"Please help me get over Foundry" Topic

Salutations.

I'm a relative newbie here and to the world of miniature wargaming in general. Other than what I've seen here on TMP, I don't have a great deal of knowledge on miniatures. One of the 1st miniature manufacturers I stumbled across was Foundry and instantly fell in love with their designs. They have a lot of very pretty models, but as recently found out, they are also very expensive (almost $20 USD a pack + $10 USD shipping to the states). Like many gamers here, I'm on a fairly tight budget and I'm looking for is some recommendations on 25/28mm minis that are comparable with the quality and personality of Foundry miniatures, but without the sharp sting I feel in the nether regions of my wallet after buying a blister pack. The ranges I'm most interested in are:

- vikings/Normans/Saxons/Romans/dark age peasants/animals (for Pig Wars)
- colonials/martians/victorian personalities (for pulp/VSF)
- cowboys/indians/wild west personalities (I guess that's kind of self-explanitory)
- pirates (who doesn't like pirates?)

I truly admire Foundry miniatures, but I'm certain there must many other talented companies out there making excellent models that I'm just unaware of yet. Any suggestions you might have would be very appreciated.

Thanks. =)

Gordon

Try Old Glory. Not as pretty as Foundry, but much cheaper. They have everything you are looking for (don't know about animals). They look much better painted.

Gordon,

For Normans and Saxons you will be able to use us after Historicon. The price is $12.00 USD for a 10 figure infantry pack and $12.00 USD for a 4 figure cav pack.

You can see some pics on the front page and gallery. The Normans are not yet available for order but will be at Historicon. The Saxons will also either be there or will be shortly there after. I am literally finishing the Norman support troops this week.

battlestandard.com

If you want to get your FOundry stuff at a better price check out Steve at Age of Glory. He is also U.S. based and is the largest U.S. importer for Foundry.

ageofglory.com

I hope that helps some.

Jeff

Gripping Beast is a great source for Dark Age stuff.

The Perry stuff is very nice as well, but also expensive.

Crusader, Artizan, Perry, Copplestone, and The Assault Group were all started by ex-sculptors for Foundry (and I'm probably missing 1 or 2). They are all on the expensive side ($1.50-$2.00 a figure, now that the dollar is so weak), but usually a little less expensive than Foundry, and the quality is comparable.

Rich

For your Martians, look into 15mm! The new Martian Empires range is very nice and growing rapidly. $5 USD for a pack of 8 infantry and lots of detail for the size.

I now sell the range here in the US at scalecreep.com

Mark "Extra Crispy" Severin

Owner, Manager, Janitor ScaleCreep.com

Author, Webmaster, Whipping Boy DeepFriedHappyMice.com

Except for their expensive postage charges, I would have ordered more figures from Black Tree Designs.

As I just discovered, they now have a 30% off sale. Seems to be accross the board. I may have to reconsider and order from them again.

link

Have a look at Artizan Designs for your vikings, easily as beautiful as the Foundry sculpts and perhaps a farthing cheaper. artizandesigns.com

Cheers/Fredrik

The Ral Partha line of Colonials, while 20 years old, is a bit smaller (true 25mm) but very high quality. They are distributed by Dale Kemper in the USA, and are a real bargain, especially if you look into the subscriptions offer (can get down to about $0.50 USD per figure). The line is being revived slowly with new models from the infamous sculpter Tom Meier. Take a look at the website:

greatendeavours.co.uk

Where you can view the figure list and order them.
Cheers!
Ollie

You'll never "get over" Foundry, but a very good substitute is Gripping Beast! I acquired a few of their El Cid range recently and am very happy.

For something a little different try:
link

For your Martian / Victorian Personality / Pulp desires look at Brigade Games link
They carry a number of great lines, but especially check out their own "Brigade Games" lines of miniatures.
Also look a the London Warroom's Vicotrian Science Fiction figures.
link

I'll second the vote for Parhoon Station figures! Simply Superb!

I would suggest that you look at Newline Designs for your Dark Age needs on newlinedesigns.co.uk and Parroom Station for your Martian figures, these are sold bt The London Warroom.

I have some Foundry Vikings for sale over at Bartertown. 65 Vikings and 3 dogs for $80. USD Email me at Rdfraf@aol.com

Hey! *slap*, get over Foundry!

However, if you buy them, paint then well and look after them, you will have made an investment, not just bought some metal toys you don't really want….

For Colonials take a look at our ranges for Sudan, Egypt, West Africa and North Africa.

Gerry Webb
Castawat Arts
castawayarts.com.au

Plugging ourselves for Pirates and VSF, have a quick look at our web site eurekamin.com.au

Nic EUREKA MINIATURES

Not that the suggestions are poor miniatures, not that I particularily like (or own anything from) Foundry, but if you like the quality of a particular line you may not be satisfied with an inferior line, such that despite saving a little money on the purchase price, you've wasted money because you are not as satisfied with what you did purchase.

Call Bernard and the other chaps at Foundry. There is a toll-free phone number from the states listed on their site. Read the site carefully and you'll find that there are ways to lower the price considerably. Join their e-mail newletter, where you'll get some nice offers. I have purchased Foundry for years and have never paid "full price". Remember, it is easy to resist anything except temptation, so don't buy single packs. Save up and then buy a Horde deal. Good Luck!

Actionlessness,

All,the above suggestions are good. I suggest flicking around the "Manufacturers" board here on TMP, set on random and cruise around to get a good idea of what might light your fire.

one suggestion though,Magister Militum have some excellent ranges under their banner and orders are post-free world wide.
Enjoy,

James

I'd buy some Magister Militum but they don't advertise free shipping world wide. Is there a link to that?

I find:

POSTAGE & PACKING DETAILS
Postage and Packing rates are as follows:
UK and BFPO: Orders under £35.00 GBP are charged at 10%. Orders over £35.00 GBP are postage FREE.

Europe and Eire: Orders under £35.00 GBP are charged at 20%. Orders over £35.00 GBP are at 15%. Orders over £100.00 GBP are at 10%.

Rest of the world: Orders under £35.00 GBP are charged at 25%. Orders over £35.00 GBP are charged at 20%. Orders over £100.00 GBP are charged at 10%.

———————————————————

Those are some painful shipping charges for "Rest of the world".

While all the suggestions are for good manufacturers ( I know as I have them all), stylistically I think Crusader and Artizan match the bulky, "beefed up" Foundry figures the best. Personally, I like to mix and match my units.

Ralph

Thanks kindly to everyone for their ideas. You've given quite a lot to digest. =)

Gordon

for more choices on French Colonials, try Askari, if you haven't already found us on the Manufacturers pages. And our prices are definitely much easier on the pocketbook.

Consul Scipio,

It used to be free, honest! That must have changed since I last ordered. My apologies for misleading anyone.

James