HBG - Axis & Allies Parts/Accessories and Custom Piece Sets Store!

[LHoffman]

Would HBG be able, interested or inclined to release projections of what will be included (unit-type wise) in future sets? Since everyone seems to be randomly throwing around suggestions for what they would like to see in future sets. Perhaps we could make it more organized or directed if we knew HBGs (current) plans for future sets.

I know you guys usually do put the unit list out for discussion as the sets are being designed. But it seemed like HBG is bouncing around from designing Japanese to German to American to British right now. You guys must have an idea of what you are looking to include in these sets; I am curious if you would share those ideas for either information or collaboration. However, I understand it is your prerogative to reject or accept that, and you have your own reasons for doing so.

[Pacific War]

I posted a note on their facebook page about this.  There should be a basic formula for every nationality; units that exist in every set.  Various bonus units could be included on a nation by nation basis.  For HBG to achieve their goal of replacing the OOB units, each nation needs at a minimum:

Land:
    -Infantry
    -Artillery
    -Tanks
    -Self Propelled Artillery
    -Mechanized Infantry/Armored Car

Air:
    -Fighters
    -Bombers
    -Dive Bombers OR Torpedo Bombers OR Light Bomber  (Sculpt would depend on nation)
    -Air Transport

Sea:
    -Fleet Carrier
    -Light Carrier
    -Battleship
    -Cruiser
    -Destroyer
    -Submarine
    -Transport

Because of mold sizes, these units would most likely be realized over the course of a few sets, similar to what is being done with the Japanese sets at present.  There will be room for extra “bonus” sculpts in the various sets.  This is where pocket battleships, light cruisers, jets, paratroopers, tank destroyers, etc. could be fit in.  IMO this formula is the most efficient and will yield the best results both economically and from a gaming perspective.  It would also provide consistency (which is perhaps the most important factor) throughout the entire range of nations being offered.

[LHoffman]

@Pacific:

For HBG to achieve their goal of replacing the OOB units, each nation needs at a minimum:

Land:
    -Infantry
    -Artillery
    -Tanks
    -Self Propelled Artillery
    -Mechanized Infantry/Armored Car

Air:
    -Fighters
    -Bombers
    -Dive Bombers OR Torpedo Bombers OR Light Bomber  (Sculpt would depend on nation)
    -Air Transport

Sea:
    -Fleet Carrier
    -Light Carrier
    -Battleship
    -Cruiser
    -Destroyer
    -Submarine
    -Transport

If you are talking about a minimum for OOB replacement, then we would have a 1-1 sculpt count… Meaning, if it is not an OOB sculpt, it is not included in this list. Which is why I would say that you should not include SP Artillery, Air Transports and Heavy/Light (Anything) Carriers.

It is really just a technicality. I do want these units, but they should not be labeled under OOB replacement; especially if this were to be offered under an “OOB Replacement” title.

You could make an argument for tech upgrade related items, such as advanced artillery, jet fighters and paratroopers (air transport?) be included as OOB replacement sculpts, but light carriers, self-propelled artillery and “heavy” tanks are not in the equation.

@Pacific:

IMO this formula is the most efficient and will yield the best results both economically and from a gaming perspective.  It would also provide consistency (which is perhaps the most important factor) throughout the entire range of nations being offered.

That is really what I was looking for as a customer: consistency and understanding of the system by which pieces are chosen for inclusion in a set.

It is HBGs choice how to organize their product line. If that means random, then it is random; if that means formulaic, then there is a format. Ultimately, as long as the pieces are produced, diverse and good quality, it doesn’t matter to me how HBG organizes their offerings. It would be nice to have a somewhat standard way, just so everyone’s expectations are based on what HBG intends. And so that we are not asking for the moon when it is really not financially prudent, not enough demand or it does not fit in with the stated production philosophy. As long as the customers (pseudo-developers) and the company have the same assumptions, people should not be upset or confused.

[Variable]

To all:

I assure you that HBG has a plan and we are following that plan. Our first priority is expanding available options so everyone can pick and choose how to build their sets at home. Later, we will come back and take care of “basics”. Remember that our scope and technology has changed dramatically over the last year and a half as the current sets have progressed. Therefore, slight tweaks in set composition are needed. We have learned much over this time and continue to learn from you. More A&A games have come out, HBG has expanded what it wants to do, and demand has increased for variety of pieces and units.

