a history of the
ROMAN MILITARY
* table-top wargaming
& toy soldiers
25-28mm HISTORIC MINIATURE GUIDE
The ideal scale for wargaming, 25mm-28mm toy soldiers are small enough to fit a large army on a table, yet big enough to show indivdual details. This hobby is dominated by English manufacturers. Here I have listed my favorites. You can buy directly from their websites.
25-28mm PLASTICS
Wargames Factory
This company has a range of plastic late Republican Romans and Celts developed in conjunction with Osprey Publishing’s new wargame rules, Field of Glory. First release date is May 23, 2008. The "greens" look like some nice figures. The helmets on their Optio and Centurion look a little wonky, but that might be due to the limitations of plastic, rather than an uninformed sculptor.
Warlord Games
This UK company is selling 28mm plastic Early Imperial Romans and Celts. Release date May 12th. If you get a copy of the latest Wargames illustrated Magazine, there is a free sample included!
25-28mm METALS
1st Corps
Check out 1st Corps' Spartacus slave revolt figures. They wear an interesting mix of gladiator and captured legion equipment. They have a nice set of Roman builders. Judging by the hairstyles, I think they were sculpted in the 1980s!
A and A Miniatures
has a very nice line of 3rd century AD Romans, an era in Roman history overlooked by most other manufacturers.
Amazon Miniatures
Has a well established ancients line. A good source for livestock (if you play PigWars).
Steve Barber Miniatures
is a one man producer of some unique figures. Among his Roman line are gladiators, charioteers and spectators. His cavemen and prehistoric animals are cool too!
Black Tree Design
Although there are Black Tree websites represententing many countries, all products are shipped from the UK. Black Tree sells nice sets of Romans, Celts, and other ancients. They also have several ancient villager sets in peaceful poses. It looks like they is also setting up a manufacturing location in the US soon.
Foundry
The Foundry offers some of the most highly regarded in this scale. Unfortunately, they are also among the most expensive. They have a tremendous number of historic ranges, all of exceptional quality. Noted miniature sculptors on their sets are the Perry brothers and Mark Copplestone.
Gripping Beast
Gripping Beast produces well sculpted and well priced minis. They concentrate on Dark Age era sets, but also have tons of great Republican and Imperial Romans. Impressively, Gripping Beast sells livestock models that are breed specific to the Dark Ages. They offer Manx sheep, Highland Cattle and hairy swine.
Magister Militum
Once again, a UK company producing a nice line of ancients. They own the line once put out by Navigator Miniatures. A good place if you're looking for Parthians.
Mega Miniatures
This is one of two American companies in my list. Mega Miniatures is an eBay store specializing in fantasy models. However, they do have a large and growing range of 28mm scale animals. The models are well sculpted and VERY well priced—only $1 each! They have livestock appropriate to any ancient farm and wild animals. Many of their fantasy human models are generic enough to fit in with a historic army.
Old Glory Miniatures (US)
Old Glory Miniatures (Europe)
This U.S. company puts out a great solid line of ancients. You can order their figures directly from their website. They also sell various wargame rule books. Old Glory has a UK site too.
Renegade Miniatures
Has a nice line of Celts, but their swords look way out of proportion!
Vendel Miniatures
This U.K. company produces a nice line of Classical Greeks as well as a brilliant range of Lord of the Rings inspired fantasy figures. The Vendel Macedonian figures are nice enemies for Republican era Romans.