"Comparing Old West Laser Cut Kits" Topic

I have built 18 Old Western kits for my town of Calamity so far (some of them are not chronicled in my blog yet)and I thought this would be a good time to directly compare some of the kits from the various manufacturers that I have made purchases from. Just keep in mind that these are my opinions, you are welcome to yours. Things that I like you may not care about and, of course, things that I dislike may be just what you are looking for. I have tried to be objective but it is a blog after all. The manufacturers represented are Aetherworks (AU), Battle Flag (UK), Gamecraft Miniatures (US), Knuckleduster (Tri-City)(US) and Sarissa-Precision (UK). If there are other manufacturers out there let me know and I'll see about purchasing one or two of their buildings. This comparison is done in three separate posts (and should be read in this order):
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Thanks for that excellent review. I have some Gamecraft buildings and while I prefer making my own, they are pretty serviceable. I don't use building interiors in my Western games so lack of internals not a bother for me. Gamecraft also make excellent accessories – like external staircases – something I hate making myself :)

I agree the accessories that Gamecraft makes are really quite nice, especially the stairs. Those are just tedious to scratchtbuild.

I hear you, pard.

I have buildings from all but Knucleduster. Review is spot on. Cost comparisons are hazardous because of shipping costs. You should note that both Atherworks and Battle Flag offer a bonus at a certain point to help ease that pain. On the other hand Sarissa is extremely reasonable.
sky

Thank you. Cost comparisons are definitely hazardous when you are dealing with shipping and exchange rates. I actually find Battle Flag's shipping rates to be as reasonable as Sarissa but I don't see anything advertised for either Battle Flag or Aetherworks to ease the pain on shipping. If you can point me to the right spots on their websites I would be happy to update those posts with that information. Especially Aetherworks they make a great product and I would like to have some more of their buildings.

There's another range of buildings coming out soon for the Dead Man's Hand rules…

Always interested in another range of buildings. Is there a link to that site?

No details yet, except to say they're due in April.

I'm looking forward to seeing them!

Here is the link for Aetherworks bonus

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It is in the NEWS section dated 03/22/2012.

I cannot find the Battleflag offer. They may have changed it or my memory may be faulty.

Battle Flag has pretty reasonable shipping anyway. Sarissa Precision has free shipping if your order is over £50.00 GBP even for overseas orders. Plus they have package deals if you buy five buildings from the same product line.

Heisler,

Here is a link to the Dead Man's Hand buildings:

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Thank you, I have had my eye on those. I'll be picking some up as soon as time and resources allow.

Brigade Games in the USA handles Dead Man's Hand buildings and miniatures so no need to order overseas for those of us in USA.

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The Brigade Games prices are actually a bit higher, and unfortunately shipping isn't free (that I can find). I did the math the other night and if you order "enough", the UK source is actually cheaper overall.

Just a heads up.

Between a computer crashing and dying and traveling for my new job I haven't had time to take a real close look at the DMH buildings yet. 4Grounds' shipping charges are pretty reasonable when you order enough but I'll check out Brigade as well. By the time I'm ready to buy the second wave of buildings may have been released.

Heisler – remember Great Escape Games ships for free on orders over 100 pounds. That's the kicker. That's a big chunk o' change but free shipping is worthwhile for an international order – and if you combine it with the building combos (save 6-10 pounds) the savings start adding up.

(and the second wave of buildings are out!) We're now waiting on the third.

GEG is also doing a combo option for accessories, by combining any combination of five, you save an additional 10% off. So far they're the best option if you're going to make a large order.

I guess I should at least head over and see what has been added to the line then.