Spectre Miniatures Prepares For Warfare (And More)

First up, good news for Spectre Miniatures fans wanting to get their hands on the figures and games. This weekend, Spectre will be at Warfare 2025. Taking place at the Fanborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre over two days, Spectre’s stand will include a collection of new models, including some pre-release models (more on that later). There will also be a demo table for Operations, Aftermath and Outbreak – a chance to try out all three of the currently released Spectre products. Warfare is a pretty major show to round out the year (the two-day arrangement is very unusual for a UK show), and there are a pile of familiar names in the list (such as Empress, Pendraken, Deep-Cut and more) for anyone making it down there.

The initial nnouncmentsOne thing that has been announced today (on a high appropriate date) is that Spectre is going to be launching a Great War range entitled “To End All War”. The range is currently a work in progress, but as you can see, we already have some British infantry and two models of armoured car. The announcement post mentions not just the Western Front, but also the Dunster Expedition into Iraq and the Caucasus, and the Isonzo campaign. The post also mentions that there will be a dedicated rules system based on the soon-to-be-released Out of Time. The Great War era wasn’t mentioned in the core book for Out of Time, so it’s obvious they have been wanting a more in-depth coverage of the more unconventional skirmishes of the Great War. No dates on this release just yet.

There was also mention of another historical range coming – the long-awaited Vietnam range. This is also planned for next year, and it’s worth keeping an eye on it

Back in the blog’s main focus is the upcoming modern British release. This is coming later this month and will be one of my favourite types of releases – a full and unique platoon. With three unique rifle sections of 8 men, a command section of 6 men and 2 additional NLAW troopers for when anti-tank firepower is needed. As you can see above from the latest WIP of the section, these guys are using the most recent TOE, with two grenade launchers, an L129A1 sharpshooter rifle and an L7A2 machine gun. These guys are also loaded for bear, with helmets covered in scrim, patrol packs and more. I’m very interested to see the other parts to this release, and they are definitely going to find themselves on the print bed after release.

However, that’s not all coming for the British release. To provide support to the sections, the UK’s brand new (and like many British programs, incredibly troubled) light armoured vehicle. The Ajax scout with 40mm autocannon and the protected carrier Ares are replacing members of the CVR family (the Scimitar and Spartan specifically) and are ideal for accompanying the infantry. These vehicles have taken a while due to constant real-world changes but will now be coming out alongside the infantry this month.

BobMack3d Previews the SA-13 SAM For Friday’s Kickstarter Launch

The fifth vehicle for BobMack3D‘s latest Kickstarter, ZAPAD-84, has now been revealed, and this will definitely be one for either mission objectives or larger-scale operations. The SA-13 launcher mates a a rack of four 9M37 missiles to the MLTB chassis, providing a low altitude anti-aircraft system alongside the ZSU-23-4 Shilka (previously released by BobMack3d in the World Revolution Kickstarter). Two versions of the vehicle will be included, with one having raised the missiles into a shooting position and the other prepared for transport with a tarpaulin over the launcher. Alongside the SA-13, the Kickstarter will also include the T-80U tank, BTR-80 APC, KAMAZ truck and MLTB APC (all ideal for late Cold War settings) – the Kickstarter launches on the 14th of November (this Friday), so sign up to the preview page now to be reminded when it launches.

Echelon Software Shows Off Near Present In The Resin

Echelon Software may be more famous around here for Black Powder Red Earth and its tabletop wargame but they are also hard at work on a new game. Near Present takes place in 2046, pitting forces in the aftermath of a near-peer conflict in the Indo-Pacific, with two PMCs (Anchorage Multi-Function Response Company and Hankou Maritime Systems) engaging in conflict over the rich resources of the region. The game builds upon the mechanics of BPRE28 (something I am on record as stating it’s one of my favourite games), but adds in the additional advances that another 20 years brings.

What you can see above is a CCT, one of the new elements that come into play with a near-future (or near-present) setting. Yep, that’s a bipedal weapon platform, a replacement for various weapon teams thanks to the ability to carry multiple weapon systems and sensors in one go. It looks pretty rad in the artwork but this week also sees the first resin model shown off assembled. It’s a good start for a new line from Echelon, so definitely watch this space for more updates as the forces are created and shown off.

Near Present is soft launching on November 21st via the BPRE Patreon (in a similar style to BPRE28 when it was released), and I’m sure you’ll be seeing plenty of it on this blog when it comes out.

Flank March Previews Wave 3 of Reforger’s Stretch Goals

Flank March Miniatures is hard at work finishing off the third and final wave from the successful REFORGER Kickstarter campaign. Wave 3 is where the stretch goals, as well as adding more practical concerns, also added some… weirder stuff. Flank March has been showing off the new figures as he sculpts them, and so we have the first two previews here. The figure on the ledt (Old Glory) is heavily inspired by a certain scene from the game World In Conflict, an era-appropriate addition and ideal for some more Red Dawn-esque scenarios. The scout biker, on the other hand, is ideal if you want to play around with Motorcycle Platoon concept from the 1980s or the 9th Motor Division (the same unit that BobMack3d’s AirLandBattle set showed off). The rest of the stretch goals will add more riflemen, an Automatic rifleman with an M16A1 and a bipod, a Stretcher team and a mounted Dragon gunner. These files should be out soon, and more details will be passed on as they are released.

Combat Octopus Returns From Trip And Prepares For Work

Combat Octopus has returned from his trip and is back to work. The first update is that the MENA Freedom Fighters and Tactical Witch are now available over on MyMiniFactory (and sent out to Patrons).

For future news, Combat Octopus has started looking at the next few loyalty rewards. These are going to back up the MENA Freedom Fighters, and it looks like we’re getting some interesting and unique figures. A vote is still ongoing, but both of the ideas mentioned (a Religious Leader and a Field Commander) would be a good addition to a force being assembled from the next few Combat Octopus packs. More details as the work continues.

Modern Miniatures Previews Eastern European Releases

Finally, Modern Miniatures has shown off some more previews of next Month’s Eastern Bloc terrain. As well as the pylon and roadway previewed last week, we also got for more renders. A transformer housing, modular concrete walls, a hunting stand and a Command version of the Ural truck released in last year’s campaign. These are all ideal for the setting, and as someone currently playing ArmA Reforger, those hunting stands are giving me itchy feelings for being shot at. These will be in the Terrain tier, meaning you will find yourself with a pretty sizable release if you sign up for the Patreon next month.

Suitable for the setting, Modern Miniatures has also been working on remastering the InCountry Tagilla and Killa figures. As you can see above, the Tagilla rework shows some interesting tweaks to help with printability, refining the details and improving the creases. We’ll see Killa soon, but it’s cool to see the work in progress.