HBG must address all these issues at once while keeping up production of current product offerings. This is like landing a plane on a carrier! Trying to hit a moving target takes a lot of forethought and skill. You see us showing you bits and pieces of many 3d models over many sets. We’re not just haphazardly choosing these. Different 3d modelers work at different speeds. Some models are more complex than others, etc. We must have 3 or 4 “irons in the fire” in order to keep up with customer demands. It takes longer than a month to plan and execute a compete set of pieces. What you are seeing is a glimpse of what is to come over the next 6 months or so.

Doug (Coach) has taken pain-staking care to plan out each and every set we currently want to do. But giving out all of our “secret sauce” is suicide. So we show things we think you will like or things we need help deciding on to gauge reaction and modify the plan accordingly. The Japanese Expansion Set is a perfect example of this.

You know we listen. Just keep giving good positive constructive feedback, and we will know what to make. Keep buying the sets we make and we can afford to keep making more! Thank you all for your valued concern and tons of research, help, ideas, and support that continues to allow us to build your dream.

[LHoffman]

@Variable:

HBG must address all these issues at once while keeping up production of current product offerings. This is like landing a plane on a carrier! Trying to hit a moving target takes a lot of forethought and skill. You see us showing you bits and pieces of many 3d models over many sets. We’re not just haphazardly choosing these. Different 3d modelers work at different speeds. Some models are more complex than others, etc. We must have 3 or 4 “irons in the fire” in order to keep up with customer demands. It takes longer than a month to plan and execute a compete set of pieces. What you are seeing is a glimpse of what is to come over the next 6 months or so.

Doug (Coach) has taken pain-staking care to plan out each and every set we currently want to do. But giving out all of our “secret sauce” is suicide. So we show things we think you will like or things we need help deciding on to gauge reaction and modify the plan accordingly.

You know we listen. Just keep giving good positive constructive feedback, and we will know what to make. Keep buying the sets we make and we can afford to keep making more! Thank you all for your valued concern and tons of research, help, ideas, and support that continues to allow us to build your dream.

I imagined as much, but your response is good enough for me. I, for one, will continue to be around.

Don’t commit suicide on me.

[Pacific War]

+1

[HBG]

Give us 10-14 Days to show you the current sets that are being worked on as well as Games that are also in line to be made. We all are very busy trying to gear up for Gencon and finish up Amerika as well as several other games, maps, sculpts, sets, ideas, etc. We appreciate all the excitement in the sets and pieces and HBG has spent much money and time to hopefully bring us up to the next level.

For the ones who attend Gencon, you will be able to see a sneak Peek at some other games and sculpts we are working on.

If it seems that we are all over the board is because we are, we are trying so many things and hope that our Customers jump on board.

We will have the new games show up on BGG as well as our website and also show the sets in line to produce.

[CWO Marc]

@coachofmany:

Give us 10-14 Days to show you the current sets that are being worked on as well as Games that are also in line to be made.

Looking forward to your next emailed Historical Board Gaming Update to make sure I haven’t missed anything brand-new in your lineup of products that are available for pre-order (or better yet for actual ordering).  The latest ones I’m aware of are the WW2 Japan Supplement Set and the WW2 Japan Expansion Set, both currently at the pre-order stage.  Thanks for all the goodies currently in development!

[WARRIOR888]

Coach and Variable,

A well thought out response, I like it, you have my support.
Your sets are steering me away from GHQ and Skytrex, just keep producing units and I will buy them.

WARRIOR888

[Variable]

@WARRIOR888:

Coach and Variable,

A well thought out response, I like it, you have my support.
Your sets are steering me away from GHQ and Skytrex, just keep producing units and I will buy them.

WARRIOR888

This is why I enjoy working late nights… 8-)

[dangermouse650]

Love all the new pieces that are coming, a little request for later, the C-47, we’ll make do with the C-46 for now but really want the C-47

[LHoffman]

Oh yes… what we have all been waiting for! Say hello!

ENTERPRISE!

[LHoffman]

My life is now complete. If HBG makes nothing else, I have been eternally satisfied.  :mrgreen:

[LHoffman]

I asked a question a while back about the methods for designing/producing the pieces which Variable answered very well. But while looking at the preview pictures for the Japanese Supplemental Set I got to wondering again:

What would be the possibility of adding a very neutral, bland color option for every set? Such as the washed out olive in the Japanese pictures or a cream color like the halftrack and German previews.

