Maya Ellison
Star Wars Legion is a miniatures game that invites players to become the commander of an infantry army in the Star Wars galaxy. Players select orders for their units every round, harnessing their commander's charisma to cut through the fog of war and impose their will on the battlefield. While the game primarily focuses on tactical planning and careful positioning, the assembly and painting of the miniatures themselves also play a crucial role in the overall experience. The miniatures, or minis, come in various materials, including soft plastic, hard plastic, and, occasionally, resin. The choice of material impacts the assembly process, durability, and level of detail achievable in the miniatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Hard plastic, soft plastic, or resin |
| Pros of hard plastic | Better detail, no missing parts, less risk of warping and damage, easier to work with, allows for long thin pieces |
| Cons of hard plastic | May break more easily, may take longer to assemble |
| Pros of soft plastic | Easier to assemble |
| Cons of soft plastic | Less detail, more malleable, may have bent gun barrels or lightsaber blades |
| Pros of resin | Finer and deeper levels of detail, comes in fewer pieces |
| Cons of resin | May be warped, full of bubbles and miscasts, hard to cut and file |
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What You'll Learn
Star Wars Legion miniatures are made of hard plastic
The original run of Star Wars Legion miniatures was made with soft plastic, which was more flexible and easier to assemble. However, the soft plastic limited the crispness and sharpness of the details. The switch to hard plastic for Star Wars Legion miniatures was made to address these issues and improve the overall quality of the miniatures.
Hard plastic miniatures have more precise details, making them easier to paint, especially when using washes. They are also less likely to have missing or bent parts, such as gun barrels or lightsaber blades. Additionally, hard plastic can be welded together with plastic glue, resulting in a longer-lasting hold compared to soft plastic, which requires super glue.
While some people may prefer the softer plastic for its ease of assembly, the hard plastic offers a nice challenge for those who enjoy the hobby aspect of building and painting miniatures. It provides a more satisfying finished product, with sharper and more consistent details. However, it is important to note that hard plastic miniatures may be more prone to breaking if dropped, especially thin pieces.
Overall, the switch to hard plastic for Star Wars Legion miniatures seems to be a positive change, offering improved detail, precision, and durability. While it may take longer to assemble, the final product is of higher quality and provides a more enjoyable experience for those who take pride in their miniature collections.
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Soft plastic minis are glued with super glue
Soft plastic minis are commonly used in the Star Wars Legion Miniatures game. Assembling these miniatures can be intimidating for beginners, but it's a simple process that involves dry-fitting the parts and then securing them with glue.
When it comes to gluing soft plastic minis, super glue is a popular choice. Super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate (CA), is a versatile adhesive that can be used for assembling plastic, resin, and metal miniatures. It creates a very strong bond between the parts being glued and has a fast-curing time, making it convenient for hobbyists and model enthusiasts.
The Army Painter's Super Glue, for example, has a precision tip that allows for easy application even on the tiniest and most delicate components of the miniatures. This precision is crucial when working with intricate hobby projects like dioramas and miniature figures.
However, it is worth noting that if you are gluing plastic to plastic, The Army Painter's Plastic Glue is recommended as it creates an even stronger bond. This option is particularly suitable for soft plastic minis, ensuring a secure hold.
In addition to choosing the right type of glue, there are a few techniques to keep in mind when gluing soft plastic minis. Firstly, always read the instructions on the glue carefully and follow safety precautions, especially when working with strong adhesives. Secondly, consider using hobby tweezers to pick up small parts, add glue to the bottom, and position them precisely on the miniature bases. This helps ensure accurate placement and reduces the risk of messy glue application.
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Hard plastic minis are glued with plastic glue
Star Wars Legion is a miniatures game that invites players to become the commander of an infantry army in the Star Wars galaxy. The miniatures are made of hard plastic, similar to GW minis, and can be assembled using any old super glue.
When gluing hard plastic minis, it is important to use the correct type of glue to ensure a strong bond. For hard plastic minis, super glue or plastic cement is typically recommended. One user on Reddit recommends using Krazy Glue, which they find holds plastic minis better than anything else they've used. Another user suggests finding out what plastic your mini is made of for the best results—if it's polystyrene, use poly cement, and if it's PVC or ABS, use super glue.
To assemble hard plastic minis, players can follow the instructions provided in the Star Wars Legion Core Set and expansions. The process typically involves dry-fitting the various parts together to ensure they fit properly before gluing them to the main body. For added strength, some players recommend pinning the pieces together by drilling a small hole and inserting a piece of metal, such as a paper clip or wire, before gluing.
