Nearly 50 choices of Bases with first MDF codes added plus Discounts

Our news and releases this week are additions to our wide array of bases for miniatures.  Five new packs of MDF Wooden bases as squares and circles to kick us off and we will work towards putting all our existing sizes in resin and metal into this medium too.

As with our metal and resin round and square bases we offer these MDF codes in packs of twenty with saver options to purchase 50,100 or 500 with more off at each level.  All of these bases are 2mm thick.  Here are the new codes:

MDF001 20mm Square (Straight Edged)  

MDF002 25mm Square (Straight Edged) 

MDF003 30mm Square (Straight Edged)

MDF004 16mm Round

MDF005 20mm Round

Alongside the satisfying weight of metal bases and the thicker grip and comfort of resin bases the prime advantage of MDF is its light weight and its affordability to you.  Above are examples of what you could do with these new bases.  The 16mm round is ideal for Laserburn while the 20mm round suits HOF 15mm Sci-fi and SHM Range.  The 20mm square is great for Goblins and the 25mm square goes with any of typical 28mm scale such as Erin Celtic Mythology.  The larger 30mm square is ideal for Ogres or smaller Artillery such as our Mountain Gun.

Our current Deals and Offers will be ending next week on 21st August just before our massive release for the month and our Summer Sizzler Event begins..but more on that next time.  So check them out if you want to save 5% to 50% off select items.

We like to give our customers a treat so there is always something free in every package shipped out by us here in Scotland.  Until 2nd September 2024 it is the last part of three of the Devilish Imps.  Two any scale miniatures with burning braziers.  Those of you who have been ordering in June and July to get the previous eight poses can now get the last two! Read about this in the ARTICLE.  Totally free in orders included automatically.

Thank you for Reading!

Five new resin slot codes added to our wide array of bases

With the welcoming of Halcyon Miniatures to Alternative Armies we took on our first miniatures without integral bases of their own.  Thus ‘slot bases’ were created by us to be supplied for free with every Halcyon figure; which have ‘tabs’ under them.  We originally had no intention of offering them on their own but you asked and we provide!  

Now on our Bases for Miniatures pages are five sizes in two types of slot bases in resin.  A small 20mm round base ideal for familiars and very small creatures.  A 30mm round base for Human sized miniatures and a 40mm round base for Ogres and other larger miniatures.  The other type is denoted ‘W’ for Wide and comes in 30mm and 40mm round with a wider slot for those miniatures with thicker tabs.  All these can be had in packs of ten or select a single base in any amount on the page.

We have a wide array of resin bases in our range from 20mm round to 100mm round and 20mm square to 50mm square plus others such as Troop Element Trays, Lifter Bases, specialist sized bases and Sengoku Monster Hunter Tokens.

As well as those offerings we have many different sizes of metal bases as well for those who wish weight under their miniatures such as the popular thin 16mm round for 15mm scale miniatures. Also flying bases for bikes and plastic display domes for your painted miniatures.

Our Battlefield Bits Range has loads of things to liven up your table.  Many different mounts such as the shown Highland Cows (riding and limber), Boars, Pigs, Dodo, Lizard, Camel and Horses as well as bits and sprues (fruit, pies, carrots, feathers, weapons etc) of more than twenty choices.  Wheels, Tents and Barrels and other scenics.

Thanks!

Wolfliche paints 15mm Laserburn aliens

Shared with kind permission and taken from Instagram the painter Wolfliche has his collection of Laserburn Aliens in 15mm scale.

A crew of vile space pirates. They are from left to right:

GA6 Rock Alien

GA8b Smat Raider in power armor

GA5 Zodite

GA4 Furback

GA8a Smat Raider

GA10 Shantek Cyborg with Sun Gun

You can find all of these on the website in page four of the Laserburn and Asgard range.  Very different aliens for your games.

Close up of the Zodite and Furback.

You can also see that Wolfliche has some of our 15mm Ion Age Terrain as well as a backdrop to his picture.  From left to right an IAF015 Hab Dome, an IAF064B Storage Geo Shelter and a IAF015J Smashed Hab Dome.  These go excellently with Laserburn.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Vroom Beasts rare sci-fi creatures 1980s by Asgard return

Two of the rarest aliens in the classic Asgard Science Fiction Range are now returned to the world once more.  Our last news for February 2022. Joining the Warbirds, Gorgory, Froog, Szithks, Centalons, Thulgs, Glax and others in the combined Asgard and Tabletop page of the website.  1980's cool which Alternative Armies is happy to say is available once more.

