Saturday, July 9, 2011

Non-GW (but cool) Miniatures Companies A-to-Z

I'll be editing this post to make the links more uniform in appearance and have better descriptions as the mood takes me, or as I run across different miniature companies in my websurfing. 

[url]http://www.3t-studios.com/[/url]Scratchbuilt terrain and tables
[url]http://www.amera.co.uk/[/url] Vacuform terrain with fantasy, modern, and future themes. really cheap too.
[url]http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/[/url] Some neat stuff in his store in terms of 40k terrain and modeling.
[url]http://armorcast.com/store/index.php/[/url] Lots of Terrain and some tanks, their models and Steampunk stuff is okay
[url]atlargegamers.tumblr.com/[/url] Augmented wargaming terrain and accessories. Check out the Clockwork Cove and penny Arcade commission table.
[url]http://www.avatars-of-war.com/[/url] So. Amazingly. Beautiful. If you play Fantasy, you owe it to yourself to take a look at these models for your lords or heroes; they have at least one model for virtually every faction and they are all gorgeous..
[url]http://www.back2base-ix.com/index.php/[/url] They have a decent range of resin bases, although nothing that blew me away, but they are at least alternatives to some of the others out there. They also sell a variety of other craft supplies, including plasticard, movement trays, basing supplies, and even GW/FW product.
[url]http://blackcatbases.com/[/url] Despite the name they sell more than just bases, although they certainly have a good selection of those; they also do heads, conversion bitz, and especially accessories for figures, like weapons, tools, backpacks, etc.
[url]http://cart.blackorc.com/[/url]Blackorc miniatures, a wide variety of scifi, zombie and fantasy miniatures to choose from.
[url]http://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com/index.php[/url]  Random minis, ton of pirates.
[url]http://blightwheelminiatures.vendder.com/[/url]Adeptus Mechanicus style figures and conversion bitz.
[url]http://www.brother-vinni.com/index_eng.htm[/url]Historical, Steampunk, Post-Apocalyptic miniatures, with a section of women warriors using the power of bulletproof nudity...
[url]http://chapterhousestudios.com/webshop/[/url] Custom Sculpts and Bits for 40K and Fantasy.
[url]http://www.comfychairgames.com/catalog.php[/url] Mostly a Horror-based Necromunda, but the W.i.l.d.fire robot spider is kewl
[url]http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=FW[/url] From Gang Warfare to Terrain and historicals. You have to click each link to see the miniantures, though.
[url]http://custom-minis.blogspot.com/[/url]Bits and shoulderpads off of a 3D printer. Looks like he's testing printing up unique models as well.
[url]http://www.darkswordminiatures.com/[/url] Miniatures from George R. R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice, There's plenty of interesting stuff in here, although most of it doesn't quite fit the Warhammer "Heroic Scale" aesthetic.
[url]http://dragonforge.com[/url]  More useful for the micro chain and ready to use power cables than anything else.
[url]http://www.ebobminiatures.com/products/tools.htm[/url]  Tools, armatures, sculpting media
[url]http://www.ema-models.co.uk/Architectural[/url] and Hobby model parts and supplies, including DC motors and gearboxes
[url]http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/index.html[/url] Not a huge line of stuff and only tiny, tiny pictures available, but their range of metals seems to have some interesting options.
[url]http://www.empressminiatures.com[/url] Some historical and modern figures, very realistic.
[url]http://www.eurekamin.com.au/[/url]  They make all kinds of miniatures, including Nazi's riding dinosaurs.
[url]http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/[/url] Do you need plasticard in odd shapes or sizes, or want something patterned, or otherwise odd? This may be the place for you.
[url]http://www.evilmushroomgames.com/new_page_2.htm[/url] Not a huge selection, but some pretty okay bases and a number of interesting terrain pieces.
[url]http://www.ex-illis.com/[/url] Angels and Demons take sides in historical medieval Europe.
[url]http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/index.asp[/url]Fantasy Flight Games, where you can find Anima Tactics, AT-43, Confrontation, and Wings of War miniatures in their store.
[url]http://www.figurines-studio38.com/default.html[/url] Tyranid Spore Pod and their own ranges of figures.
[url]http://www.forgecraftgames.com/catalog/index.php[/url] Perhaps a little smaller than some of the other base manufacturers, but they have a good selection and all of the casts are excellent, both for wargaming and for tabletop minis.
