The NEXT STEP: Maps & Minis

[Mark A. Siefert]

I think you miss the point here. The point of the collectible plastic minis is that you use them as they are, and that's why they're not made out of material that's made to be modded or painted over (presumably it keeps the cost down too).

Rakham pre-painted figures (e.g. AT-43 and Confrontation) tend to uses a higher-quality plastic than other that can be modified and re-painted. I've seen many AT-43 gamers repaint their armies to suit their tastes. Why can't potential Traveller pre-paints be made the same way?

If you want to mod/paintover them then by all means get "proper" minis for that, because that's what those are designed for.

Ah, now we are coming to the crux of the matter and the source of my vehemence. If a Traveller miniatures does go the purely plastic, collectible route, that more or less leaves modelers like me SOL. I doubt Marc Miller is going to allow two separate miniature licenses to make what amounts to the same product. That, and thanks to the joys of intellectual property, other miniature manufactures can't come up with similar figures without running amiss of the Traveller copyright.

Dragons, orcs, and trolls are pretty much public domain. Vargr, Aslan, and Hivers aren't.

 

[AKAramis]

Caesar and Zvezda use a medium plastic which can be modded, but is also not fragile.

It's stiffer (slightly) than Battlelore, and on par with Memoir:44 minis.

I love it. Takes paint just fine. You do need to basecoat and let dry thoroughly, tho.

 

[Imperator58]

OK, if you want pre-paints, can we at least have them made with a higher quality plastic that holds the detail of the original mold better than the softer rubberized plastics and can take a coat of primer in case I do want to modify the paint job?

But whatever happens, no collectible miniatures... PLEASE.

Gotta disagree, Mongoose Mark. Some of these D&D Commons I look at, I'm appalled at how the paint job detracts from the sculpt. Some of those Commons have FABULOUS detailed sculpts that have just had brown paint slapped on them.
It's not the mold or the plastic, it's the mass-produced nature that detracts from the mini.
I maintain that many Traveller needs could be well met with soft plastic collectible miniatures. Look at the Star Wars stormtroopers or sith, and think Imperial Marines or Zhodani. Base color, paint the rifle & Zho bug-eyes, and you're good. Others, like Vargr, Aslan, PCs, pirates and the like would suffer more - but would still work dandy for encounters.
NOW.
That you're enraged anew...
I'd be just as cool, if not more so, with hard plastic models. I think GW with their LotR line is the poster child of The Way To Do It. Their plastic minis are magnificent; well-detailed, planned mold lines, switchable pose details, polysteyrene that both holds detail and is easily carved. Fantastic job - the best plastics I've ever seen. Hey! I'm a painter, too. Have been since, oh, 1978 or so? I LIKE making my own. My opinions are based on modern consumer realities. I think prefab minis would sell better, and in the end I just want a product line that will last; but if I was God, I'd prefer 28mm hard plastic models. I'd consider the GW 20-24 pax to be the Standard.

 

[Infojunky]

I doubt Marc Miller is going to allow two separate miniature licenses to make what amounts to the same product.

He has at least two outstanding Miniatures Licenses right now, and the state of Mongoose's exclusivity is unclear in the realm of Miniatures production. Meaning that Mongoose backed out of that industry over a year ago, so there probably room for a second teir in there.

That, and thanks to the joys of intellectual property, other miniature manufactures can't come up with similar figures without running amiss of the Traveller copyright.

Well, yes an no.... But, it's still a waiting game right now.

 

[spinwardpirate]

I'd be just as cool, if not more so, with hard plastic models. I think GW with their LotR line is the poster child of The Way To Do It. Their plastic minis are magnificent; well-detailed, planned mold lines, switchable pose details, polysteyrene that both holds detail and is easily carved. Fantastic job - the best plastics I've ever seen. Hey! I'm a painter, too. Have been since, oh, 1978 or so? I LIKE making my own. My opinions are based on modern consumer realities. I think prefab minis would sell better, and in the end I just want a product line that will last; but if I was God, I'd prefer 28mm hard plastic models. I'd consider the GW 20-24 pax to be the Standard.

Haven't posted here in awhile. Been too busy playing (and loving) 4th edition D&D.

Anyway... I agree with Imperator58. While I generally dislike everything GW does, I love the LotR line. It's an excellent example of how you can have the best of both worlds. Those plastics are great looking, and affordable.

That being said... I would buy any Traveller minis, as long as they were from a well-sculpted and fully supported line. I don't think it matters what size they or what they are made from as long as they are eye-catching, affordable and readily available.