There are two of these aliens one armed and one with claws.  Little is known of them outside of some artwork and description for the rules set Combat 3000 where it seems they have poor eyesight, move a lot by hopping and have excellent hearing.  As you can see here they work well in 28mm scale and in 15mm scale.  Stood next to an Alternate Stars power armoured trooper and a Security Force Alpha Trooper too.

A great addition to a collection of critters for you on the gaming table.  Here is SF6 and SF6a from all sides.  Very odd aliens indeed!

We decided upon a fleshy take with the painting but you could paint them up in almost any way I think.

This is our last release of the month at Alternative Armies and we have a great deal of science fiction to choose from.  Have you checked out the 28mm Ion Age Range or the Space Marines and Adventurers?  How about the 15mm Laserburn and Asgard Range or the 15mm SHM and Star Vikings Range?

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

New print runs bring books into stock January 2022

Back at the start of the month we told you in the news announcement that four books out of print would have new print runs made here in Scotland and be returned to the website.  

This has now happened and you can find all of our books on the WEBSITE in one page or their own ranges plus DIGITAL PAID DOWNLOADS of many of these titles on their own page too.

Patrol Angis the core book in its series is back in print and it gives you skirmish rules for The Ion Age.  Get it in print or as a digital title as well as its sequels Callsign Taranis and The Khanate Return HERE on the website.  There is also a game pack which comes with the book plus miniatures and a free extra unique Knight Errant miniature and free bases too.  See the 15mm Ion Age range for all the miniatures and you can play it with the 28mm Ion Age miniatures too.

The classic Laserburn 15mm scale science fiction skirmish rules are back in print.  See them as well as two other titles for the game and the miniatures range on the website.  

Escape the Dark Czar the beginners introduction to Flintloque is back in print.  As part of the ten miniature game pack or on its own you get core rules plus characters and scenarios to set you off on Valon in the frozen hell of the retreat from Moskova.  Go to the Begin in Flintloque page for this and free content and suitable miniatures.

The forth game book in the Flintloque series is back in print.  Bier and Bones covers the central Urop theatre of the Mordredian Wars.  The battles between the Ferach Empire and the Ostarian Empire as well as Krautia and the petty stattes of the Confederation of Finklestein.  Get it in print and as a digital download as well as a shilling starter pack with miniatures.  The current Bier Wars project to create the entire army of the Legion de Nain is set in this title.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Szithk Commandos and Froog Power Armour classic Tabletop return

We are delighted to return three more classic 1980's science fiction miniatures to the combined Tabletop Games and Asgard Miniatures page of the website.  Our thanks to Mark Stevenson in this and joining the mighty Thulgs, the many legged Centalons and the feline Mrurz are two Szithk and a Froog.  Go HERE for all that we have brought back to the world.

The 'new' codes are:

TSF3 Szithk Commando Leader on Foot

TSF5 Szithk firing Projector

TSF13 Froog in Power Armour

These are great for any game system classically or more recent.  They are larger versions of the 15mm Laserburn range codes 'FR' and 'SZ'.

One of the finest models (in our opinion) from 1980's science fiction is the Szithk War Bird which last year we brought back to the world giving a smile to many.  The rider upon TSF1Male Warbird with Wings is the same reptilian soldier as the new returned TSF3 so you can represent that character mounted or on foot.

The TSF60 Gorgory is a fine ally to the Szithk as both are lizard or reptile type aliens.  See the whole range HERE.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Thulgs and One Eyed Glax return Tabletop Games and Asgard Science Fiction

Now restored and on the Alternative Armies website three more classic miniatures by Tabletop Games and Asgard.  As we continue to restore the 1980's 25mm to 28mm scale metal figures these follow up on the Large Sadistic Demons and the Szithks Warbirds, the Gorgory and Orts.  

This time it is two Thulgs giant reptilian aliens and the One Eyed Glax a strange creature indeed.  See what is in this combined range HERE on the website.

TSF50 Thulg bounty Hunter with heavy gyro bolt pistol and power mace.  Standing 50mm tall this large reptilian alien is by Tabletop Games and comes from the Laserburn range; a larger incarnation of the 15mm scale Thulg.  Great for any system.

TSF51 Thulg bounty hunter in partial light armour and gyro pistol. Standing 50mm tall this large reptilian alien is by Tabletop Games and comes from the Laserburn range; a larger incarnation of the 15mm scale Thulg.  Great for any system.

