about a new type of basing kit coming out soon. I ordered this today:
and I also ordered:
and I also ordered:
Skullcrafts
Joined: March 13, 2008
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 4 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:02 PM UTC
Yes it's true, I am starting to release individual basing supplies. More will be coming out over the next few weeks. Here's what we have currently:
Leaf Scatter
Static Grass
Skullcrafts.com
Skullcrafts Forums
Leaf Scatter
Static Grass
Skullcrafts.com
Skullcrafts Forums
Removed by original poster on 09/12/08 - 16:22:18 (GMT).
Skullcrafts
Joined: March 13, 2008
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 4 posts
Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 - 05:23 AM UTC
Just wanted to let you guys know that we have updated the look of our website plus added a bunch of individual supplies and options now. We've also lowered shipping prices again.
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