#rafm

[hound-of-novitiate]

Do you like my skeleton

[oldschoolfrp]

Some of the Ral Partha "1200 AD" historical medieval line that I've collected for my Norman vs Saxon project, and some for cross-over use with Normans in Sicily and for the early Crusades -- note that these are in RAFM Co packaging from Canada.

In April, 2025, RAFM / Silver Fox Productions announced they were shutting down their miniature production. They were one of the last remaining larger North American miniatures companies from the 1970s, once a contemporary of Ral Partha and Grenadier. Founded in 1977 to publish the Universal Soldier rules, they expanded into miniature production soon after.

They were known for a broad range of figure lines, many sculpted by Bob Murch in his earlier career. Their Reptiliads were the face of their large fantasy range, and for many years they were one of the best sources for pulp adventure miniatures with their Space: 1889 and Call of Cthulhu lines.

Their 20mm Baker Co and Charlie Co figures followed the long-time scale standard for WWII and Vietnam gaming. In the past they were the Canadian distributors for Ral Partha, Citadel, Frei Korps 15mm historicals, Martian Metals, and more recently Reaper Miniatures.

[vintagerpg]

My first brief, mostly failed attempt at painting miniatures back circa 1991 centered on RAFM’s line of Call of Cthulhu miniatures. I got a handful of them from my local comic shop (RIP Infinity Comics) and used Testors model paints. Most of the results are now lost (RIP Dark Young, Nightgaunt, Cthonian) but honestly, no one is sorry for the loss.

A few years ago, RAFM reissued the Call of Cthulhu line, so I bought a bunch of them, some replacements of those long ago miniatures, some new beasties, and sent them off to folks for painting by a bunch of more qualified folks. The first batch back was by @3DRoleplay and they are fantastic.

First up, the Haunter in the Dark, with highlights and a general color scheme I find mesmerizing, particularly in the smoke. Then we have a conical Yithian. I think the conception of the Yithians amounts to one of the most visually compelling aliens ever described. I was a little unsure that this miniature would rise to the occasion, but if the sculpt is a little underwhelming, Hank’s paints elevate the end product. Third is the statuesque, elephantine Chaugnar Faugn, from Frank Belknap Long’s “The Horror from the Hills.” Finally, the byakhee, a sort of interstellar insect creature. I had the byakhee in the 90s, painted it a bland beige. This is definitely an upgrade. Look at that baleful eye!

[lifethenecropolis]

We all go a little crazy now and again...

It's Tsathoggua!! This awesome Call of Cthulhu model from RAFM and sculpted by Bob Murch has been half finished on my paint desk for months, but now I've finally conquered it!!

[perks-of-being-absolutelynothing]

I see the world in shades of blue 

[donalan9]

Gargoyle with Sword (RAFM 3954)

[oldschoolfrp]

RAFM miniature boxed sets for GDW's Space: 1989 steampunk RPG, "Victorian Adventurers" and "Soldiers of the Queen," sculpted by Bob Murch, 1989. The first set included a number of figures who could do double-duty on a Wild West table; the second was accurate enough to make its way into the collections of many historical gamers. RAFM also made blister packs and boxed sets of a variety of native Martians.

[vintagerpg]

Batch 2 of my RAFM Call of Cthulhu miniatures were painted by @hard_elf. Let’s start with the sinister trio of cultists. I had these ding-dongs in the 90s, but never attempted to paint them back in the day. Then I lost them. Then I got new ones and asked Zac to paint them. Better him than me, look at them! So many good colors, a nefarious bunch if I’ve ever seen one.

Zac got all the groups. Next up in a pack of ghouls. I didn’t have these back in the day but I love them. Thoroughly skulky. Really love the one in human clothes with the book. They go nicely with the deep ones (did that ghoul steal this deep one’s book? Vice versa maybe?). I had these dorks way back when, and actually did an OK job painting them (still have them, too), but these are way better.

Finally, the Dark Young. Love this monster, love this model, love this paint job. Had it as a kid, but this is so, so much better.