You're not supposed to file any form of resin because breathing the dust is harmful, but fine cast particularly, is so soft, that you'd be better off cleaning it with a sharp knife anyway.

Other than that, I've never heard of it being a health hazard.

Personally I avoid it because the old models in particular have quality control issues. It's also a very soft material, and so even when cast well, totally unsuitable for spear and pole arm weapons, and generally thin components. I also think it has shrinkage problems- fine cast models often seem to have shrunk way from the mold, and lost volume slightly, which can give faces and find details a ragged and hollow look.

But I'm quite fussy about such things. Many people don't notice, or simply don't care about really tiny issues. However, if you spend many hours painting a model then you'll probably agree that fine cast just isn't good enough for the calibre of producer who makes it. If you paint quickly to a basic tabletop standard then it probably won't be an issue for you.

Do you guys think I should be asking GW for another model? The mounted version was perfect but I was quite annoyed because the foot version with this undernourished face.

Thanks for all the informative responses guys. Appreciate it. I re-call reading on here about finecast not standing up to the test of time or something.

Can anyone expand on that?

I seem to think that someone was worried it would simply break down over a period of time? I think someone mentioned a mode that was sagging under its own weight? Dweller in the dark maybe?

Can anyone clarify? Is there any difference say in finecast life vs plastic life? I'd expect a plastic model to last a lifetime should it be looked after but I seem to re-call someone expressing doubt about finecast lasting at all.

Thanks for the replies.