To recap, these web pages concern miniatures such as those used for gaming, historical battles, dioramas, and such. These are generally made from lead, lead substitute (e.g. Rallidium from Ral Partha), or plastic, and are generally 25-28 mm or 54 mm scale.

What to Look For When Buying a Miniature

First, let me start by pointing out that there are so many competing companies in this field that you can easily be somewhat picky. If you are dealing with standard fantasy races and vocations, such as Elves, Hobbits/Halflings, Dwarves, and Warriors, Magicians, Rogues, then you can probably find a miniature from at least one company with the exact weapon, race, vocation, and probably even facial hair for a character in a role-playing game (RPG).

Who makes miniatures?

From my experience, Ral Partha is hands down one of the best miniature companies. They are in transition at this time with the dissolution of FASA, but as I understand it they will be getting back up to speed soon. Games Workshop is a powerhouse in the industry and they have rather aggressive corporate practices and pricing that often annoys vendors and customers; however, they are still around and that says something. GW current minis are generally considered to be of good quality. Reaper is another big company that has a large line and gets a lot of press. I am not as familiar with them, but the minis I have purchased from them are good. They have a wide selection.

There are folks that sclupt and cast their own miniatures as well. Too involved for me right now. There is yet another group of folks that cast copies of minis they buy. This is wrong and illegal. Please do not do it. I am not sure about the legalities of out of print (OOP) stuff though; I would still try to get formal permission from whomever owns the rights. I have learned that this applies even to simple things like a single bit for a miniature.

Sculpting quality - does it actually look good?

Because of the aggressive competition, most active companies produce good stuff.

Who sells miniatures?

Many companies sell them directly, but most vendors will give you a better price. The manufacturers will generally always charge you the full retail price.

Vendors

• Local Stores - direct or indirect
• Mail Order
  • Mail Order Vendors, In the USA
  • Mail Order Vendors, Outside theUSA

Local Stores - direct or indirect

• Good for the hobby! - This is generally the best choice for overall health of our hobby. I especially recommend, ask, and please with you to find a local store that supports the hobby by providing game space and/or regular gaming events and buy from them.
• They will order it - I have yet to come across a true gaming store that would not order something that was not on their shelves. Just ask them if they can order something. Better yet, ask for their distributor catalog and point out exactly what you want if you do not have the exact title and item number handy. Be proactive!
• They should be a friendly face and vice versa - A game store keeps your hobby alive and you keep the store alive. Both of you should get along famously. If you don't remedy that. Of course, there are incorrigible asses, and I am confident that I have been classified that way by others, but give it a try.
• You should expect a discount! - For better or ill, you should expect a discount of some sort. You may have to buy a special card or something, but the most intelligent and successful approach seems to be just giving a blanket discount. You can expect anywhere from 10% to 15% normally. If you do any special work for the store or are a big supporter of the hobby and/or their business by organizing events, including conventions, you can likely get more. If the store is giving you mre than a 25% discount, then you should start feeling guilty.

Mail Order Vendors, In the USA (A List of Vendors in Other Countries Follows)

Mail Order Vendors, Outside the USA