| From: | David Hinkley <dhinkley@***.ORG> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: About miniatures |
| Date: | Fri, 29 Sep 1995 00:34:03 PDT |
painting Wargame figures for about 30). I have found them extremely helpfull in
quickly displaying the postional relationships of the PCs, NPCs, Comman People,
Vehicles and Terrain. They can also be a help to the players in
explaining/demonstating how they plan on moving. Used well they can answer line
of sight, where to hide, and related questions that players often have during
fire fights with out them ever having been asked. Granted they are not without
problems especialy when long range weapons are available or when a large number
of characters are involved, but most can be worked around some what.
I mount my figures on a one inch square wood base, the base stabilizes
the figure making the facing of the figure a reliable indicator of which way the
character is facing. I use a vinyl covered mat grided in on inch squares (from
Chessex, Berkley USA) the scale used varies (1 inch = 5 feet indoors, 1 inch= 10
meters outdoors [yes I do mix measurement systems, I learned metric (sort of) in
the Army for weapons ranges so I have a mental picture of how far a meter is but
not a centameter]) I draw the basic outline of streets, buildings, mailboxes and
the like. I add detail as it becomes visable to the players. I use the matt and
figures for face to face meets betwween the players and important NPCs just to
keep the players on thier toes and from blasting everyone/thing that moves.
Takes time, but it works. Vehicles and horses are handled in one of two ways
with Matchbox 'Toy' Cars or with top view drawings on card stock. In the second
case the figures of individuals in vehicles are placed about where they are in
the vehicle and the the card vehicle and figures are moved as a unit on the
matt. Horses are simulated by a tear droped shaped piece of clear plastic,
mounted PC's are placed on the plastic.
As to the cast of thousands I use small plastic poker chips (about 3/4
of an inch in diameter) which I numbered with paint. Not particuly visually
pleasing, but it works.
As to figures, in addition to the Ral Partha and Grenadier Shadowrun
figure lines I also use RP's Spies and Private Eye Range and thier TW2000ish
Range (out of production but often found at convention flea markets and in dusty
stockrooms). From Prince August...Future Shock/Bitume range (Cyberpunk meets Mad
Max) [Prince August Gaming,Small Dole, HENFIELD BN5 9XH, UK...there is a Swedish
address also but I cannot tell where it starts] An intersting mix of figures
including motorcycles and one of a kid on skateboard with teddybear and uzi.
Metal Magic (Wargames USA) has a Call of Cathuloish line some figures of which
can be used or modified. For that matter RPs and Grenadiers Roaring Twenties
lines also have some figures that are useful. I also scout any new 25mm line
military or other wise for usefull figures.
I also convert and modify metal figures to produce one of a kind
figures. A lot can be done with a sharp Xacto Knife and small files and bits of
metal and plastic. A Head transplant can make quite a differnce with little work
(it is expensive as it takes two figures to make one). Painting can also make
for a custom figure. As to making figures to fitt a PC I have done it for others
but not for my self (everytime I have, the character dies right after the figure
is finished I tend to work the other way..figure first then character.)
I will not bore the list with a detailed discusstion of how to modify or
paint figures (E-mail me questions and I will be happy to answer them off the
list) but I offer the following hints 1. use White Glue (Elmer's..Watersoluble)
to munt figures on bases. It makes them eazy to remove if broken. 2. prime all
metal figures before painting 3. Use a clear spray varnish (Testor's Gloss Coat
or Dull Coat) to protect your painted figure from wear and softdrinks a proerly
coated figure can be safely washed if needed. And if you Gloss Coat first then
dull coat you can tell when it is time to recoat the figure. 4. Flexable plastic
figures (Airfix) don't hold paint well (the plastic is more flexable then the
paint) your hard work quickly flakes off. 5. the washable markers sold for
marking mats do wash if removed at the end of a sestion, otherwise it some times
marks the matt permently. Oh yes read the lable on the markers the perment ones
are.
As to rules I use the standard game rules. The number of squares is used
to determine range, movement and the like. NPCs and Civilans are placed where I
want them (when I GM of course) the PC's (starting postion) are placed by me
after consultation with the player.
MInatures are worth trying. Besides it provides yet something more to
occupy our time.
David Hinkley
dhinkley@***.org
