Tonight we have a rumor set looking at the box kit for the Imperial Knight, which is on a 90mm x 120mm flying base, some information on the new website coming, and changes to pre-orders.
So the changes to pre-orders will definitely allow for some earlier purchases when it comes to getting models. This effects us immediately, and is good to know so that we can our orders in at an earlier time frame (and guessing all the time because they were always slightly different).
Please remember that these are rumors, until we see official announcements and releases
via Father Gabe on Faeit 212
Concerns Imperial Knights, New Web Page and Pre-Order changes.
1) Imperial Knights box is small, about the same size as a Rhino box. Contains 2x Decal Sheets (Lots and lots of decals for those that enjoy these), a 90mm x 120mm flying base.
2) Rules don't appear to be included in the box, for right now it looks like the White Dwarf is its only place. No additional info has been fully revealed concerning how its used, who uses it, etc.
3) New Web Page: new Direct Order computers are hitting the stores (in North America at least) that are being upgraded (for improvement reasons) and to allow better interface with the new Web Store. Software is being pumped through the Tills (registers) that will allow managers to perform detailed look ups or by use of the Fuzzy Product look up button.
4) Pre-Orders: Due to some complaints, concerns, etc by some UK/European customers and/or managers, the pre-order time is being changed effective tomorrow. Before in North America you could jump on pre-orders the day before at approximately 6pm, which was midnight or later in UK/Europe. So, now it will begin at 1pm Central time (US), not sure when that is in the UK/Europe but Im sure they can figure that out.
5) This last part is an oddity. At the recent HSC in North America (collaborating info I had from my UK source) is that GW feels (whether rightly or not...Im thinking not) that the whole reason we purchase miniatures is not because of what they can do in a game (rules wise) but we do so because of how they look. That surprised some of us. Combined that with the same reason the Codex/Army book comes out later, that might indicate a disconnect between corporate and its customer base. We have decided to dig on this issue, conduct surveys across the US GW/Independent stores to get an actual consensus. What we will do with that info? No idea yet. The concern is, does GW really feel that way, is it accurate or is it more of a "training" issue towards managers and such.
If it is a training issue, its designed to ensure that employees sell the models based more on the aesthetics then the benefits to the customer. Which is not good in training, where it was concerned that you do both, especially explaining how "Awesome miniature (X) can do all this stuff and it makes a great center piece..." for example.
Father Gabe