Dorthonion wrote:
Here is a bit of speculation: if GW go for plastic, they will probably want a kit that fits into the same size box as the Mumakil. There will be no howdah and no troops frame so everything can be used for Smaug and his base. That base could be much larger than the mumak base - there is no reason for it to be the same size.
The next question is, do they model him on the ground or in flight? Do they offer the option of going either way (that would be tough to engineer given how the wings fold and the legs would be supporting the weight rather than being tucked up to reduce aerodynamic drag in flight.)
Balrog vs Dragon in terms of power: the GW balrog is reduced in size from how it was portrayed in the films, but what people appear to be forgetting is that the balrogs were Maiar, the evil counterparts to good Maiar like Gandalf. Maiar are demigods in Tolkien's world, with the balrogs being one form of demon. They had savage physical power but more importantly, they had evil magical abilities - that was the unseen part of the battle between Gandalf and Durinsbane - it was the part that almost defeated Gandalf as he was already strained from everything he had been doing for months prior to the encounter whereas the balrog had been resting on his 'laurels' for years.
Dragons are clever, of huge physical strength and possessed of their terrible flaming ability. But they do not have the kind of magical powers that balrogs possessed.
So, the Smaug would have a high points cost but more due to physical power/size and psychological impact whereas a greater part of the balrog's cost should be down to its evil powers. Dragons and balrogs were not all of precisely the same kind, size or powers so you would expect some variations in them.
I hope for a substantial, well engineered plastic kit. If it is too small, or finecast, or simply insanely priced, then I too may go the toy route or proxy something else for Smaug-GW are far from the only dragon manufacturers out there.
You got the Balrog right, but you're forgetting your history, Dragons had very very powerful magic abilities, possibly more-so then Balrogs. Read The Children of Hurin. Dragons can transfix, compel, mind-whipe, etc...you're a puppet to them a meat-sack with strings. We dont see that overtly with Smaug since he seems to be a bit hot-headed. He talks Bilbo into a false sense of security though and has him reveal details he shouldn't, and that was all without making eye contact. Smaug never takes the time to use his powers though he just reacts with blasting everything in fire. Which by comparison to his forefathers makes me think he's very young and impetuous for a dragon.
I agree about the base there's no reason why they wouldn't do a larger base, or even a box for that matter. The Baneblades box is big enough for some really large wings. If I had to bet I'd say he'll be grounded. That's only because I can't imagine anything that big being held up by a GW flight stand, those clear plastic pieces can be rather fragile. I've had them break with just a pegasus knight on one.
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