10mm Fantasy miniatures, 10mm miniatures, wargames, Ogre army, Orc, Goblin, Elf.

1898 Miniaturas is the dream come true of Rafael Gómez and Javier Gómez ‘El Mercenario’), two brothers with a decades long link to the world of miniatures that want to show their personal vision of the hobby with this project, a mix of History, modeling and wargaming.

History because 1898 Miniaturas is born with the aim to recreate unfairly forgotten periods of our past, as the Cuban War of Independence and the Spanish-American War, complementing the ranges of miniatures with history or uniformology articles of said conflicts from the pen of renowned authors, and dear friends, like Julio Albi de la Cuesta or Francisco Gracia Alonso.

Modeling because 1898 Miniaturas is, above all, an initiative that intends to release 28mm miniatures for collectors, painters and wargamers with a great level of detail and quality, sculpted by José Hidalgo, current sculptor and owner of Miniaturas Beneito and with extensive experience in the sector. Without forgetting, of course, the historical rigor, for which we have accredited advisers like Luis Sorando Muzás or William Combs, or the painting techniques to paint them, by Javier Gómez ‘El Mercenario’.

And Wargame because the 1898 Miniaturas ranges are ideal to recreate conflicts at different scales, from small unit skirmishes to field battles. For this we will offer adaptations of different rulesets for this period, as well as different game scenarios.

Our Team

Rafael Gómez Valero

Founder of 1898 Miniaturas. I am the owner of Atlantica Juegos, a store specializing on miniatures, wargames and Military History.

My first experience with this hobby happened during High School with role playing games. Later, back in 1990, at the age of 22, I opened my first store in Madrid called “El Baluarte”, specialized in board wargames, role playing games and fantasy games. I had always been very fond of military history, so as soon as I had the first historical miniatures in my hands (Napoleonics from Front Rank, by the way) I decided to get fully involved in this subject and opened a section just for historical wargames miniatures.

A couple of years later I entered the Librería Atlántica team, which was the germ of current Atlantica Juegos, which over the years has become a national benchmark in miniaturism, wargaming and Military History. Despite becoming my way of life, twenty-six years later I still feel passionate about this hobby, for which I raise the stakes with this new and exciting project, 1898 Miniaturas.

Javier Gómez Valero

Founder of 1898 Miniatures. I am a PhD in History, professional miniature painter more known as 'El Mercenario' and coeditor of Desperta Ferro Ediciones.

My first contact with miniaturism came in the late 80’s thanks to role playing games and some infamous orc miniatures that I “colored” with Humbrol paints from my brothers. However, from very early on I developed a passion for history that lasts until today and, being barely 15, I began to paint Napoleonic miniatures. Therefore it is not surprising that after finishing high school I enrolled in History, which I combined with working part time in Atlántica Juegos and painting miniatures by commission.

After graduating I decided to dedicate myself more and more to miniaturism, acquiring with my good friend and by then partner David Gómez the nickname ‘El Mercenario’, a job that for two years I combined with the direction of the unfortunately defunct Spanish version of the magazine Wargames: Soldiers and Strategy (still available in its international version). Working solo, I painted miniatures for private collectors around the world, as well as for top brands like Perry Miniatures or Front Rank, and I have written dozens of articles for magazines and industry blogs, as well as the book Painting Wargame Miniatures (Pen & Sword, 2015).

In 2008 I moved to Barcelona and joined the Alpha Ares club, which since 2014 I have the honor of presiding over. My life took a turn in 2010, the year when I founded, together with Alberto Perez and Carlos de la Rocha, Desperta Ferro Ediciones, an editorial specializing in Political and Military History and Archeology that in a short time has become an indispensable reference in the sector, which I dedicate myself in body and soul (although I always try to spare some time to paint).

Collaborators

José Hidalgo

Sculptor of 1898 Miniaturas

My first contact with miniature soldiers was in the late 70’s, with Montaplex envelopes. Yes, much water has flowed under the bridge since then… And I have not stopped, first with 1:72 miniatures from Esci, Matchbox, etc, then with some models and the jump to bigger scales, both in plastic and metal. I began to collaborate with Fernando Beneito in 1995 or 1996, in the courses he gave in his workshop, and learned a more refined painting technique. I also took my first steps with putty, although I had already tried to do something with it years before. I started working for him about 2002. Fernando passed away in 2005, and his widow and me kept on for a couple of years more with Miniatures Beneito until she decided to leave it and I took charge, until now. I currently dedicate myself to sculpting originals, painting box art and casting copies.