This option would be more for all us painters out there. I am sure most people will not choose a purely nondescript color. As I said before, ultimately it is not of great importance, especially if I am the only one asking for it. I did not know if the coloring process was easier and cheaper with the 3-D printing method, as opposed to the old injection style. I assume the prototypes in the pictures were produced with the printer? Because they look great if they were. For some reason, I always wished the pieces I got looked exactly like the prototypes in the pictures (color-wise).

http://www.historicalboardgaming.com/HBG-Battle-Pieces–WW2-Japan-Supplement-Set_p_729.html

[HBG]

@LHoffman:

I asked a question a while back about the methods for designing/producing the pieces which Variable answered very well. But while looking at the preview pictures for the Japanese Supplemental Set I got to wondering again:

What would be the possibility of adding a very neutral, bland color option for every set? Such as the washed out olive in the Japanese pictures or a cream color like the halftrack and German previews.

This option would be more for all us painters out there. I am sure most people will not choose a purely nondescript color. As I said before, ultimately it is not of great importance, especially if I am the only one asking for it. I did not know if the coloring process was easier and cheaper with the 3-D printing method, as opposed to the old injection style. I assume the prototypes in the pictures were produced with the printer? Because they look great if they were. For some reason, I always wished the pieces I got looked exactly like the prototypes in the pictures (color-wise).

http://www.historicalboardgaming.com/HBG-Battle-Pieces–WW2-Japan-Supplement-Set_p_729.html

What about the color white for painters?

[LHoffman]

@coachofmany:

What about the color white for painters?

That would probably be acceptable. White might actually be the best for painting. I still really like the ivory or off-green, but like I said, ultimately, it will not matter because they will be painted.

White would be very good as a universal option. Don’t do it just for me though. I want this to be something that is either painless to implement or of great demand.

[HBG]

@LHoffman:

@coachofmany:

What about the color white for painters?

That would probably be acceptable. White might actually be the best for painting. I still really like the ivory or off-green, but like I said, ultimately, it will not matter because they will be painted.

White would be very good as a universal option. Don’t do it just for me though. I want this to be something that is either painless to implement or of great demand.

It is no doubt that the lighter colors are easier to prime and paint. I would think that the Rose or yellow color in the Japanese set would work best for painting, is this not a good choice?

[LHoffman]

@coachofmany:

@LHoffman:

@coachofmany:

What about the color white for painters?

That would probably be acceptable. White might actually be the best for painting. I still really like the ivory or off-green, but like I said, ultimately, it will not matter because they will be painted.

White would be very good as a universal option. Don’t do it just for me though. I want this to be something that is either painless to implement or of great demand.

It is no doubt that the lighter colors are easier to prime and paint. I would think that the Rose or yellow color in the Japanese set would work best for painting, is this not a good choice?

Yes, either of those would be good also. If it is easier to use a color that you have already mixed or ordered for other sets, then do that. Makes your life a bit easier. Not sure which of the two would be best… your call. And thanks for the consideration Coach, even if it doesn’t pan out.

[knp7765]

@LHoffman:

Oh yes… what we have all been waiting for! Say hello!

ENTERPRISE!

A new US Supplement set in the works?

[tacojohn]

@coachofmany:

Give us 10-14 Days to show you the current sets that are being worked on as well as Games that are also in line to be made. We all are very busy trying to gear up for Gencon and finish up Amerika as well as several other games, maps, sculpts, sets, ideas, etc. We appreciate all the excitement in the sets and pieces and HBG has spent much money and time to hopefully bring us up to the next level.

For the ones who attend Gencon, you will be able to see a sneak Peek at some other games and sculpts we are working on.

If it seems that we are all over the board is because we are, we are trying so many things and hope that our Customers jump on board.

We will have the new games show up on BGG as well as our website and also show the sets in line to produce.

I’m sorry if this has been asked and answered somewhere else.  I haven’t seen it.  Where at GenCon will you be setting up?  Will it be in the A&A ballroom?  A&A HQ?  Or will you be in the exhibitor hall?  I’ll be at GenCon Wednesday through Sunday, so I definitely want to see what you have and the sneak peaks you have to share!