Miniature Figure Sources

[drhall762]

Disclaimer: I am sure opinions will vary. I am trying to gather information and not start a fight. That being said....

I dug out some old Phoenix kits I have had since the '90s. I have also found that much of their old line is produced by S & D Models and Metal Modeles. Has anyone purchased any recently and how was the casting quality?

Is Pegaso pretty much the top of the heap or are there others that are better or at least comparable. I have read the Verlinden line has gone down hill some. True or not?

Mostly considering Fantasy models or Knights and Vikings.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Nap]

Hi Dave

Welcone to PF

My thoughts are the Phoenix and those from that period were great , sculpted by talented guys , they still look good painted .

Knowledge and sculptors have grown both in techniques and Skill and available tools and the quality now is getting better with every single release.

Verlinden has now finished totally ..you can pick up kits on that well known selling site ...again Verlinden were and in most cases still enjoyable to paint ...

As for who is at the top ..opinions will vary with the cost being a prime concern for many , Pegaso is certainly up there but there are many others as good as .

Happy Christmas

Nap

 

[Tecumsea]

I think few would dispute that resin castings are able to define detail better than metal which you prefer is down to individual preference. I think you will find the older kits are still metal while your newer fantasy figures are invariably in resin.

 

[Blind Pew]

Dave, this is a great thread.
If you ask me,(you did!) we are in something of a Golden Age right now. If you get a figure that's genuine and has been produced in the last 4-5 odd years, you will have to go some way to get a dud. Such is the overall standard of production these days.

Verlinden is no more although you still can pick up the odd one on a well known auction site. They were very hit and miss, and have been usurped. Stuff like Phoenix and all that old stuff don't hold a candle to today's.

For a metal figure,Metal Modeles are the benchmark for quality and have been for decades now. They are still what everybody else aspires to. Loads of people are as good as Poste Militaire, but in resin as well.

FeR, Stormtroopers, CGS, Troop 54, and MMM all are top-notch resin producers. And are also great people to do business with.

Yes, I know there are many others I haven't put on here.... In fact it is harder to list the dodoes than the top people now.

 

[DaddyO]

Welcome Dave

As a recent returnee and a bit of a recidivist anyway I've a fondness for some of the 'old' figures, in particular Sid Horton's. There is no doubt, however, that the overall quality of the ones which you can buy today are superb. Resin has it's faults as a material, but it gives a very crisp and detailed figure that allows undercuts which would give a metal caster nightmares. (That said I like the feel of metal figures and their traditional appearance, but that's just me)
I can only agree with BP that right now really is a golden age. Easily available information and tutorials, high quality figures and a vast range of paints and accessories.
I've love Pegaso and Metal Modeles, but there are great figures by Troop 54 and Art Girona that I'd love to get the time to paint as well. In fact the biggest problem I find is deciding what to do next!

Happy Christmas
Paul

 

[Joe55]

Hi Dave,

Take a look through 'Figure News' and 'Reviews.....' here on the Planet. That ought to help. As for sources try Red Lancers and Last Cavalry here in the states, and El Greco Miniatures in the UK. Andrea of Spain is another, but has two facilities in the US. In any case they all ship world wide.

Joe

 

[loosehead]

Hello Dave
If there is an interest in Vikings knights etc you can't look pass Mercury Miniatures ,Tartar .Tin Berlin ,Altores They mainly work in resin incredible detail and easily sourced from ELGREGO Miniatures and priced very well ................
Cheers
Chris W

 

[drhall762]

Thanks Guys! Really appreciate the info. Merry Christmas.