This mail order retailer is now the UK importer for the decidedly different figure brand Alternity Miniatures. CHRIS CLIFFORD finds out more.
If you’re a seasoned figure modeller looking for something different – or you want to enter the genre but military subjects leave you cold – the products from Italy’s Alternity Miniatures could be just the inspiration you need. With clear apocalyptic/dystopian designs, the cast/3D-printed resin figure, bust and accessory range is the brainchild of Marco Riolo… and the level of imagination from the different sculptors employed is staggering. Now the range is available in the UK from Tyrell Models, and with well-considered extras such as dumpsters, graffiti decals, a wall section, a BMX bike and even teddy bears, there’s a wealth of figure-based fun to explore.
As Tyrell Models proprietor David Howell explained: “Tyrell Models is all about a carefully curated group of products, and I was looking for a range of models that I could sell exclusively in the UK. After speaking with Marco for several weeks, we agreed that [I] would be the UK distributor for his full range of models, accessories, and dioramas. I think Marco was looking for a kindred spirit who has as much passion about the hobby as he does... and that would take the time and care to properly showcase his models.”
The samples provided to Key Model World by Tyrell Models include the following, which typify the range…
‘Dafne 2220’
This 1/10 scale bust depicts a short-haired female wearing a cropped top with metallic armour sections. Due to the truncated clothing she has an exposed midriff, and sports a very advanced-looking type of assault weapon raised in her right hand. The left arm sits by her side, a sword is worn on her back, and she has a cute-looking ‘pet’ robot sitting on her right shoulder.
Above: Much effort has been made with both the anatomical and physical features of 'Dafne'.
Smaller individual castings include tassels for the sword handle and feet for the robot. All are well-cast pieces and the torso is particularly impressive, due to the rendition of the toned abdominal muscles. The separate head is also excellent, in that the way the hair is sculpted, along with the elfin-looking eyes. Much painting enjoyment can be had here, especially in achieving a convincing finish to the metal armour… whether by using traditional metallic shades, or the non-metallic metal approach.
‘Lyl Squat’
Another 1/10 bust, this male subject is highly imaginative and forms a potentially stunning canvas of you wish to attempt tattoo painting, as exemplified by the box photo (but of course, you don't have to). Said individual wears a virtual-reality headset, which has a thick power cable running into a courier bag worn on his back. He too is muscular and has ‘sagged’ jeans, exposing the waistband of his boxer shorts. The defining trait of this bust is the expression of pure rage or horror on the face… it’s tricky to decide which, but the effect is startling, and the raised arms with curled fingers only add to the whole strained effect.
Above and below: 'Lyl Squat' is a fascinating subject, with a startling pose.
To learn about the useful finger palette and other tools available via Tyrell Models, click here
‘Dieter’
Cast in 1/35 scale, this full figure is posed standing, with a spray-paint can held in a raised left hand (the other hand is in the pocket of his knee-length coat. The major detail point is a very tall punky Mohican hairstyle. The detail for the scale is superb, with extra aerosols in a bag as a separate item. While the theme is clearly dystopian, at a push, the figure could also be worked into a diorama or vignette that depicts interaction with civilians and the military, as his clothing is not too futuristic. A Berlin Wall scene perhaps?
Above and below: This 1/35 punk figure could bridge the gap between the apocalyptic and historical, as it can arguably help populate a scene depicting the latter, possibly with military interaction.
All items discussed here display true quality and inventiveness, and will be hugely enjoyable to paint. The 1/10 busts cost £39.99 each, and the 1/35 figure is £16.99. No display plinths are supplied with the busts, though, so you will have to source your own. Visit the Tyrell Models website and you’ll see the range is extensive and fantastically varied.
Above: Tyrell Models proprietor David Howell.