William Combs

Historical advisor of 1898 Miniaturas

William K. Combs, called “Bill” by all who know him, was born in 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended the University of Cincinnati and has worked at several living history museums in Illinois and New York. He is currently the business manager of the Ohio Valley Military Society, an organization that sponsors the largest militaria collector fairs in the United States. Bill saw his first rayadillo uniform in a display at the Ohio Historical Society museum in the mid-1970s. He recalls that he thought it was the most beautiful uniform he had even seen. From that moment was born his passion for the study and collecting of the history and material culture of the Spanish colonial army from before 1898. For over 40 years he has focused his research on the uniforms and arms used by the defenders of Spain’s tropical empire. Some of the fruits of his labors can be viewed on his website. A comprehensive book covering the period of 1851-1898 is planned in the future.

Luis Sorando Muzás

Historical adviser of 1898 Miniaturas

Luis Sorando Muzás (Zaragoza 1961) is a founding member of the Spanish Napoleonic Association and president of A.H.C. Volunteers of Aragon. Adviser of the Army Museum, he is the author of ‘Flags, standards and trophies of the Army Museum 1700-1843. Catalogue raisonne’, and more than 100 essays and articles on Spanish flags and uniforms, especially from the Napoleonic period. He has been twice awarded the research prize of the Sieges of Zaragoza and the medal “Pro Memoria” of the Polish Government for his collaboration in spreading the study and the memory of its soldiers that fought in Spain.

Àlex Claramunt Soto

Historical adviser of 1898 Miniaturas

Àlex Claramunt Soto is director of Desperta Ferro Modern History magazine, as well as a doctor in Media, Communication and Culture, and a graduate in Journalism from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. His interest is focused on the military history of the 16th to 18th centuries, on which he has published two books and various articles.

1st Corps is owned by Brothers Simon and Michael Curtis. We have been wargaming and collecting for over 20 years and are fascinated by all periods.

Our aim is to offer products of the highest quality, detail and authenticity that are also great value and backed up by fast and friendly customer service.

Every figure comes complete with all the weapons, shields etc it needs.

Variation We try to put as much of it in our packs as possible our figure packs contain upto 8 different figures.

Command packs and standard packs all contain an even number of figures, no more annoying missing or left over figures.

We cast all our products here in Yorkshire in lead free pewter.

We live in Snaith, a small rural market town located 20 miles south of York in the north of England.

Simon- is the full time member of the team. He does the mold making, casting, dispatch and is responsible for some of the figures you can see on this site. . When not busy with that lot he likes going to the cinema, having a pint and game of darts down at the local hostelry. He also enjoys being taken for a walk by his golden retrievers, Rebel and Cadet

Michael- is also responsible for many of the painted figures on the site as well as product planning and dispatching orders. Mick swears he has no time for anything else! But we know he likes to travel and have a beer down the local hostelry playing darts, and has even been seen down the local gym the next day trying to make amends!

3D Alien Worlds, An avid wargamer since my early teens in the UK, I now live and work in Japan in web design and marketing. The wargaming hobby in Japan is still in its early stages right now, so I've always felt a need to introduce this great hobby to Japanese people wherever and whenever possible.

David Millward, in the converted loft gaming space known as The Dungeon (completed 2008)

I started a wargaming club called KitaQGamers (named after my city, Kitakyushu) back in 2005, and have continued to enjoy monthly events here at my home since then, mostly catering to fans of Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Fantasy Battle. One of my great pleasures is setting up gaming tables ahead of the events, using terrain to evoke a real sense of story and atmosphere.

That desire to create and explore new worlds has led me to create some memorable wargaming terrain pieces over the years, and with recent advances in 3D printing technology (not to mention much-reduced cost!), it seemed only natural to offer some of my creations to other fans of xenos worlds.

I hope you enjoy these terrain prints as much as I have enjoyed making them!

4Ground wargames model buildings and Accessories. 10mm Jesserai Sci Fi. Furniture and Belongings. Basing and Gaming Aids. Unpainted Terrain.

Eighteen months in and we are happy to say lots of gamers and model makers now rate our work as amongst the best that’s available. We have always hoped to design and produce at our best so it is great so many of our customers feel this way.

There have been a few changes, actually rather a lot, but all for the good. Holly is taking some time out with the birth of her son but hopes to be back on the team this time next year.

Cad came on a year ago

Cad came on a year ago as part time but is now full time support for retailers and especially support for gaming clubs. (so if you’re an active and inclusive club looking for our help and support Cad’s the man you need to talk to). Cad also manages our Facebook, twitter and newsletter so any info you want him to share please let him know.

Warehouse distribution for 4Ground is now independent from Tymeagain's ‎ main warehousing and this is managed full time by the very able Carrie. (who came over from Tymeagain after eight years there). So when your order was packed. (both for retail and mail order). Carrie and her little team did the packing and did their utmost to make sure you got what you ordered and it was dispatched as soon as possible. (please remember we always say even for UK customers please allow 10 working days for your order to be dispatched).

