"Sci-Fi Naval - Wet Stuff not Black Stuff" Topic

I'm looking into 'miniaturising' a dice game I have, where I want to replace the card tiles with ship miniatures or models.

I don't need many models – only about 4 or 5 surface craft and something suitable for a prowling Sub (so conning tower and bow-wave might be it!) but above all else I wanted something a little futuristic looking.

I've had a good initial rummage of usual suspects websites and some Google-Fu and have found 3d-Printing renders, but that's all way beyond my capabilities. Otherwise, I've drawn a blank.

Does anyone know of anyone who has anything suitable out there? I'm not particulary worried about scale and don't want it too small (i.e., I'd opt for 1/2400 instead of 1/3000, but would prefer 1/1200 or less if at all possible).

Any ideas or discoveries really appreciated!

Old Crow makes some at 1/300 IIRC:

oldcrowmodels.co.uk

GZG:

link

So does this fellow on Shapeways:
link

There are many fleet scale ships that make passable surface vessels. I use this guy:

link

..as the equivalent of a Zubr class LCAC. Sort of a shore monitor.

There is a guy who makes low detail modern ships on Shapeways. I will see if I can find his store again.

**Ironically it looks like it was the same guy who did my shore monitor (Afrodri):

link

The modern ships seem to be in the later pages of his Shapeways store. He does good work in several scales. The hulls are basic enough to use for whatever you wish. The monitor I snagged was from his VSF line but works just fine for normal scifi.

I like the GZG vessels.

Just a couple in 6mm, but very nice looking.

I suspect you might be able to purchase some modern catamarans in 1/700th too – China Cats, I think, carrying missiles.

lots of stuff in the Spartan Dystopian Wars series though it is large and most a bit wonky.

While IIRC currently OOP this Battletech sub is rather nice.
auction

Allen57, the Neptune is still around – It's an Exclusive on Iron Wind Metals website, so you have to hunt around for it, but it is there for sale :)

I'd also check out the kits around of advanced catamaran hull vessels like the USS Independence as well . . .

It depends on the kind of surface craft that you want, how large you want them to look on the tabletop, and how sci-fi you want them to look.

Cloudcaptain had some great suggestions. I've also used sci-fi spaceships as wet navy ships, and Shapeways is always good for niche models like this.

If you want something that's recognizable as a ship, these are all good choices.

Here's a 1/1800 USS Freedom LCS, $11 USD, 2.5 inches long: link

USS Independence LCS, $14.35 USD, 2.8 inches long: link

USNS Spearhead, $6.50 USD, 2.2 inches long: link

RN Astute sub, $4.25 USD, 1.8 inches long: link

HMAS Armidale, $4.30 USD, 1.2 inches long: link

HNoMS Skjold, $4.30 USD, 1 inch long: link

If you want something more futuristic, go with sci-fi spaceships, hovercraft, or even tank turrets minus the weapon and hull.

Check out Shapeways designer Irrational Designs' "Novus Regency" series of ships.
link

-ZG

You could watch Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova for some inspiration

-ZG

…and Blue Submarine Number 6.

Thanks for the responses folks, much appreciated.

So sad to see Oldcrow all but dead/dormant, I got some 28mm vehicles from him years back that were perfect for my games.

And the Shapeways stuff, well, very impressive. And had to be careful watching those prices, I could easily have spent the next 12 months mortgage!