[url]http://www.gamezoneminiatures.de/[/url] A wide range of our 1/5 inch (28 mm) fantasy miniatures.
[url]http://www.grindhousegames.com/[/url] On the one side, we have a weird-WW2 thing with gas-masked allies fighting German monstrosities. On the other side of the site, we have weird robots.
[url]http://www.groundzerogames.net/[/url] I have some of their models, but their online store is hampered by an extreme lack of photos
[url]http://hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/index.php[/url]  Great detailed Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Modern miniatures.
[url]http://www.heavy-support.com/[/url] Heavy Support - Not much here, just an alternate Leman Russ/Chimera
[url]http://www.helldorado.fr/figurines/index.php[/url] A French game, but available through some US (and potentially other?) retailers. They have an absolutely gonzo line of models, with everything from Chinese hell-demons to abominations of the pit to Arabic summoners to Victorian mercenaries. No idea how they're scaled, but some very pretty stuff.
[url]http://www.heresyminiatures.com/[/url] For when you need a unique looking miniature for your Inquisitor Reitnu.. Hey, is that David Tennant?
[url]http://hitechminiatures.com/#[/url] Some could-be Grey Knights and Dreadknight here.
[url]http://www.hlj.com/index.html[/url] A lot of mecha and tank parts that are of use to a creative IG or Ork player, so maybe search around a bit.
[url]http://www.hotzmats.com/[/url]Painted felt mats for gaming surfaces, with hex grid option.
[url]http://www.hydraminiatures.com/index.shtml[/url] Buck Rogers-y looking scifi and a line of prehistoric monsters.
[url]http://impactminiatures.com/[/url] Many Blood Bowl-like miniatures and a stand alone game, plus a a rock band of Orcs.
[url]http://www.infinitythegame.com/infinity_ENG/[/url] A standalone futuristic game akin to Necromunda, the models are pretty nice looking but not much cheaper than their 40K equivalents, which has kept me out of the game so far.
[url]http://www.irondogstudios.com/store.html[/url] Some Orky bits and resin bases from the guy who built the Tater Titan
[url]http://www.ironhalo.net/store/catalog/[/url] Another resin base retailer, they do some interesting lines and actually have a quite large selection of stuff. They have a lot of more unusual base sizes including those for Fantasy, War Machine, cavalry, etc.
[url]http://www.kabukimodels.com/[/url] Resin and metal alternate Marine character models and bits, some larger scale models too.
[url]http://www.kerrandking.co.uk/[/url] A nice-looking site in a lot of ways, but awkward to browse through. Still, it's not completely awful and the bases all look rather nice, including a few more unusual types.
[url]http://kingdomdeath.com/[/url]Pin-up adventure babes and some disturbing horror pieces.
[url]http://demoslasercutdesigns.blogspot.com/[/url] Laser Cut buildings and terrain
[url]http://www.lead-adventure.com/[/url]Some Steampunk and Post-Apocalyptic figures plus heads with tophats.
[url]http://www.lostclan.net/Lostclan/Home.html[/url] Home of the infamous Female Cadians, and also a bionics upgrade sprue.
[url]http://www.manticgames.com/[/url] An excellent manufacturer who is not only creeping in on GW's territory but also putting out a game of their own, heavily modeled on WFB. Their undead, elf, and dwarf kits are all very strong and have a decent variety of pieces, poses, etc, not to mention worlds cheaper than GW's kits.
[url]http://shop.masq-mini.de/[/url] Masquerade Miniatures, notable for horror gaming figures and a 'Giant Riding Wolfpack' not-Thunderwolf Cavalry.
[url]http://www.maxmini.eu/store/[/url] A nice little company with a quickly expanding line of conversion bitz as well as a few useful figures; their Thunderwolf is not completely awful, but there's probably better options. They do have a nice IG-scaled bike, though. Their conversion parts are the real treasure, though- they have an extensive line of awesome Ork parts (heads, bodies, bionics, etc) as well as a variety of other weapons, shields, and various upgrade parts.
[url]http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/index.php[/url]  Mostly known for their "mechanicus" guard and some cool heads.
[url]http://micropanzer.com/[/url]lots of walker-tanks and sentinel/Tau suit variants in the vehicles, but keep in mind most of the infantry are 15mm, but some are 32mm, suitable fore 40K, etc.