SF30 One Eyed Glax.  A strange alien creature armed with a laser pistol.  Standing 22mm tall to the top of its body this miniature from Asgard and is great in any game system.

The miniature used for a 28mm scale comparison is an Ion Age 28mm scale Retained Knight (IB23). 

Some of the finest miniatures from the 1980's decade, in our opinion, the Warbirds and Gorgory are right at home on any gaming table. These were a pleasure to restore to the world and we will continue with further returned classics across this year.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Imperial Commander battle level in the Laserburn universe returns

Now back in print a new run of the classic battle level rules in the Laserburn universe written by the late Richard Halliwell.  Imperial Commander in stock at Alternative Armies alongside Laserburn and Advanced Laserburn books.  Go HERE for the range or read on.

Squad level using army lists for Imperial, Redemptionists, Law Officers and others at about fifty figures a side.  While meant for 15mm scale it can be used in other scales with ease.  A thirty two page book which comes with two separate card sheets for quick reference and blast markers.  A 'classic title' re-print in A4 upsized from the 1981 original A5 booklet. In print only and no digital download version.

Easy to put into play and if you have a collection of Laserburn miniatures or others you can easily get into Imperial Commander.

We have been asked if we will produce 'army packs' for Imperial Commander as we have done with value packs and game pack with book for Laserburn.  We may well do this and if you have any ideas for an army you would like to see made up from the existing range (such as Imperials from the '300' series of figures) then do let us know on sales@alternative-armies.com. On another front we will continue to restore the books for Laserburn and also Combat 3000 as time proceeds.  If you have a title you wish to ask about then by all means contact us on email and we will let you know its status.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Imperial Commander out of print and RIP Richard Halliwell

Update 17th May 2021.  The book is now in a new print run and returned to the website on the links below.  Thank you. GBS

In the final hours of our March to War 2021 event the print run of Imperial Commander sold out.  We learned soon afterwards that its author the wargaming legend Richard Halliwell had sadly passed away. We will have the book back in stock hopefully during May and will let you all known when it happens. Go HERE for the Laserburn and Asgard 15mm range. Our thoughts are with Richard Halliwell's family at this sad time and you can read more HERE on ICv2.  

Imperial Commander was published initially in 1981 and deals with a more mass combat in the Laserburn universe rather than character focused skirmishing of the core rules.  Written to stand on their own these rules assumed thirty to fifty miniatures a side.

If you would like a see more about Laserburn there is an excellent video Codex Compliant by Snipe and Wib channel. An eighteen minute look at the Laserburn rule book and the fiction and rules of this classic game.  They may move onto looking at Imperial Commander in the future if asked.

Thank you for your time.

GBS

Szithks War Birds male and female classic kits released

Alternative Armies is delighted to announce the return of re-mastered 1980's classic science fiction kits by Tabletop Games. Originally for the 25mm Laserburn range (see the 15mm Laserburn full range on our website) these war birds are some of the finest metal models of the decade in our opinion and work for a lot of settings.  In fact you could put any rider on them and use them in 28mm and 15mm scales.  Go HERE for the Asgard and Tabletop Science Fiction range.

We are continuing the work to locate and restore the codes in these ranges which have often bee out of production for thirty years or more.  Many models now only exist in the wild as their molds are lost.  Our deepest thanks to Mark Stevenson for his input in this restoration. Now onto these feathered fiends! There are two different warbirds and you can choose the kits or parts of the male kit.

TSF01 Szithks Male Winged Warbird with Rider

Composed of the body of the warbird, a separate leg, two wings, a saddle and a Lizardmen holding long rifle (Szithk) plus a code specific metal base.  Note the wings will require pinning to stay in place as with the original release of this model. Once put together the model is 50mm tall, 100mm wingspan and 60mm total length.  The saddle is 30mm tall. This model works in several scales.  

Go HERE. You can choose from a complete kit of all the parts or the Bird with Wings on its own, the Rider only (no weapon) or the saddle only. 

TSF02 Szithks Female Warbird

A giant Warbird the wingless female.  Great for any system. Composed of the body of the warbird, a separate leg and a code unique base. Once put together the model is 50mm tall and 60mm total length.  The base is 30mm long. This model works in several scales.  

Go HERE for this beast.

We have Lizardman on Giant Lizard as well as Orts and Weapons Set plus all of the Large Sadistic Demons on the website.  Well worth a browse HERE.

