The Evolution of Warhammer Models: Part 1 – The Early Days (1980s–1990s)
Early Days
Warhammer miniatures have come a long way. Today, we’re spoiled with ultra-detailed, dynamic models, but in the 1980s and 1990s, things were a little... rougher. From heavy metal castings to stiff plastic kits, early Warhammer models had a charm of their own, even if they weren’t the easiest to work with. Let’s take a look at how it all began.
The Birth of Warhammer Miniatures
When Warhammer Fantasy Battles launched in 1983, followed by Warhammer 40,000 (Rogue Trader) in 1987, the models were hand-sculpted, cast in metal, and built to withstand a fall off the table. Early miniatures set the foundation for what Warhammer would become, but they had their quirks.
Traits of Early Miniatures:
Made from metal – Heavy, durable, but a pain to assemble.
Heroic scale – Exaggerated proportions to make details stand out.
Static poses – Most models stood in rigid, symmetrical stances.
Hand-sculpted details – Cruder than today’s digital sculpts, but full of character.
Example: Early Space Marines
The first Space Marines from the Rogue Trader era (1987–1989) were chunky bois, with oversized weapons and stiff poses. They’ve come a long way since then.
📸 Angry Griffin's Oldhammer
Space Marine armed with Heavy Bolter, part number 070121/48.
Early Warhammer Factions – A Mixed Bag
Before Warhammer had its polished, recognizable aesthetic, factions were still finding their look. Some early designs hold up surprisingly well, while others... not so much.
Orks & Goblins (Warhammer Fantasy & 40K)
Early Orks had oversized weapons, exaggerated faces, and simple designs.
Goblins were identical in pose and expression, limiting variety.
40K Orks lacked the industrial, ramshackle look they’re now known for.
Chaos Warriors & Space Marines
Chaos Warriors in the 90s were imposing but lacked the intricate detail of today’s versions.
Chaos Space Marines started as regular Marines with added spikes but have since evolved into something far more menacing.
📸 Angry Griffin's Oldhammer
Eldar (Warhammer 40K)
Early Eldar Guardians were simple and stiff, whereas today’s versions are sleek and dynamic.
Aspect Warriors always had strong designs, but modern versions benefit from improved sculpting.
The Challenges of Early Models
Early Warhammer models weren’t just visually different—they were harder to work with too:
Metal models were fragile – Dropping a Dreadnought meant repairing broken limbs.
Limited customization – Most models had fixed poses with little variation.
Difficult assembly – Superglue and metal weren’t always a great mix.
Less refined details – Compared to today’s models, early figures were simpler and blockier.
The Rise of Plastic (Late 1990s)
By the mid-90s, plastic miniatures started to replace metal, bringing more customization and easier assembly. While early plastics were simple, they paved the way for the advanced multi-part kits we see today.
Milestones in Plastic Model Evolution:
1987: First plastic models – basic, single-pose designs.
1993–1995: Plastic Space Marines and Fantasy regiments introduced.
1998–1999: Multi-part plastic kits begin allowing more pose variety.
Example: Classic vs. Modern Plastic Kits
1993 Space Marines – Basic and rigid, with limited weapon options.
Modern Space Marine Kits – Fully poseable with multiple customization options.
Laying the Foundation for the Future
Despite their limitations, early Warhammer miniatures established the visual identity of the universe and set the stage for future improvements. The transition from metal to plastic was just the beginning.
Up next: Part 2 – The Digital Revolution
📢 Stay tuned for more Warhammer insights!
