Factory Entertainment FE "Masterworks" line.....opinions

[BB43MAN]

I just saw Norm from Tested interview the folks from Factory Entertainment and they're pushing their new upcoming "FE Masterworks" line of starship models and after checking out their website, I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves. The "Krause" Big G is going for $15,500, the TMP 1701 also for $15,500, the Excelsior NX-2000 is going for $16,000 and the 1701-D is going for $17,000. Would you pay that much for what you're seeing? Seriously? I'm thinking that if I pay that much for a display model, it better be on the level of "win the SuperBowl and cook my breakfast"-quality.

 

[Astyanax]

Agreed. And the Aztek-ing is far too contrasty for my taste. The paneling is supposed to be subtle enough to blend together from a few feet away....some of these seem salt-and-peppery!

 

[RevelationSpace]

Yeah I was unimpressed when I first saw these photos too, they're built to the standard I'd expect of a decently experienced modeller, not a "master" and the images in no way justify the cost. I've never even heard of a genuine pro charging $15,000 for a one-off commissioned starship of that size, let alone a full low-volume production run of loads of them.

 

[RevelationSpace]

Looking at the images again, especially that underside shot of Excelsior, it seems clear that at least some of these are 3D-printed parts that haven't been smoothed properly. This is most noticeable on the engineering hull around the deflector and on the central underside area of the saucer.

 

[1138sw]

FE has been making cool collectibles for a while now but man they charge a premium, and their MW line is no exception.

If I was a multi millionaire…or billionaire in today’s wealth…I’d pay an expert modeler instead, to get an excellent REFIT for 5 grand…1/3 of what FE is charging.

Hell, I just got a TOMY REFIT for 750.00 bucks in diecast. I’ll leave FE to the uber wealthy.

 

[RevelationSpace]

If I was a multi millionaire…or billionaire in today’s wealth…I’d pay an expert modeler instead

That's exactly what makes it weird though - they're charging far more than even the absolute best model-makers would charge someone, it doesn't make sense.

 

[Kingbob]

And according to the newest comments on that Tested video, looks like they took that Phoenix from Cults3d too. Then threatened to sue the original artist.