I was headed toward the computer when I read Hal's comments on 10mm figures. having authored two articles on the subject for Historical Gamer, I have had a long look at the possibilities; surrounding these diminutive fellows. I shall endeavor to answer all of Hal's questions and leave with a survey of what's available (that I know of at the time of this writing).

What's the Scale?

It is fortunate that 10mm figures are almost the same scale as N-Gauge trains (they are 9mm). This makes finding and building terrain among the easiest of all war game scales. Like their larger cousins, however, the scale of each company tends to vary (see comments about each company). I've used 10mm figures; on 15mm stands with great success, since I to buy the larger 10mm figs. If you use some of the smaller figures, you can double the amount of figures; for each 15mm stand. You pay your money and you do as you please ....

Cost?

Cheaper than most 15mm figures. Let's take a look at AIM miniatures: 20 infantry for $2.60; that's 13 cents per figure. A real bargain when you consider the quality of the casting and its size (about 12mm). The average cost (in lead) of my 10mm DBA armies is $7.50, so I know that it is about half the coast of 15mm. The quality varies from one company to the next, but the best are every bit as good in detail and crispness as the best 15mm's.

Painting?

The painting depends on the casting. Using AIM figures as an example, I paint each casting four times faster than a 15mm figure, but only twice as fast as a 6mm figure. The best way to paint AIM and most 10mm figures is to prime them in black and then carefully apply paint. (Note: I don't use the term "dry-brush," the term I use is "semi-dry-brush.") Working about three hours/day, I can finish 150 figures in five days;. (And I must mention that I'm a slow painter.)

The Cons

Not all is cherry with 10mm, though. Some of the figures are cast out of pewter and tend to easily break from their bases. Those of you that have used 5 or 6mm figures know what I talking about. Another problem is that there are few rules out there for 10mm. One set of rules (which covers quite a period) written for this scale is THE COMPLETE BRIGADIER. ON TO RICHMOND was also originally written for this scale. Many 6mm rules sets can be utilized by doubling the size and movement rates. This being said, I think this is one of the most under appreciated scales of the hobby.

Where to purchase these figures:

Domestic (Available in the USA/Canada)

GHQ (21800 Woodside Road, Shorewood, MN 55331; 1-800-BUY-1945). Some of the first 10mm figures I ever saw were from the GHQ ACW line. Their Rebellion Miniatures offer a comprehensive line of American Civil War infantry, cavalry and especially artillery. They are a mid-size 10mm figure. Most people are aware of the crispness and precision of their micro armor; well, the same holds true for this line. Call them up and buy some samples and see for yourself. (As with most lines, I can't describe the detail you'll just have to see to believe the attention to detail and beauty of this scale.)

Chariot Miniatures/Pharaoh's Arms (Box 579, Merrickville, Ont., Canada, KOG 1NO-, 613-2692557) Slightly larger than the GHQ figures is Chariot. They are small enough, though, to fit in with GHQ reasonably well. They carry a large range of ACW figures and growing ranges of Franco-Prussian War and British Colonial (Zulu War). These are pewter figures; and are rather delicate. The upside of that feature is that there is a considerable amount of detail found on each casting. The British Colonial range is a favorite of mine.

AIM/Division After Division (11107 Finchly Road, Louisville, KY 40243) Hands down my most favorite manufacturer of figures. They are a large 10mm, so they fit very well with 15mm stands and rules. They are very inexpensive (20 inf.= $2.65). They have a vast and still growing range of figures; (see the ad in MWAN). They are very easy to paint and look terrific. There is a large range of ancients, a medium size range of American Civil War and small Dark Age range, and a growing English Civil War range and they are beginning a new line of Napoleonics. Rush to your post office and mail a check away for some samples and you'll be impressed. (Division After Division also carries Chariot 10mm figures.)

From Across the Pond:

Conflict Miniatures (927 Leighton Road, Hartley vale, Plymouth, Devon, PL3 5RT, UK) Conflict (as well as the next three on the list) produce a small 10mm figure. Do you remember Mike's Models? Well, these are the Mike's Models of 10mm, squat with big heads. They do have a broad range of ancients and medievals inc. some good Asian ancients. They have a Zulu War line and a Wellington in India range (my favorite of the bunch). Four of the new ranges include Lace Wars, ECW/30 Yrs War, Spanish Civil War and Napoleonics. These figures are very sturdy. They also make a range of 10mm scenic items, such as tents and huts.

Bello Wargames (88 Deerswood Court, Ifield, Crawley, West Sussex, RHII OHF, UK) One of the oldest producers in the field of 10mm figures. They look like those described above, with higher quality production. He produces ancients, Lace Wars, AWI, ACW, Crimean, FrancoPrussian, Austro-Prussian, British Colonials and especially Napoleonics. He also offers rules and scenic accessories.

Warrior Miniatures (14 Tiverton Ave., Glasgow, G32 9NX, Scotland) Styled as described above, they are especially compatible with Conflict's figures. Their ranges include: Romans, Celts, Modem (?) US and USSR, and a very small range of W.W.II.

Wargames South (24 Cricketers Close. Ockly, Surry RH5 5BA, UK) One of the easiest figures to paint; I really enjoyed splashing some paint on their ACW line before they dropped it. They have a very comprehensive range of W.W.II. Their packs almost always include several variations of the subject. Besides W.W.II they have a decent Franco-Prussian War line and a Hundred Years War line (the latter only if you write and ask for it politely!). They are available in the USA, but I've lost the address! These are large 10mm figures and would fit well with AIM and Chariot.

Irregular Miniatures (69a Holgate Road, York Y02 4EP, UK) Known for having the best mail order service on God's green earth, Irregular has taken the plunge into the 10mm market. (This gives one hope that 10mm is not a passing fancy.) They have a 10mm Marlburian line with 27 figures, a Dark Age line with 12 figures, some misc. items (sheep, houses, etc... ) and a 36 figure ACW line. Sounds impressive, though I have not seen them yet. Infantry priced at around 13 cents each.

There are others, I'm sure (Skytrex, and Iron Brigade come to mind), but these are the companies I've dealt with in the past. This scale is a great for anyone looking for the cost and size of 6mm and the visual effect of 15mm. And with new figures being produced and more companies entering the field, it looks like this scale will be around for a while.