Dave Krabel of The Tin Soldier in Centerville, OH, offers a painting service that I wanted to make everyone aware of. This way, you can send your figs out to be painted but still keep them close by.

Dave's philosophy is kind of like the old Burger King commercials -- you can have it your way! You choose what color primer you want, whether you want it washed, inked or dipped (or none of them), and a dull or glossy spray finish. This lets you customize the project and enables you to provide some uniformity (no pun intended) on the appearance of your troops. By doing this, Dave can better try to match the already painted minis in your collection.

Most of the painted 10mm and 15mm troops I have seen have been black primed and dry brushed, while the 25mm's tend to be primed white, washed and dipped. In each case, they are very well done figures. I don't like to rate painting on a 1-10 scale and neither does Dave, so he wouldn't rate his own figs. I will just say that Dave's "Tabletop Quality" figs are above average in appearance and are nicer than most of us would do. The "Collector Quality" figs are works of art.

For an extra fee Dave will base your figs to whatever rule set you use. I must also say that I like the little bits of rock and fluff that Dave puts on his bases, particularly individually mounted 25mm figs. I think a good base takes a paint job just one notch higher on the aesthetic scale. In case you are wondering, Dave is currently whittling away on 96 Lord of the Rings figs for me. Then he is going to paint another 96 when he's done! I've got some old 15mm WW II stuff that might be the next to go.

Discounts are given to HMGS and GDWC members, as well as for large quantity orders. Dave strives for a quick turn-around time on small orders (less than 25 25mm figs or 50 15mm figs). Although not listed on the price guide, Dave also paints 6mm and 54mm figures. He also has a terrain building service, whether you want a stand alone piece or a large modular game board.

Painting Fees

The first price listed is for tabletop quality and the second is for collector quality. Double the price listed for a horse mounted figure. 28mm: $5.75/$8.00 and up 20mm or 1/72: $3.75/$6.00 15mm: $.75/$1.50 (The price for vehicles varies)

In short, Dave is a good "brush man." Give him a call and make arrangements to see his work for yourself. If you live too far away, send him a small test order, I don't think you will be disappointed. Contact Dave Krabel at (937) 433-3898.

Reviews: Armorer's Forge

Dave Krabel Miniature Painting Service
Gladiator Games 28mm Skraelings Figure Review.
In the Name of Rome: The Men who Won the Roman Empire Book Review.