"So, Again: What Became of Frontier/Pass of North Miniatures?" Topic

This question has been asked repeatedly over the years, but a Gentleman asked me today what more I know.

Well, the last I heard was some maniac in Florida owned their ranges but had no interest in producing/selling them.

Is that even true? Has anything changed since that story made the rounds?

Most of us grognards in the hobby remember the figures with great fondness and would still buy them if offered again.

If anyone can add a barnacle of info to this mystery, I and others would be grateful.

TVAG

I just shot Jeff Caruso a note – He is Pass of the North, I will let you know what I hear back.

I remember the Frontier 25mm figures – really ahead of their time for detail and anatomy. I had Franco-Prussian and Mexican American wars, as well as some ACW. Unfortunately, I sold them off a long time ago….about the only things I've ever sold/disposed of that I regret.

I managed to get quite a few back in the day and they are still on duty. I even made a side trip to the store once.

Torokchar!

Thank you, Sir! I should think he'd be able to give us something to chew on.

TVAG

I thought MKP miniatures were pass of the north.

I'm not sure what they were calling themselves, but a couple of guys came to one of the FBurg HCons maybe 8 years back. They had a substantial number of old 25mm Frontier figs, but rather little in the way of variety.

If I recall correctly, their summary of the situation was there was a widow lady down south with a garage full of 55 gallon drums full of figures hoping to figure out how to sell them. The guys were trying to help.

That's the last that I ever heard about it.

I do recall that, upon fresh appraisal, and having seen lots of more recent releases, the Frontier figs weren't as nice as I had remembered them.

Well it's been a while. IIRC, Jeff sold the 25mm ranges he had (NOT the Frontier range) to Monday Knight Productions out west. AFAIK, Jeff retained his 15mm ancient range. Don't know who is doing casting for him now.

Pass of the North used to be Jeff's company name. I believe it went to MKP with the 25mm ranges. (Always wanted him to bring out a model T with Patton bringing in a Bandito General hawg-tied to the hood!) At the moment, I can't remember seeing anyone else do a Pershing in Mexico range in any scale but his line. (Perhaps Old Glory?)

The widow recallection is probably in reference to the old "Iron Brigade" miniatures company. They had also purchased some of the old Der K/Heritage 25mm ACW. AWI ranges and IIRC the 15mm Heritage ACW when Heritage went out of business. (AFAIK, the same owner of the 15mm Naps range still wants a hige fortune (plus royalties) for that range.)

Hope this helps a bit. Like I said, I have been out of the industry for over 10 years and haven't really kept up.

OG 25mm Pershing and the Invasion of Mexico
link

Iron Brigade, Terry Canarsa, was indeed the successor to some, but not all, of the Heritage lines.

The widow reference was, I think, to a woman in Florida.

I remember exchanging a few messages with Canarsa's widow about 9 years ago after picking up some minis from her on ebay. Included a Iron Brigade catalog with her wish to sell the line.

Not doing ACW and without money to put into a business so didn't inquire as to what she wanted for it.

Too long ago…

I don't remember her as being in Florida – maybe Carolina?

Be interesting to hear from Jeff – used to speak with him at the CMH meetings in Denver prior to his move to Texas. Got some of his LIR and Goths from a TMPer as his caster was already suffering from ill health.

Nice figures and would also like to be able to pick up more of them.