The super and classic Asgard Space Marines are on the website.  The entire 28mm range HERE and you can see the 15mm versions HERE too.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Advanced Laserburn back in print!

A new print run of the classic expansion to Laserburn is now with us and available on the website.  Go HERE for the Laserburn and Asgard 15mm range.

The book contains more material for Laserburn such as character development rules, robotics, firing expansions, aliens, androids and history. Also rules for alien races the Froogs, Szithks, Mrurz, Thulgs and Centalons.  It is A4 format and 54 pages.  Here is the contents page from the book (this image is on the book page of the site too full size).

Lots to read and bolts right onto the core book.

We have the entire classic line of miniatures and vehicles on the website brought back to the world.  There is also a great value starter set which has the core rule book plus figures all with a saving.  See it and all else HERE.

Lastly there are some great videos online about this range.  See our BLOG for them and enjoy!

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Laserburn videos a book review and a miniatures review

The venerable Laserburn 15mm science fiction range has been a corner stone of the scale and genre since the dawn of the 1980's and Alternative Armies has managed to get every miniature and vehicle as well as many of the print titles back into the world.  Go HERE for the range.  

In this update I am delighted to present two videos which were brought to my attention in the last few weeks and I have now had time to watch and enjoy.  Check them out and leave a comment or a like in your wake.

Laserburn: Warhammer 40,000's Curious Ancestor 

Codex Compliant by Snipe and Wib channel.

An eighteen minute look at the Laserburn rule book and the fiction and rules of this classic game.

Alternative Armies: Laserburn Redemptionists- before Rogue Trader or Necromunda!

Obscurities in Miniature channel.  Looking at the Redemptionist Value Pack.

A twelve minute delve into 15mm miniatures and fun.  Thanks for the kind words guys.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Classic Asgard 25mm miniatures return with Orts and Weapons Set

It is with great pride that Alternative Armies presents to you the first of several re-releases of classic 1980's science fiction miniatures in 25mm scale by Asgard Miniatures. Working alongside wargaming veteran Mark Stevenson who runs the Asgard Miniatures group on Facebook (check it out and join HERE) and who is an avid historian and collector of Asgard we present five codes.  Mark was lucky enough to be able to speak to the sculptor of the 'Orts' Mr Rick Priestley recently and here is what he had to say.

"Some of Rick Priestley's earliest production sculpts for Asgard Miniatures, the 'Inscrutible Orts' were bipedal human size aliens with heads resembling the body of  an octopus. They were originally designed for use with the classic game 'Laserburn' and, later, Combat 3000/3001. Foes of the Asgard Space Marines they were frequently allies of the Trimotes and Mandiblex."

You can see what we have thus far on the Asgard 25mm Science Fiction page and we also have the 15mm scale Asgard as well on the website if you like them smaller.  Here are the codes and their details:

SF3 Weapons Set 2019

This metal 25mm scale code contains a variety of weapons and equipment which are ideally suited not only to the Asgard science fiction range but also to many other ranges too.  Add them to the miniatures or make conversions or scenic items with them.  Note that this is the '2019' version which were sculpted by Sam Croes due to a total lack of mold stock to re-release.  They are new designs done as close to the style of the original 1980's as possible.  Choose from a set with a small saving or use the on screen choices to select parts of the code in any amount.  Use the image provided as a guide by item code. These are as follows: SF3A Displacer Cannon, SF3C Sonic Pistol, SF3D Disintegrator Gun, SF3E Projector Unit, SF3F Power Pack, SF3G Vortex Grenade, SF3H Hunting Blaster, SF3K Assault Laser, SF3L Heavy Laser Cannon and SF3N Heavy Weapon Pedestal (2 pieces) (fits SF3A,K,L).

SF20 Ort with Sonic Gun

SF20A Ort with Assault Laser

SF21 Ort with Sonic Amplifier

SF22 Cyborg Ort of the Sacred Claw

Go HERE for these miniatures.  Images are from the collection of Mark Stevenson and each Ort is 30mm tall to the top of their heads meaning they work well in 28mm scale too.  Supplied Unpainted and without Bases. Get yourself a piece of British wargaming history now brought back to the world!

