Future of metal figures

[Maenoferren]

Anyone remember the hair roller miniatures?

yep I do 
I even knicked my Mum's and made an American civil war army 

[Leman]

Nice one!

[Hertsblue]

Yes - they were pretty dire

[Leman]

Ok, but they did effectively fill a few pages of an early issue of Miniature Wargames

[Chad]

With retirement not far away, I can no longer think of buying 28mm, despite some of the splendid new models. My wargame colleague and I were discussing it last weekend and both wish we were younger, because the present range of 6mm and 10mm figures is growing and is size for size of at least as good quality modelling. For me the depth of my pocket (or lack of it) determines the prices I can afford and therefore the figures I can by. So one pack of 30 figures from Pendraken at £3-50 = 3 x 28mm. No brainer for me.

Chad

[Hertsblue]

Ok, but they did effectively fill a few pages of an early issue of Miniature Wargames

I've probably still got it squirreled away somewhere.

With retirement not far away, I can no longer think of buying 28mm,

Chad

Yeah, me too. Mind you, I sold my last 25/28mm in 1978 so I've been preparing for a long time

[Leman]

Yes, and I'm retired as of Sept.1st so I've been stockpiling. Although money will be tighter painting skills have improved with age (as have the paints). 7 boxes of plastic Perry WOR, plus sundry guns, personalities and cavalry. Should keep me happy for a while. Similarly Warlord ECW stuff, not to mention my 10mm medievals, French, Prussian and Austrian armies, SYW Prussians and a friend's Britannic Majesty's Army in North Germany. Not to mention a shed load of 15mm ACW to complete for REGTal Fire and Fury. I envisage the brush having to be prised from my fingers at some unspecified date in the future.
DP

[Chad]

I've got 10mm WSS to finish. 10mm 1859/70 figures in 'stock'. 10mm LoA to buy. 10mm Napoleonics 1805-07 building. 15mm French Revolution part painted and my last few 28mm to finish. Not sure what to do in 2012! )

Chad

[Leman]

World War One Eastern Front looks interesting Chad.

[tarkus29]

Very interesting and thought provoking response from you all. Many thanks.
As a follow up to this thread I was wondering how many of us, if metal figures were to become too expensive or unavailable, would be prepared to have a go at designing and casting their own figures (with the surplus figures they have around).
Perhaps just take up Chess instead?? 

[Chad]

My modelling capabilities are zero (or less)!! I barely get by with a reasonable paint job.

Puritan - You misunderstand. With the amount I have to paint and the time I have available, it will take me well into 2012 to complete them all. 

Chad

[Hertsblue]

As a follow up to this thread I was wondering how many of us, if metal figures were to become too expensive or unavailable, would be prepared to have a go at designing and casting their own figures (with the surplus figures they have around).

I have done exactly that in the past. It's surprising how many wargaming buddies are prepared to contribute superannuated figures to the melting pot. It's making the masters that is the drawback.

[Pruneau]

I have a big bag of old 28 mm metal that I could ad to the melting pot (makes David Brent handmove)

[Leman]

I tried casting my own as a kid. They looked absolutely s**t!
DP

[Hertsblue]

It's all down to the master. You can't cast a great figure out of a rubbish master. If you can find someone who can sculpt lock him (or her) in the coal-shed until they come up with a great master