Tank he’s the man with the plans

Then there is ‘Tank’ he’s the man with the plans, Tank is our laser production supervisor. Tymeagain started 4Ground with two 85 watt industrial lasers and now we have five industrial lasers. (one 75 watts, two 85 watts and two 100 watts). Before we had this number of machines Tank and his small team had at times been working in relay shifts from 7pm Sunday right through. All week and nonstop, to Friday 7pm, that’s day and night just to keep up with demand for hundreds and thousands of our kits! Even now some weeks we have to have a few night shifts planed to keep up with demand. And as always it is Tank who is the most willing to do more unsociable hours than anyone else on the team.

The reason we are so busy is possibly because more and more people now know that in effect our pre-painted kits. (with 4Ground Base Paints). Are in effect almost two models in one. We include pre-painted outside walls and pre-painted inside walls in the same pack. Making a very robust and durable piece of gaming terrain. As Francis Parker one of our very first and still regular customers told us. 4Ground kits are so good once you have made your first you just want more. They are the best terrain buildings bar NON”; and even today. (18th May 2013). We got this from Ray Gillespie, a new customer after he got his first order from 4Ground. Just took delivery of my first 4ground kits today, the Whitechapel police station and warehouse...

I just cannot believe the quality of these kits

All I can say is WOW, I just cannot believe the quality of these kits. We have been making all sorts of kits from Plastic t Radio Controlled aircraft over the years and I can honestly say. I have never seen such quality in any format. I LOVE the pictorial instructions and the sprue checklist is brilliant, even down to including the pegs and rubber bands for construction. All in all guys you make brilliant products.

My initial thoughts on finding your site was that the kits were a tad expensive. However now I have seen the contents I don’t know how you manage this excellence for the price !. Suffice to say I will be buying tons more. As I need to purchase the rest of the Whitechapel range and then move on to the rest. You have one delighted and long term customer here, well done on a brilliant product.”

Finally we come to the work we have done with other companies. These are among the leading designers and manufactures in the wargames hobby today. And they came to us because they like what we do and the way we do it. We have lots more planned to do with other companies and even more we plan to do ourselves. (and not all is historical in nature). It looks like the next 18 months will be just as active and progressive for 4Ground. Laser cut wargmames buildings and terrain as the last 18 months have been. Thank you everyone for your interest and support for what we do.

Ben

December 2011.

I’m Adam and along with Ben and Holly we are your 4GROUND team at Tymeagain Ltd. Since 1994. We’ve been designing and making historically inspired items for a wide range of customers. (from ‘Bioware’ the motion capture team at EA games in British Columbia - to The British Museum in London). We’re best known for our historic toys, available at the likes of English Heritage and The National Trust.

4GROUND began because John and Paul over at Warlord Games had a special request for Tymeagain to design and make a model kit of Rorke’s Drift. They know we’re gamers and that a big part of what we do is design and produce laser cut items. They thought who better to design a gamers’ model kit than a couple of wargamers? So we designed the buildings we wanted. Buildings as part of the game and not just table accessories. We made options for holes in walls and maximum accessibility. Next we had to design the kit for others to be able to make it. Then we had to make hundreds and hundreds of kits and get them to Warlord Games. Before the release of their Anglo-Zulu range. Well we did all that and really enjoyed the project. Then we thought why not make other kits, and so 4GROUND started.

With two 85watt lasers to work on production

With two 85watt lasers to work on production. The big task for us is not how will we keep up with stock levels for orders to go out quickly. Our biggest task is which way do we go next. Do we make more historical, and if so which period, or do we go for futuristic or fantasy buildings. So if you have any ideas of what we should design next please contact us. The more people who ask for that special thing. The more likely we will make it, so if you see it here in 28mm and you want 15mm or 20mm. Maybe you want buildings and walls for your King& Country or Tom Gunn 60mm collection.

Personally, we game with miniatures, cards and board games so markers for all these types of games will be in the pipeline. If we don’t have the marker or counter you want for a game, just contact us. We’re also making bases and movement trays. With such large and fast, lasers, we can make these simple items less costly and pass the reduced costs on to you. We’ll be offering many at lower prices than are often found on Internet auction sites.

We’re happy to work with other manufacturers

We’re happy to work with other manufacturers, so maybe you want to add our kits to your range of products. Or add your stuff to our model kits (sandbags in windows etc). We don’t mind if you also design and make buildings. If you want to work with us and we can, we will. Have you a design for a laser cut component you want. Or would you like us to design a range of tokens or markers for a game or rule system you produce. Send us a short message at business enquiries with what you have in mind. We cut and etch/engrave in many materials (solid woods, ply-woods, MDF, HDF, laminates, acrylics - acrylic from 1.5mm to over 30mm thick) so if you have something that’s more than an initial idea let’s talk.

Most of 4GROUND’s products are available to retailers (a physical shop is not required for an account, but you must have already established your own mail order website). Contact us at business enquiries for all trade requests and tell us a bit about your business. At first this site will be thin on the ground with product, as long term quality and customer happiness, is more important to us than short term sales. Keep coming back and you’ll see we’re pro-active with developments.