 

[spinwardpirate]

Caveat... I would prefer either 15s or "27s". I'd rather not see a completely new scale... 30s... 32s... That would just muddy the waters even further.

 

[Infojunky]

Caveat... I would prefer either 15s or "27s". I'd rather not see a completely new scale... 30s... 32s... That would just muddy the waters even further.

I couldn't agree more.

I would also like to add a request that all the Traveller specific figures be done we have yet to see any complete line from any of the producers.

 

[Duroon]

As far as Traveller mini's go I can recommend the following companies for possible character mini's, Human only of course.
AlphaForge Games
Bronze Age Miniatures
Cooplestone Castings
em4 Miniatures
Hasslefree Miniatures
Heresy Miniatures
ReaperMiniatures

Each of those companies has some fantastic Sci-Fi miniatures available. There are even a few companies that make some different aliens that would be usable, not Hivers, K'kree, Vargr, or Aslan though. Oh, those are all 25-28mm metal mini's that would require painting.

 

[Baron Sidur Haski]

Production costs make it hard to keep a line of minis afloat. Plastic in particular. Small producers have got an uphill fight on thier hands. You need mass market $$ to make it fly, and even then, its still a limited niche market.

 

[Imperator58]

I would also like to add a request that all the Traveller specific figures be done we have yet to see any complete line from any of the producers.

The best overall effort so far was probably Martian Metals, followed by Citadel. Interestingly, they were both 15s.
Grenadier's was probably the best quality - my opinion totally - but four boxed sets was just a tease. Those Marines remain the Standard, though.
Rafm and MegaMiniatures have just made enough to piss us off (can I say that?). And don't get me started on starship minis lines!!
So yeah, I know totally where you're coming from.

 

[G. K. Zhukov]

As far as Traveller mini's go I can recommend the following companies for possible character mini's, Human only of course.
AlphaForge Games
Bronze Age Miniatures
Cooplestone Castings
em4 Miniatures
Hasslefree Miniatures
Heresy Miniatures
ReaperMiniatures

The problem I see is that these lines suffer from the scale creep syndrome, and most of them are quite unusable with the Grenadier and RAFM human 25's. Especially the Reaper Minis' ones, which reportedly are 32mm+ tall...

If you need miniatures compatible with classic, true 25mm (like the aforementioned Grenadier / RAFM lines), you should take a look at the Ground Zero Games' and Denizen Miniatures' catalogs. :wink:

[GZG's UNSC are Third Imperium Marines in all but name, and Denizen's Ventaurans make fantastic Zhodani!]

Another plus of going this way is the availability of different scales for the same miniatures in these two lines:

* GZG have 25mm, 15mm and 6mm (1/300) versions of their minis (including vehicles).

* Historical Miniatures have their Dark Star line, which is a 6mm (1/300) rendition of the 25mm Denizen lines.

No Aslan, Hiver, K'kree or Vargr, though.

 

[zozotroll]

I have been useing GZGs 25/15s in the same game. when we are in close like a bar, 25mm. But out on the street or in an assualt or some such, out come the 15mms. So far it has worked very well.

GZG is an outstanding company to deal with as well.

 

[Duroon]

The problem I see is that these lines suffer from the scale creep syndrome, and most of them are quite unusable with the Grenadier and RAFM human 25's. Especially the Reaper Minis' ones, which reportedly are 32mm+ tall...

If you need miniatures compatible with classic, true 25mm (like the aforementioned Grenadier / RAFM lines), you should take a look at the Ground Zero Games' and Denizen Miniatures' catalogs. :wink:

[GZG's UNSC are Third Imperium Marines in all but name, and Denizen's Ventaurans make fantastic Zhodani!]

Another plus of going this way is the availability of different scales for the same miniatures in these two lines:

* GZG have 25mm, 15mm and 6mm (1/300) versions of their minis (including vehicles).

* Historical Miniatures have their Dark Star line, which is a 6mm (1/300) rendition of the 25mm Denizen lines.

No Aslan, Hiver, K'kree or Vargr, though.

Yes they do have the scale creep problem, however I have none of the older Grenadier/RAFM mini's to place new ones against so that's not a problem for me. Probably not a problem for a lot of people. For those just getting started with sci-fi mini's the companies I posted are a great starting point.

 

[spinwardpirate]

The best overall effort so far was probably Martian Metals, followed by Citadel.

I had the Martial Metals figures (and still have an unopened box of Zhodani), but to me the Citadel guys were the Holy Grail of Traveller figures. I would see them once in awhile in a store, but never had quite enough money to buy them.

