Citadel Finecast

**Citadel Finecast** was a range of resin miniatures produced by Games Workshop. Introduced in 2011, it was intended to replace the company's existing line of metal miniatures. Citadel Finecast represented a significant shift in materials and raised both anticipation and controversy within the gaming community.

## Unveiling Finecast Resin

The defining feature of Citadel Finecast was its use of **Finecast resin**, a specialized polyurethane resin known for its ability to capture intricate details. This material was celebrated for its promise of producing exceptionally detailed miniatures, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessors.

Citadel Finecast offered an advantage over traditional metal miniatures: it was remarkably lightweight. This reduction in weight made the miniatures easier to handle, assemble, and transport, appealing to hobbyists and gamers alike.

However, the transition to Finecast came with its own set of challenges. One significant issue was the fragility of delicate components, such as slender weapon shafts and pointing fingers. These fragile parts were prone to breakage, often necessitating intricate repairs by hobbyists.

Another concern revolved around the material's flexibility. Models with top-heavy designs and delicate attachment points at the base struggled to support their own weight. Over time, this flexibility could result in models bending backward or components breaking, even during the careful removal of parts from sprues.

Finecast also faced criticism for its inconsistent quality in reproducing fine details. Some miniatures suffered from partially formed or defective details, such as tabards on models that were previously cast in metal. This inconsistency stemmed from the challenge of adapting older sculpts designed for metal casting to the new Finecast material.

Many Finecast models exhibited an unwanted texture, complicating efforts to achieve a perfectly smooth paint finish. This inherent roughness

Games Workshop justified Finecast as a premium product, highlighting advantages like its lightweight construction, enhanced paint adherence, and ease of assembly. However, the increased prices accompanying the transition from metal to Finecast generated debate among customers.

## The Unpopular Legacy

Despite its promising features, Finecast faced an uphill battle for acceptance among enthusiasts. Sales figures painted a clear picture, with many Finecast kits moving slowly from store shelves. Games Workshop subsequently began phasing out various Finecast kits due to their lackluster performance.

Ultimately, customers made their preference known: premium prices should be matched with premium products. Games Workshop's plastic kits, crafted with polystyrene plastic, became the favored choice. These kits not only maintained superior quality but also provided extensive customization options, satisfying the discerning tastes of hobbyists.

As Games Workshop potentially bids farewell to Finecast, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a future filled with exceptional plastic kits. The company's commitment to high-quality plastics continues to evolve, offering gamers and hobbyists ever-improving options.