Miniature Marvels

1mm 17th C. Pike and Shot

Review by Nick Nascati

Yes, 1mm! The ultimate in wargaming figures, these miniscule masterpieces are sold in full armies only at a figure to man ratio of 1 to 5. I purchased a late 17th century Pike and Shot army of over 1,000 figures for less than the price of two regiments of 25mm foot.

The detail on the figures must be seen to be believed and under my sight-saver magnifying glass, I can actually discern faces on the little critters. Painting the figures is wonderful, along with the figures you can purchase a set of specially designed paint styluses that allow you to apply the small amounts of paint needed for the figures. The styluses are similar to a felt-tip pen, but they are filled with acrylic paint!

The range at this time offers armies for the entire Pike and Shot era; naturally in this scale, some of the figures are interchangeable so that one Ottoman army can be used against foes from a variety of periods. The company also offers figures for Ancient, Medieval and Napoleonic armies.

The possibilities are limitless; you can fight a large battle in an area the size of a desk blotter and set up entire countries on a standard size ping-pong table. The figures give new meaning and life to campaign games. At the present time, terrain, etc., must be scratchbuilt but the catalog indicates that buildings and terrain items are forthcoming.

Concerning compatability and use, that is really a moot point, obviously no one else makes figures in this scale but the line is quite extensive and except for terrain, etc., already mentioned, gamers should have no problem recreating any military force of early modern Europe from 1450 to 1700.

Rating the figures,- well, that's a problem. I feel that I have to give the entire range a solid 5.0 simply because of the tremendous achievement Miniature Marvels has created.

For anyone gullible enough to take this review seriously, write for lists to: Miniature Marvels, Ltd., 17 April Road, Fools Glen, Hole in the Head, Nova Scotia.

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