"What exactly is 10mm scale?" Topic

Hello everyone,

What exactly is the 10mm scale?

Which manufacturers have models that are really compatible with those of MiniFigs?

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When I owned True North Productions, Chariot Miniatures/Don Perrin/me developed the Perrin Miniatures line of 10mm figures (ACW, AZ wars, Franco-Prussian war and WWII). We did this for 1/160th scale (10mm). So, check out Perrin Miniatures, also, GHQ and Pendraken Miniatures do 1/160 scale.

1/60 is the scale for N gauge model railways

1/160…N gauge

We scale our vehicles at 1:150th so they fit nicely within the range of N-gauge (1:148th-1:160th). Our figures are 10mm to eye level and 11.5mm overall height, giving a real-world height of around 5ft 8in, which is about average for a modern human.

@Dave Jackson

At least you are precise, Bravo but do you know if the Minifig models are really at this scale?

Are all Perrin Miniatures, GHQ and Pendraken Miniatures really compatible with MiniFIgs?

@MajorB

At least you are precise, Bravo but do you know if the Minifig models are really at this scale?

@Leon Pendraken

There is always a difference in real height for a modern human or not, so it is not serious, but not for a vehicle!
Are Pendraken Miniatures vehicles really compatible with MiniFIgs?

Oops, that was a mistype! Scale for N gauge is 1/160 not 1/60 (doh!)

We scale our vehicles at 1:150th so they fit nicely within the range of N-gauge (1:148th-1:160th).

Worth pointing out that British N gauge railway models are 1/148. However, US and European N gauge models are 1/160. It's the N gauge equivalent of the difference between OO and HO.

This is why I look for measured heights of figures, not the purported scale, as scale is a relative term used very loosely by most gamers, and nearly all makers. Even when a maker claims the figures are 25mm/28mm/32mm scale, I look for actual height measurements, as that is the only way to know for certain.

Since I play fantasy games, this allows me to find fantasy races at the size, relative to my Human figures, per the reference book's stated height for the non-Human races I am trying to model on the tabletop. One game's Elf is <6 feet tall, another game's Elf is >=6 feet tall! LOL! I try to find models to portray my Elves as 4-5.5 feet tall, so scale is useless to me -- I need to know the median height of the figures, before I order them, if possible.

I suggest you look, online, for photos of the miniatures, being shown with a ruler. Remember to take into consideration the height of the figure's molded base! It does matter at this figure size. Cheers!

The Minifigs vehicles were mastered at 1/156th scale. By the time the original comes out of the master mold then pressed into the production mold, the production piece is as close to 1/160th as possible. That is because the mold rubber shrinks the mold cavity for each generation (from original to master mold to production mold- each is a generation).

Don't go by how high someone is in miniature. Proportion comes into play. This is the designer's point of reference (foot to eye; foot to top of head; foot to top of head including headgear.) This is the major reason for discrepancy between different manufacturer's definition of what a "mm" scale is.

Minifigs infantry is sculpted to be 1/160th- with realistic proportions. Pendraken produced to 10mm SIZE. (see above post for their "scale"). Two different units of measurement= 2 different sizes of end result.

IMHO, they are close enough to game with! The difference is not going to influence your die rolling! These are meant to be game pieces- NOT competition for Scale Model accuracy competition like you see for IPMS competitions, so have fun!

(BTW, I ran GFI/ Minifigs for USA) for 12 years, own the 10mm AIM line- Punic Wars released last month) and brought 12mm/N scale Minifigs into the USA in 1998. I am so happy to see how well 10/12mm/ 1-144th has been received all over! Thanks to all.

Dye4minis, I agree.

I tried to buy figures that were properly scaled/sized, according to the sizes for the races I wanted to game with. I wanted to see Gary Gygax's monsters in proper proportion to Humans, I wanted to see Gary's vision, and to do that, I need figures in proper proportions to each other.

After a while, I had to give up because it proved realistically impossible. I achieved my goal, in part, but I will never see it, entirely. I still try as much as I am able. My efforts have helped me to see Gary's vision, very closely. It has demonstrated his genius designs. His color schemes are also, very interesting and skilful. It's been a fun journey. Cheers!

It is not the size of the figurines representing humans that counts but that of the vehicles which must be immutable.

Which manufacturers have tanks and other vehicles that are really compatible with those of MiniFigs?

The very old 12mm MODERN Minifigs were not very good at all but 10+ years ago that was all there was. They are listed as 10/12mm. Early on 10mm scale vehicles were out of scale with the figures which were generally closer to 1/144 (a shade under 12mm for a standard man. (11.994mm). However they were also over detailed and that madel them look stupid next to a vehicle far to bulky. They would never get into a 1/144 jeep. I still have a few but I and phasing them out as I get round to replacing them. They only come out in big games if I run out of my own figures.

True scale 1/144 vehicles vs my own 1/144 troops, not for serious painters.
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@UshCha

The modern Minifigs you are talking about are the ones currently sold by Caliver Books ?

And the WWII Minifigs which are also currently sold by Caliver Books, what do you think ?

Is it the same problem ?

A note, wargames 10mm figures, especially in metal, are a good deal heftier than N gauge model railroad figures, especially in plastic. N scale buildings, scenery, etc interchange well with war-games 10mm. It's the figures that have a striking bulk difference.

@Dave Crowell

That's good to know but it is still necessary to find N gauge model railroad, N scale buildings, scenery, etc. valid as decorations for WWII.

But which manufacturers have 10 mm WWII vehicle and tanks that are really compatible with those of MiniFigs?

Paskal , yes to the first. WWw no experience.

I have lloked at the new WW2 12mm Victrix stuff looks more like real scale. Ask on the TMP 10mm WW2 board.

@UshCha

I also have the new WW2 12mm Victrix stuff but they don't have any Sherman M4A2 yet apart from Pendraken who does?

@all

Does anyone know or own WWII vehicles from the Minifigs 10mm range – World War Two – American ?

If so, as you might see in this 10mm Minifigs – World War Two – American range there is a pack of M4A3 Shermans…

In fact there are 10 different references for the M4A3 Sherman.

I would simply like to know which variant of M4A3 Sherman is the AV-19 reference because it has no particular designation.

Thank you