D&D General Metal Miniatures Based On the 1977 D&D Basic Set Box

The first of a collection of old-school metal Dungeons & Dragons miniatures based on classic D&D art pieces will be released in February by Sirius Miniatures.

Based on David Sutherland's art for the cover art of the 1977 D&D 'Holmes' Boxed Set, the zinc-alloy miniatures feature a large red dragon (75mm), and the wizard and the fighter shown on the box's cover.

Unusually these days, the miniatures are not made of plastic. While they're not made of lead (for obvious reasons) like they were in the 1970s-1980s, they are metal miniatures made from a zinc alloy, which give the miniatures a heft that feels different to the plastic equivalents,

The miniatures will cost $49.95, and are the first set in a series of old-school miniature sets based on classic D&D covers and art pieces.

 

[The Soloist]

I would be more interested if they came painted. My son might like them since he paints some. Then again, if I need them painted why not just make them plastic?

It's a different production system. The rotating molds for metal miniatures allows for much smaller production number. It's like the difference between flat sheet press printing and paper roll printing.

 

[Distracted DM]

Metal is a little more of a pain to paint and it chips easier, but it does have a nice heft.

Usually the reason you do metal is because you're not a big production... But I guess a lot of smaller productions do 3d printing of plastics nowadays, so yeah metal like this is a bit retro.

I like the models!

 

[jolt]

Yeah, metal minis are expensive, but the molds are cheaper so it's more practical for smaller and limited runs. Plastic is cheap, but the molds are more expensive.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Looking forward to the Erol Otus B/X covers.

 

[Birmy]

Listed as SOLD OUT as of 3:00 p.m. CST, October 29. Perhaps a restock in the future...

 

[Cergorach]

Listed as SOLD OUT as of 3:00 p.m. CST, October 29. Perhaps a restock in the future...

Not a restock, it hasn't been released yet, and a few shopping cart systems only allow for the option 'sold out' or someone setup the shopping cart system poorly.

 

[EthanSental]

I’m interested in these…tag along on the same shelf with my darksword metal minis.

 

[Lidgar]

Looking forward to the Erol Otus B/X covers.

Me too. I recently purchased a sealed 1981 boxed set at an antique store. Would love to get figures to go with it.

 

[Aellic Mornbringer]

I’m interested in these…tag along on the same shelf with my darksword metal minis.

Nice! I love Darksword's minis based off some of the classic artists.

 

[MGibster]

Unusually these days, the miniatures are not made of plastic. While they're not made of lead (for obvious reasons) like they were in the 1970s-1980s, they are metal miniatures made from a zinc alloy, which give the miniatures a heft that feels different to the plastic equivalents,

I have a soft spot in my heart for old school miniatures from the 70s and 80s. There's just something so charming about those hand sculpted miniatures that overshadows any technical flaws or the inconvenience of working with metal.

I would be more interested if they came painted. My son might like them since he paints some. Then again, if I need them painted why not just make them plastic?

I generally prefer plastic these days. But if the entire point is to have a retro vibe, metal is a pretty good material to use. It'll look and feel like an old school miniature.