miniatures – Outland Games

NEXT UP: Geomorphic Terrain Boards…

Though I managed to lose the documentary videos and pics of how I made these boards from start to finish, I DO have one board about ready. I plan on making a video on how I finished the boards, but that will have to wait until warm weather, since I will be using clear resin for the river/water effects. Still, here are some ideas of what I have been doing for this…

I put these together, as 2×2 foot squares. The rivers link up at the center of the boards and roads at the corners. I put together a 2×2 frame out of high quality 1×2 inch boards. These I then mounted on a MDF backing. Next I glued on cut Styrofoam as the basic forms of the terrain. The covered this all with water putty. The drying for that took about a week. Then I covered it all with a heavy coat of green acrylic paint. The 8 boards I made have been sitting on the rack with casters I build since October. I now have time to tackle each board, one at a time, with all the details except for the actual resin for water.

I will document details as I go.

Here are some samples of the boards, so far:

I painted on the roads. For the river beds I used PVA glue to hold small rocks (really cheap aquarium rocks from the large pet store that came in a gallon tub for about 2 Dollars). I added some coarse sand with PVA glue. After drying, I washed the rivers with a heavy brown/green wash, following up with a more brown wast for the rest of the board.

Some of the boards have short, cut off roads and rivers. That allows me to connect boards in various directions.

I painted those larger aquarium rocks black and drybrushed these with greys of different sorts.

I got a cheap spray bottle from the local hardware store. I mixed up some PVA with water and heavily coated the board, about a quarter of the board at a time. Then I used as manual flocking gun (I will show one of those later sometime) to evenly cover the area I had sprayed glue on. I let that dry for a few days, then sprayed over the flocking with the PVA mix, soaking it well. This helps keep the flocking secure. Once I am done with that quarter of the board, I go to the next one.

The edges are all the same, uniform height since the 1×2 inch boards are the frame. I did that to secure the edges so they resist damage and slide next to each board better. I use that spray bottle on those boards last to cover the edges, trying to match all the board edges as best I can. I vary the flocking colors a bit. I also add some static grass with a static grass applicator (there are lots of online videos on how to do this) here and there. Once I have completed the resin river water, I will add that sort of static grass to the river banks.

A nearly completed board:

This one is more flat. I tried to vary each board so the effect is a variety. The terrain is not completely authentic looking as it would be with a train layout or formal diorama. The more ‘gaming’ look is necessary for the miniatures games I envision. These boards will be useful for games up to 15mm scale, though I want to mostly use 10mm and microarmor scales on these.

I also made some hedge-lined fields. The 15mm versions use cut felt sheets, some 8×8 inches, and others larger in dimensions. I line the edges with cut scrubbing pads, which are green and come in bundles of 5 or 10 at the discount store. I cut them into strips and glue them down on the felt. Then I garnish these with train layout scenery foliage. The reason I use the felt is it remains flexible and conforms to rolling terrain. It works great.

But for microarmor, or 10mm scales, this is too out of scale for the look I am after:

So I went to a big box home building store and got a bunch of free sample squares from the carpet department.

I then garnished these with the same model train foliage and added some tiny wall sections for a gate looking effect.

This works great for microarmor scales and 10mm…

A Review of the Outland Games 25mm Landsknechts figures.

Someone I know was kind enough to review some of the Outland Games Landsknechts figures line. I have to correct him on one minor item…I did not sculpt the original figures. I modified them, though, for my casting molds. I need to contact the sculptor and see if he grants me permission to mention his name here.

Landsknecht Pikeman, Command and Mounted Men-At-Arms Miniature Review by Outland Games

The Landsknecht pikemen were deadly rivals of the famed Swiss Pikemen and a staple of European Renaissance armies, known for their colorful and flamboyant dress as well as their deadly use of pikes. In this review, I’ll be looking at some, which on his website are marketed as 25mm, but blend seamlessly with several 28mm manufactures, miniatures by Outland Games, representing these glorious soldiers.

[name redacted by poster], owner and sculptor of the Outland Games Landsknecht line sent me the miniatures in a USPA flat-rate box, bagged, and wrapped in a plastic blister. The packaging provided excellent protection for all but one of the minis during shipping. A Hauptman’s polearm was damaged and I replaced it with brass wire and a spearhead.

Figure 1: Outland Games Sample Figures Provided

The sculpting on this miniature is top-notch. The poses are dynamic, representing the pikemen at rest, and a few as if they’re entering battle with the pike held at an angle as if preparing to thrust. The facial details are excellent, with a strong expression of determination. Most are wearing slashed sleeves and flamboyant feathered hat, which are faithfully recreated, lending to their distinct, iconic look. The lads posed for battle are depicted in armor, which is also meticulously detailed, making it stand out in any battle lineup.

These figures are cast in a softer alloy, which holds detail well without being too brittle, yet easily worked. Some minor mold lines are visible but easy to clean up. The metal castings are sturdy, making them easy to handle during clean up, assembly, and painting.

The miniatures came individually cast without pikes. The mounted men were cast separately from the horse. The Drummer had his drum cast attached. The pikes were simple wire pikes sourced from another manufacturer. A simple pin vice drilled the hole through the hand and the pike was superglued in place. I had no issues with either clean up or assembly. I did take the doubles of the figures supplied and swapped heads with some resin sculpts I bought from Etsy.

Figure 2: Outland Games Landsknecht Pikemen at Rest, ready for their primer.

The level of detail on this miniature provides plenty of opportunities for highlighting, shading, and adding intricate patterns to the clothing. The folds in the fabric are deep and clearly defined, which should help with shadow work. The surface texture of the metal alloy is smooth and holds the primer paint well, making it a dream to work on for any painter.

Listed as 25mm they blend with 28mm Landsknecht offered by other miniature companies in that scale. The Hauptman stands slightly taller than some other Landsknecht in my collection, but as people are of differing stature, there is no issue putting a larger man in charge of a unit.

Figure 3: Manufactures from L-R: Old Glory 25s, Perry Miniatures Plastic European Mercenaries, Warlord Games Plastic Landsknecht, Outland Games Pikeman, Warlord Games Metal Landsknecht, Foundry Miniatures Landsknecht, and Steel Fist Miniatures.

Figure 4: Outland Games Landsknecht Hauptman, ready for primer.

Figure 5: Foundry Miniatures Mounted Landsknecht Officer, Outland Games Man-at-Arms, Perry Miniatures plastic Man-at-Arms.

Overall, they are exceptional Landsknecht miniatures that combine historical accuracy with convincing sculpting. They’re perfect for those who appreciate fine detail and want additional figures to expand the variety in their units making them stand out on the battlefield. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to add a touch of Renaissance history to their wargame forces.

Rating: 9/10

Dan [last name redacted for privacy reasons]

Thanks Dan for the lovely comments. NOW we both need to complete painting up our regiments for might Landsknechts clash at some big miniatures gaming show like Historicon!