What are gamers looking for re types of figures and equipment??

[huevans]

I'm considering starting a small range of mid Victorian (1855 - 1865) historical small skirmish figures.

Would it be an attractive option to offer alternative heads and hands with VSF optional weapons and headgear? Or add-on equipment packs?

If so, what would gamers be interested in?

[has.been]

Standing figures in civilian clothing. It would be nice to have a supply of 'innocent' bystanders.
Yes to separate heads, hands & weapon (& tools) options.
Some bags, Gladstone, carpet etc. to hold...just about anything. Plot points, hand gun, bomb, money, plans for the new navy torpedo.
 

[The_Beast]

Speaking of innocent bystanders, the casualty variety come to mind. Possibly multi -part to vary the poses.

At the risk of being morbid, coming on some kind of massacre can 'make it real.'

Better see if anyone agrees...

Doug

[Red Orc]

I'm considering starting a small range of mid Victorian (1855 - 1865) historical small skirmish figures.

Would it be an attractive option to offer alternative heads and hands with VSF optional weapons and headgear? Or add-on equipment packs?

If so, what would gamers be interested in?

Well, my VSF-ing is a slightly later period - around 1870-1895-ish, but in principle, I think the idea you could build a figure 'straight' so that they're a completely normal historically-plausible figure with say a shotgun or hunting rifle (for ACW, maybe? Not really aware of much mid-C19th skirmishing, but maybe I just don't know the period) or give them a breathing mask or clockwork cybernetic face, and a lightning gun or gas cannon, seams reasonable.

[huevans]

Well, my VSF-ing is a slightly later period - around 1870-1895-ish, but in principle, I think the idea you could build a figure 'straight' so that they're a completely normal historically-plausible figure with say a shotgun or hunting rifle (for ACW, maybe? Not really aware of much mid-C19th skirmishing, but maybe I just don't know the period) or give them a breathing mask or clockwork cybernetic face, and a lightning gun or gas cannon, seams reasonable.

Can you point me to some images of those weapons and accessories?

There's very little difference in clothing between 1860 and 1870, unless you're being very picky about historical details.

[huevans]

Standing figures in civilian clothing. It would be nice to have a supply of 'innocent' bystanders.
Yes to separate heads, hands & weapon (& tools) options.
Some bags, Gladstone, carpet etc. to hold...just about anything. Plot points, hand gun, bomb, money, plans for the new navy torpedo.

Actually an excellent idea.

[huevans]

Speaking of innocent bystanders, the casualty variety come to mind. Possibly multi -part to vary the poses.

At the risk of being morbid, coming on some kind of massacre can 'make it real.'

Better see if anyone agrees...

Doug

Given the price of sculpting figures, probably well down the list - when tokens or markers could be used instead.

[Red Orc]

Can you point me to some images of those weapons and accessories?

There's very little difference in clothing between 1860 and 1870, unless you're being very picky about historical details.

Oh, I use figs from the early 1800s to the early C20th. I'm not really very picky about the 'historical accuracy' of my minis, especially when half of them are Ruritanians, or firing electric cannons.

Not the best view of the gun, but this chap has an electric rifle/lightning gun/laser rifle/galvanic carbine/call it what you will.

https://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=13775

Reaper's 'Dr Charles Bennett' has a pretty nice lightning gun:

https://www.reapermini.com/miniatures/chronoscope/latest/50281

Maybe some weapons similar to what these Steam Automatons are carrying:

https://www.ironcladminiatures.com/ourshop/prod_1063584-ODD01.html

As for the gasmasks and whatnot, there are some 'Redcoats in Space' from Northstar here:

https://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=9233

Brigade did British soldiers in breathing apparatus, Artizan have done British police in breathing apparatus, somebody (might have been Brigade again) did Prussians in breathing apparatus... can't find any minis with any kind clockwork face-prosthetics but i'm sure you can imagine the kind of thing - over-engineered monocles that might be some kind of Victorian range-finder or telescopic sight or night-vision goggles (goggle?) or something.

[snitcythedog]

Since you are asking, I have a couple of things that I regularly look for.  More of a general suggestion that could be used in conjunction with your range or others. 
Open and closed hands that are not holding anything. 
Multiple head options are a great idea to add some variety. 
Small items.  Pooches and bags are already available but small things like binoculars/telescopes/tools are harder to come by. 
Different feet/shoes/boots as a stand alone item rather than as a variation of the same model. 
I know that most manufactures do not have the ability to fill all of these requests due to costs but some variation would be nice and could cross ranges. 
My two cents if it helps. 

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

I'm considering starting a small range of mid Victorian (1855 - 1865) historical small skirmish figures.

Would it be an attractive option to offer alternative heads and hands with VSF optional weapons and headgear? Or add-on equipment packs?

If so, what would gamers be interested in?

Women, of various social class, flintlock armed or not, without cheesecake. Civilians of all sorts and class. Children and much much more from 1840s-50s  than 1860+.  We mostly RPG Early-mid Victorian period, and my wife (with a degree in fashion design) is a stickler for historically plausible costume.   a dip into earlier regency/napoleonic with potentially plausible crossover of women & civilians of all classes (armed or not) would be appreciated.   

[huevans]

Appreciate all the suggestions!

Here's another question: Would gamers prefer lead casts or resin?

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Here's another question: Would gamers prefer lead casts or resin?

Depends on the resin. Anvil use a resin almost indistinguishable from HIPS except you cannot glue or smooth it with liquid poly.

[snitcythedog]

Here's another question: Would gamers prefer lead casts or resin?

I prefer metal but am happy to dabble in resins or 3d prints if I like the models.

[Cat]

Armed, or just generally active not standing around, civilian women is a gaping niche.  If they can backdate to Regency (Silver Bayonet), all the better.
 
Definitely prefer metal.

[huevans]

Women, of various social class, flintlock armed or not, without cheesecake. Civilians of all sorts and class. Children and much much more from 1840s-50s  than 1860+.  We mostly RPG Early-mid Victorian period, and my wife (with a degree in fashion design) is a stickler for historically plausible costume.   a dip into earlier regency/napoleonic with potentially plausible crossover of women & civilians of all classes (armed or not) would be appreciated.

Empress has some stuff already that would fit what you seek. Their Indian Mutiny range has some armed women.