These are our only Asgard releases for this month but we will return with more after that so keep your peepers peeled.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

USEME Science Fiction Book plus Two Starter Sets and new Free 13 Scenario Bundle

Big news for the end of the month!  UM001 USEME 15mm Science Fiction rules are now back in print!  The powerhouse A6 booklet is online as a paid for download (along with the other titles in the series) but with it now being back in print it means the two starter box sets for the game are also back on the site. Danger on Outpost 32 and Zigguarat of Clem IV both contain a booklet plus miniatures, bases, scenarios at a great price.  Lastly we have a new USEME free scenario bundle number three from Vic Dobson (containing thirteen mixed ground and space adventures) which is online now!  A lot to take in but go HERE to see it all or read on for full details.

USE ME stands for:  Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements.  More than 9600 Copies sold across print and digital download in the range. There are a dozen titles in the USE ME Series with more to come.  Written by authors including Gavin Syme (GBS), Omer Golan Joel, Kurt Benson, Bob McAlister and Alex Scott. 

UM001 15mm Science Fiction

USE ME means 'Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements' and this system delivers just that. Tactically challenging, easy to learn and for any age of wargamer interested in ANY science fiction or near future setting. From skirmish to full battles, games last from five minutes to an hour. Play in your lunch break or in the evening when the idea of a really complex system with a long set up time really does not appeal. Pick up any of your sci-fi miniatures and vehicles and get playing in minutes. USE ME is just that...its for you!    You will need some miniatures, some terrain and a few six sided dice (D6's) to play the game. This is not much and indeed most of the time everything in play needs only 1D6 roll to make a decision. In the game all miniatures and vehicles are de-marked into of CHARACTERS (from Infantry to Vehicles, to Flyers and everything else) and these into TYPES which allow you to create anything you want in science fiction with a few tables of TYPES with points costs attached. Play solo and more.  All in an article on the page.  Go HERE. 32pp Book, Colour Covers.  3.50GBP

UMS01 Danger on Outpost 32

A complete starter boxed set for USEME 15mm Science Fiction.  It includes the printed booklet (UM001) as well as an insert with linked scenarios and profiles plus miniatures and bases. A great and affordable way to play for an hour.  This boxed set includes fourteen Alien Greys and thirteen Humans and Aliens all at Outpost 32 which is being invaded!  Play with a friend or play solo. Go HERE to learn more about the set and you can choose from a boxed set or painted and based ready to play boxed set.

UMS02 Ziggurat of Clem IV

A complete starter boxed set for USEME 15mm Science Fiction.  It includes the printed booklet (UM001) as well as an insert with linked scenarios and profiles plus miniatures and bases. A great and affordable way to play for an hour.  This boxed set includes thirteen Octopods and thirteen Zidhe space elves with portable weapon; both sides clashing over the ancient structure on Clem IV.  Play with a friend or play solo. Go HERE to learn more about the set and you can choose from a boxed set or painted and based ready to play boxed set.

USEME Free Bundle III

It is our delight to present to you the next bundle of free scenarios for USEME written by Vic Dobson.  You will need a copy of UM001 15mm Science Fiction and UM006 Starship Battles to make use of these thirteen stand alone adventures.  Inside the folder you will find 'Konvoi' a small space scenario using an experimental cloaking device.  'Tanks for the Memories' an armoured action from the Neo Soviets.  'The Only Rules which Matters' is a space scenario in which pirates raid a convoy.  'All our Dreams Abandoned' sees the resurgence of the Cyborg Enslavers in a doomed base.  'Mastadon'..can you stop the mega tank?  'Soldiers of Darkness' a three way scenario finding a terrible evil waiting in the world forest.  'Reach for the Void' a space scenario featuring fighter squadrons meeting in the dark. 'Où est passée toute la gloire?' This scenario sees an invasion of Neo Albion space.  'Menage a Trois' is a three way space scenario in a funky fight over a resource rich planet.  'The Dig' is a three way adventure of ancient relics and corporations seeking to take them.  'Wespe' is a scenario in which the swarm is hungry!  The 'Big Kahuna' is a larger space scenario where fleets fight it out over ownership of valuable gas.  'Hostile Takeover' sees two mercenary companies belonging to the corporations fight to the death for profit. Hosted on the Alternative Armies website you can download the bundle by clicking HERE.

We hope you enjoy the fun that is USEME and there are many other free downloads for the series on its page on the website HERE.  Have a look.

Lastly...

In the Asgard and Laserburn 15mm ranges there are some classic Droids.  Mark Stevenson gave us permission to use his new pictures of the great DR7 Imperial Crab which stands 60mm tall.  See it HERE on our website.  Thanks Mark!

Thanks for Reading,

GBS