[url]http://www.miniaturescenery.com/[/url]  They make hardboard "punch out" scenery. Nax got me onto them recently.
[url]http://www.mrdandy.com/wargamma/[/url] Thunderwolves, bases, etc.
[url]http://mythicast.com/[/url]More Thunderwolves and even Cyberwolves for your Iron Priest
[url]http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/[/url] Manufacturer of near-future/sci-fi models, with a strong emphasis on vehicles, spacecraft, and field works (turrets, walls, scenery, etc).
[url]http://www.otherworld.me.uk/[/url] More Dire Wolves of rideable size, but think D&D art inspired.
[url]http://www.paulsongames.com/resin.html[/url] Another small manufacturer, but does a nice little line of conversion bits.
[url]http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html[/url] A nice historical wargaming company that produces large boxes of figures for fairly cheap; they're mostly useful to Guard players as stand-ins, but be aware of the usual differences in scale between 28mm and heroic.
[url]http://www.pig-iron-productions.com/[/url] Ah, Pig Iron, beloved of Guard players everywhere. Not only do they have their own line of figures, the heads (and much of the other gear) are perfectly fitted for IG models.
[url]http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/USDealers.html[/url] A very nice plasticard company that apparently supplies a rather large percentage of the US, as well as one of the companies I've dealt with personally. They have a PDF catalog with approximately one million different types of plastic in it; if you're willing to dig, chances are you can find what you want. Of note is their fluorescent acrylic rods, which are perfect for Necrons should you, for some reason, decide to hate yourself.
[url]http://privateerpress.com/[/url] Obviously also their own game, but several of the Cryx (Warmachine) miniatures could make good stand-ins for Dark Eldar units and Legion of Everblight (Hordes) provides some interesting possibilities for Tyranid players.
[url]http://pulp-city.com/index.html[/url] Pulp superheroes miniatures. Either you'll be super-excited that these exist and you can buy them or you won't care because they aren't what you need.
[url]http://www.pulpfigures.com/[/url] Just what it says. Nefarious Chinamen! Doofish henchmen! Dashing adventurers! Probably not appropriate for 40K or Fantasy! But still cool!
[url]http://puppetswar.com/[/url]Bases, weapons, miniatures and conversion sets for 40K, incling Twin-linked Autocannon arms and viariant Dreadntought arms.
[url]http://www.quantumgothic.co.uk/[/url]  A lot of neat scifi terrain.
[url]http://www.rackham-e.com/en[/url] Makers of several miniatures games including AT-43, a prepainted future game with military gorillas. Let me repeat that: armed gorillas in space are a real thing in this game. If that isn't enough reason for you to be curious, I hate you. Some of their mecha have been converted with reasonable success into Killa Kanz by a number of folks.
[url]http://www.ragingheroes.com/[/url]28mm and 54mm versions of Dark Eldar-ish and Female Commissar character models, nicely detailed with options.
[url]http://www.ramshacklegames.co.uk/nuclear/index.html[/url]  Fulfilling that Post-Nuclear/Necromunda/Orky Bitz. Look at their 'Tridlins' for vehicle bitz
[url]http://www.reapermini.com/[/url] If you have ever wanted a figure for your D&D character or fancy monster the PCs are facing, this is the site for you. They have an absolutely enormous range of tagged, searchable models of all manner of heroes and horrors. Their modern and sci-fi lines are much more limited, but there are still possibilities in here. (The Darkspawn in particular could easily be some kind of alien or Tyranid beasties.)
[url]http://www.resinfx.com/[/url] Very detailed resin bases of various kinds, many of them fairly unique. Lots of "scenery" bases that aren't just some bumps on a standard 25mm/40mm circle, so if you're looking for something damn fancy, this may be the place. A little more pricey than most as a consequence, though.
Robogear Model kits - Want some cheap plastic toys to chop up for your conversions? Here's the place.
[url]http://www.iconusa4.com/online/Robog...dels_index.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.sciborminiatures.com/[/url] Can't say for sure, but the pics of the sculpts look amazing. Various minis and parts, very obviously 40K/Fantasy-themed ("celtic space warrior," hrmmmm?) including lots of alternate heads, shields, and breastplates. Also squats.
[url]http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/[/url] Mostly just bases, but a few conversion bitz mixed in (backpacks, helmets, Extra Armor). None of them are ground-breaking surprises, but if you have a specific look in mind for your army you'll probably appreciate another option.
