Wargame shops in London? Or, where do I buy FoG figurines?

jre · Post by **jre** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 2:07 pm

I fear this may well be off topic, even with the caveat. However I suppose some movement in the forum will not hurt.

By the end of August I will be spending a few days in London, and I would like to go shopping (as choice shops are scarce in Spain and I am already familiar with them. I know most people use the internet for buying, but there is still much to be gained by checking the bags and discussing the scales with someone knowledgeable.

So, is there any surviving store with a wide selection of 15 mm ancient figurines? I would prefer one that could accept mail orders, as well. I want to make a non-medieval FoG army and I am willing to consider any option.

My usual gaming partner will be also in London by the start of August, so I am sure that will interest him too.

Thanks in advance for any response,

José

hammy · Post by **hammy** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:24 pm

Suprising as it may seem to non English people there are almost no wargames shops in England, never mind a specific city like London.

There are a few specialist games shops here and there that stock some historical miniatures but in the main if you want to buy new toys you either go to a show like The Tripples, Salute, Warfare or Britcon (appologies to all shows not mentioned) or you use mail order.

The good news is that I believe that Essex miniatures have a factory shop and it is near London. The exact details of getting there you will have to leave to the internet or a London based gamer but I suspect that baring a trip to a show Essex are by far your best bet.

FWIW Britcon is from the 10th-12th of August but it is in Manchester 200 miles from London (about 2 1/2 hours by train).

Hope this helps

Hammy

jre · Post by **jre** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:57 pm

I still remember a few shops, but that was back in the late '80s, which is why I was asking. Thanks for the information, even if it is not very positive.

José

neilhammond · Post by **neilhammond** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:33 am

Jose,

You could try Essex Miniatures (web site www.essexminiatures.co.uk). They are in a place called Canvey Island, Essex which you can get to by train from London. I used to go out to their shop/manufacturing unit when I first came to England. But that was over 20 years ago!

They are still at Canvey Island and according to their website you can still visit. I quote from their web site:

"Come and visit the showroom in our factory. Our complete range of 15mm and 25mm figures are on display, so there is plenty to see. Stay as long as you like, we will leave you in peace to take in every detail. It’s easy to find with the map on the right, so if you come by car use the A13 A127 from London. We have a huge car park right outside so parking is simple. If you come by train from London, use Fenchurch St. Main Line Railway Station to Benfleet/Canvey Island. We have all our accessories in stock and available to view: ". This is under the Mail Order Information menu item on their web site.

Regards,
Neil

nikgaukroger · Post by **nikgaukroger** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:59 am

However, be warned that is is essentially a samll room with all the figure ranges in cabinets around the side on the walls and nothing more.

In all honesty I'd hardly grace it with the term shop.

However, you can see all their figures.