Once the miniature is assembled, players can move on to the painting stage. It's important to note that some glues, such as super glue, can affect the paint adhesion, so it's recommended to clean the surface of the miniature with a mild detergent before painting. Players can then follow their preferred painting techniques to achieve the desired level of detail and finish for their miniatures.
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Resin minis have finer details but are harder to cut and file
While it is unclear whether Star Wars Legion miniatures are made of resin or plastic, there are pros and cons to both materials. Resin minis are popular among manufacturing companies that deal with small to medium-sized order runs and unique character designs. Resin is also cheaper than pewter, which has been an industry standard material for years, meaning that companies don't need to spend as much money for small orders. Resin minis are also highly detailed, which is great for those who enjoy intricate painting projects.
However, resin minis are not very durable and are prone to snapping. They also leave behind a residue that can prevent paint from holding correctly, so it is recommended to clean resin minis with soapy water before applying a primer. Additionally, resin is highly toxic when inhaled, so caution is advised when handling it. If adjustments need to be made, it is important to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling the toxic dust.
On the other hand, plastic minis are more durable and cost-effective, making them ideal for growing large collections. Plastic is also a safer option than resin, as it does not have the same toxicity concerns. The molding process for plastic miniatures is more expensive, but the molds last longer, making it a more profitable option for larger orders.
In terms of assembly, both resin and plastic minis can be glued together using super glue. However, it is worth noting that resin minis may require additional preparation, such as cleaning with soapy water and using hot water to adjust warped components.
Overall, the choice between resin and plastic minis comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the project. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and some people may even choose to combine the two in their collections.
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Hard plastic minis are easier to assemble
Star Wars: Legion is a miniatures game that invites players to become the commander of an infantry army in the Star Wars galaxy. Each player selects orders for their units every round, harnessing their commander's charisma to cut through the fog of war and impose their will on the battlefield. While the game is exciting, assembling the miniatures can be intimidating for beginners. However, hard plastic miniatures, like those found in Star Wars: Legion, are generally easier to assemble than resin or PVC miniatures.
Hard plastic minis are typically created through injection moulding, where plastic pellets are heated and injected into a mould, forming a plastic frame or "sprue". The model parts then need to be manually removed for assembly. Most hard plastic miniatures come with instructions and the pieces are usually numbered, making the assembly process more straightforward. Additionally, the use of plastic cement or plastic glue, specifically designed for bonding hard plastic, can create strong and secure connections between the parts.
When assembling hard plastic miniatures, it is important to take your time and be patient. It is recommended to dry-fit the pieces first to ensure they fit properly, and then apply glue to the necessary parts. Using too much glue can be challenging, as it is harder to remove than to add more. It is also crucial to ensure that the glued parts are properly supported or positioned to prevent slipping or sagging while the glue cures.
Compared to resin or PVC miniatures, hard plastic minis often have the advantage of being more durable and less prone to breakage. This is especially important for miniatures that will be handled and moved frequently during gameplay. Additionally, hard plastic miniatures are usually less expensive than resin alternatives, making them more accessible to hobbyists.
While assembling hard plastic miniatures for games like Star Wars: Legion may seem daunting at first, with the right tools, patience, and techniques, it can become an enjoyable and rewarding process. Following the provided instructions and taking the time to dry-fit and carefully glue the pieces will result in a sturdy and visually appealing miniature ready for the battlefield.
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Frequently asked questions
SW Legion minis are made of plastic, specifically a type of plastic known as "soft plastic". However, newer versions of the minis are being made with "hard plastic", which is harder and more durable.
Resin miniatures have finer and deeper levels of detail than plastic miniatures, and they come in fewer pieces, making assembly easier. Plastic miniatures, on the other hand, are generally easier to work with and have a lower risk of warping and damage.
When assembling SW Legion minis, it is recommended to dry fit the parts together first and then use super glue or plastic glue to secure them, depending on whether the mini is made of soft or hard plastic, respectively. For painting, it is suggested to start with a "table-ready" miniature, which looks decent from an arm's length. Applying a wash can add depth and make the colours stand out. Finally, a matte varnish can be used to protect the miniature and give it a flat finish.
In addition to glue and paint, other tools that may be useful include cutters or hobby knives, paintbrushes, and filler putty. For the base, players can paint it a single colour or add textures and foliage for a more realistic look.