[url]http://www.shadowforge.com.au/[/url] Have I done any Australian companies yet? Here's one with anime-styled figures.
[url]http://www.shapeways.com/shops/customminis[/url] 3D printed miniature bitz and accessories
[url]http://www.smog1888.com/[/url] You know how some games have crazy character models? Smog has a flying doctor with robo-arms and a smoke-belching stove-top hat, oh year. I know absolutely nothing of the game, but the models are perhaps the best thing in the whole world.
[url]http://www.studiomcvey.com/[/url] A small selection of extremely well-sculpted minis, although they're generally just a bit too large to use in 40K. Pretty, though.
[url]http://www.studiominiatures.com/[/url]Zombies, WWII Zombies, 90mm zombies, and survivors of the zombie apocalyse.
[url]http://www.taban-miniatures.com/[/url] Another of the shops I haven't really browsed in extensive depth, they produce a stand-alone game with a vague gladiatorial combat theme.
[url]http://www.tabletop-art.de/[/url]More bits, bases and variant figures for Marine Character models.
[url]http://www.tabletop-world.com/index.php[/url] Fantasy buildings and accessories
[url]https://www.thunderboltmountain.com[/url]  Mostly fantasy, but I bought some wolves from them.
[url]http://www.tengumodels.co.uk/index.htm[/url]Grey Aliens, Zombies, and Cthuluhu, oh my...
[url]http://www.tobsen77.de/index.php?lan=en[/url] Vehicles that would look good in an Ork army, or a wooden Steam Tank
[url]http://www.toysoldiersdepot.com/[/url] Cheap plastic off-scale models which could be used for 40K, or as terrain/wrecks/etc.
[url]http://trollforged.com/index.html[/url] Another company I can personally vouch for being pretty excellent. Resin casts of several useful styles of models- Daemons, beasts, definitely-not-Tyranids, and best of all, Guardsmen with greatcoats!
[url]http://www.ultraforgeminiatures.com/[/url] If you aren't going to Avatars of War for your Fantasy needs, you damn well better be going here. Ultraforge specializes in huge, detailed models of monsters like dragons, greater daemons, and the like, and their work is second to none. They also enjoy cult popularity as the makers of an excellent set of wings that can be added to models that are in need of flight, not the least of the Hive Tyrants and Harpies.
[url]http://www.urbanmammoth.co.uk/[/url] I have some of their older models for my Necromunda gangs
[url]http://www.victoryforce.com/[/url]  They have a 'Gamer Rules Lawyer' figure, and WWII re-enactors
[url]http://shop.warlordgames.co.uk/[/url] Not sure if these are the same guys as Wargames Factory, but if you want to 40K-ify some historical plastics.
[url]http://www.wargamesfactory.com/webstore[/url] Makers of a variety of plastic kits, all of them competitively-priced compared to the alternatives. Foremost on the list would probably be their zombie and shock trooper kits, but they also have a variety of historical minis that could be integrated into a thematic force of some kind.
[url]http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/asp/nocookie.asp[/url] Lots of miniatures, but not to scale with 40K. Diverse selection, though.
[url]http://www.warploqueminiatures.co.uk/[/url]Fantasy miniatures
[url]http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/[/url]  These guys have alternate-future WWII scifi stuff. Some cool mech thingies and neat troops.
[url]http://www.wholesale-miracle-beads.com/25mm-round-flat-back-clear-crystal-glass-cabochon-top-quality[/url] Clear glass bases for your miniatures.
[url]http://wyrd-games.net/shop/home.php[/url] Makers of Malifaux, a very cool-looking game that I unfortunately can't really afford to get into right now. But, like Hell Dorado, they have an awesome line of minis with a style all their own, slightly steampunk with a fantastic twist and some of the dark sensibilities that infuse GW's games.
[url]http://www.zealotminiatures.co.uk[/url] Resin miniatures and bitz, female tau heads, Space Marine scaled Guitars and bionics, etc.
[url]http://www.zombiesmith.com/[/url]zombies, survivors, and more
[url]http://www.zuzzy.com/[/url] Scenery pieces and tabletops almost exclusively- and pretty nice ones, at that. If green felt isn't your thing, give this a look and see if you can't go for something more exotic; I'm told they are rather durable and quite worth the price.