Interestingly, they were both 15s.
Grenadier's was probably the best quality - my opinion totally - but four boxed sets was just a tease. Those Marines remain the Standard, though.

Yep. Those guys are superb.

Rafm and MegaMiniatures have just made enough to piss us off (can I say that?). And don't get me started on starship minis lines!!

I have two packs of the Vargr. Would've picked up the Droyne had I the chance to. As for starships... $50 a box... a bit steep, but I'd prefer to be able to pick and choose individual ships.

 

[spinwardpirate]

Yes they do have the scale creep problem, however I have none of the older Grenadier/RAFM mini's to place new ones against so that's not a problem for me. Probably not a problem for a lot of people. For those just getting started with sci-fi mini's the companies I posted are a great starting point.

It's not so much of a problem for me either. As long as the creepers aren't too big, I don't mind the mismatch and chalk it up to genetic variations.

 

[spinwardpirate]

If you need miniatures compatible with classic, true 25mm (like the aforementioned Grenadier / RAFM lines), you should take a look at the Ground Zero Games' and Denizen Miniatures' catalogs. :wink:

[GZG's UNSC are Third Imperium Marines in all but name, and Denizen's Ventaurans make fantastic Zhodani!]

Those are great figures, especially the faux Zho! But I've always been hesitant to from them since I've never ordered from a company overseas. How are they on shipping to the US?

 

[Infojunky]

If you need miniatures compatible with classic, true 25mm (like the aforementioned Grenadier / RAFM lines), you should take a look at the Ground Zero Games' and Denizen Miniatures' catalogs. :wink:

[GZG's UNSC are Third Imperium Marines in all but name, and Denizen's Ventaurans make fantastic Zhodani!]

Those are great figures, especially the faux Zho! But I've always been hesitant to from them since I've never ordered from a company overseas. How are they on shipping to the US?

Well Jon at GZGs has his own personnel worm-hole for deliveries, translated as if I place the order on Monday, I'll have it by friday. Yes from the UK to the west coast of the US in 4 days.

Now IMHO, the Battle clones from the old Spacelords line that em4 is currently producing is a better Zhodani fit than the Denizen figures.

 

[zozotroll]

I get GZG faster than most US companys. The fabled wormhole is not a myth, it works. Great people to work with.

Now it you want Hammers Slammers minis, Old Crow has a great line in both 15mm, and 25mm. But, dont get in a hurry, they are not going to show up any time soon. about 30 days for me so far.

 

[spinwardpirate]

Thanks for the info! Maybe I'll buy a few once I get an MGT game going.

 

[Imperator58]

The best overall effort so far was probably Martian Metals, followed by Citadel.

I had the Martial Metals figures (and still have an unopened box of Zhodani), but to me the Citadel guys were the Holy Grail of Traveller figures. I would see them once in awhile in a store, but never had quite enough money to buy them. IMPERATOR58: YOU GOT 15MM ZHOS? I'M SURE SOMEONE HERE WILL TAKE 'EM OFF YOUR HANDS. I WOULD MYSELF... BUT I'VE GOT A SET.
AS FOR CITADEL, TRY EBAY. THERE'S ONE FELLOW THAT STARTS SET BIDS AT 9.99 AND I'VE WON SEVERAL - A FEW FOR THAT PRICE.

Interestingly, they were both 15s.
Grenadier's was probably the best quality - my opinion totally - but four boxed sets was just a tease. Those Marines remain the Standard, though.

Yep. Those guys are superb.

Rafm and MegaMiniatures have just made enough to piss us off (can I say that?). And don't get me started on starship minis lines!!

I have two packs of the Vargr. Would've picked up the Droyne had I the chance to. As for starships... $50 a box... a bit steep, but I'd prefer to be able to pick and choose individual ships. IMPERATOR58: I'M ACTUALLY NOT TALKING ABOUT THOSE NEW FLEET BOXES. I'M TALKING ABOUT THE "ADVENTURE CLASS SHIPS." MEBBE IT WAS RAFM THAT DID THEM ORIGINALLY. I DON'T RECALL. BUT WE GOT QUITE A FEW OF THE <1000 TON VESSELS, AND I LOVED 'EM. MISSING WERE THE FIGHTER, SAFARI SHIP & (INEXPLICABLY) CORSAIR. THE NEW SHIP RELEASES ARE (I THINK) FROM MEGA-MINIATURES, ARE FRACTIONALLY LARGER, AND COMPRISE ONLY THE SCOUT, FREE TRADER & PINNACE.

Answers to SpinwardPirate are directly imbedded IN BOLD in his post.