miniature minis?

[mattdm]

With 4E, I'm often feeling a bit constrained in the size of our maps -- we've got about a 3'×4' space (maybe up to 5') for our board, and often I feel like we need more area. I'm dimly aware of smaller-scale minis used in wargaming — is there a good source of cheap, prepainted, fantasy-themed plastic minis in a smaller scale?

Which scale do you recommend? Something like 3x as "dense" seems ideal, although just twice would be a big help too.

Thanks.

 

[Protagonist]

With 4E, I'm often feeling a bit constrained in the size of our maps -- we've got about a 3'×4' space (maybe up to 5') for our board, and often I feel like we need more area. I'm dimly aware of smaller-scale minis used in wargaming — is there a good source of cheap, prepainted, fantasy-themed plastic minis in a smaller scale?

Which scale do you recommend? Something like 3x as "dense" seems ideal, although just twice would be a big help too.

Thanks.

I don't know about plastic minis, but if you don't mind using printed counters (preferably on cardboard) it would be easy to take one of FDG/Claudio Poza's great counter collections and shrink them to whatever size you like. I think the normal size for minis/counters would be 25mmx25mm , half that size could work without the images getting too hard to discern.

 

[D'karr]

With 4E, I'm often feeling a bit constrained in the size of our maps -- we've got about a 3'×4' space (maybe up to 5') for our board, and often I feel like we need more area. I'm dimly aware of smaller-scale minis used in wargaming — is there a good source of cheap, prepainted, fantasy-themed plastic minis in a smaller scale?

Which scale do you recommend? Something like 3x as "dense" seems ideal, although just twice would be a big help too.

Thanks.

If space is your problem, though 3' x 4' should be more than enough for most maps, you would be looking to move down in scale to 15mm miniatures.

Games Workshop used to have a line of 15mm miniatures that might fit what you are looking for. I believe the line was Warmaster.

I've also seen some new miniatures called Fantasy Armies but I don't recall who makes them.

 

[Mark]

If you search around you will find that there are companies who do or did make 15mm, 10mm and even as small as 6mm figures of various types. The smaller you go, the fewer the types, but often these are either ancient or medieval figures, which can mean swords, spears, etc. I think you will find they are unpainted, and I cannot think of any company doing prepainted figures smaller than 28mm.

 

[mattdm]

If space is your problem, though 3' x 4' should be more than enough for most maps, you would be looking to move down in scale to 15mm miniatures.

Indoor maps are no problem; it's when I want to have interesting outdoor areas I run into trouble. Also, I have what I think will be an iconic reoccurring location in a game at a castle complex on a mountain. The real-world location this is based on would be about 90 by 40 squares for the fortress itself, and 275 squares on a side for the surrounding area. I'm happy to compress some for the sake of gameplay. And obviously for most situations I can map out just the selected relevant parts, but it'd occasionally be nice to show the whole thing.

The printed counter approach is probably the best for the gigantic scale map. I think I'll go down to my local wargames store and see what they might have for the in-between situations.

 

[Henrix]

I don't think there are any prepainted minis in smaller scales, but there are lots of good unpainted!

In 10mm scale I'd really recommend Pendraken Miniatures. They have lots of fantasy minis, as well as lots of suitable historical minis.
They also have a dungeon system and D&Dish monsters:

In 15mm there are a wide range of manufacturers - Splintered Light Miniatures has quite a nice range.

 

[frankthedm]

Printed counters can be useful when you need something at a scale smaller than 25mm-32mm.

I've copy and pasted together a decent number of counter sheets comprised of video game characters. If their utter video gamy-ness does not spoil the look you seek, they might be useful. Generally they are one counter per inch, so have your printing program print them at 1/2 size if you want 1/2 scale.

img508.imageshack.us/img508/4623/humanhvymedlightjr0.png




Sprite rippers include: emonoya, CACM, bogleech & VGS.net

More here
http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=225315&page=2

If the video game flavor is not what you seek, definitely give Fiery Dragon a look. they even have some free samples