GW seems to have changed up their modeling standard by mixing in Push-Fit elements to make new easIER to build kits starting with the Necrons and Space Marines.
When we saw the sprues for the Silent King, we thought it might be the first large scale push-fit model. However, as we now know, it isn’t (but after taking 6 hours to build we kinda wish it was- lol). GW has started making sprues with a new style Rob likes to call “EasIER to Build”.
Let’s go over what we mean by this.
EASIER To Build: The New GW Modeling Standard
How can you tell if a model is push-fit? Well, it’s tough because by design a push-fit model will have all the slots on the bottom, so one good way to tell is if you see all the detail on just one side for the sprue(s) in a kit, it’s probably push-fit.
Another way you can tell is the few instances of holes and slots on the detail sides, like in this picture here of the push-fit Assault Intercessors. For the most part that is a tell of an ETB kit because you’ll only see holes where external pieces interfaces with details, like backpacks, footpads, and waist to torsos.
Or at least, it was. Now we know that with GW’s new style the sprues also look this way. By making many parts split with one side of detail pointed up, this also means for the most part the mold lines are hidden in between those top and bottom pieces. Huge bonus if you hate scraping and filing down all your parts before assembly.
How about the Silent King?
Speaking of which, take a look at the Silent King sprues:
When you look at these sprues, you may notice that there are nearly no holes anywhere, but there are in a few spots where it looks like parts will interface, like the Silent King’s and bodyguards’ feet to their dias. There is also a potential telltale sign of a tab on the top of the Silent King’s lets that looks like it will slot into his torso, as well as the fact that both these sprues seem to only show all their detail on one side (like we talked about above).
While we know it isn’t ETB Push-fit, it is a prime example of GWs new sprue stye “EasIER to Build”. With all the detail on one side, just like above, it illuminates many of those pesky flush marks and has fewer mold lines to scrape. It does however mean it make take some additional time to glue halves together. With all of the slots, pegs and holes help with alignment and assembly, it may take a tiny bit longer, but ultimately is much less frustrating while gluing.
How About Mega-Gargant &Hammerfall Bunker?
The Mega-Gargant came out last week and the Bunker is coming out this week. Are these also examples of the new system GW is using for sprues?
As far as the Gargant is concerned. Yes, it is easIER to build. However it lacks many of the holes we mention before, it does have another thing in common with this new design philosophy, for the most part, the detail is all on one side. When detail is only on one plane per piece on the sprue, it makes the post-assembly process easier and that seems to be a major focus of these new kits.
In the same way that the Gargant is easier to build, the bunker also appears to be as well. The detail on one plane and much less compact pieces on the sprue. Assembly may take a little longer, but the cleanup afterward is nearly completely eliminated.
This might be the way GW makes sprues moving forward, which some people will like, and others won’t. Personally, I’m just happy I won’t have as many plastic shavings all over my desk to clean up!
How do you feel about the potential new design philosophy? How about for larger models like Silent King?
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About the Author: Andrew Schrank
