microfigures

Microfigures are the smallest category of figurines used in scale modeling, dioramas, and tabletop wargaming. They measure only a few millimeters in height and are commonly produced in very small scales such as 1:300 to 1:600, with some ranges extending to 1:700 or 1:1000 to depict large crowds or maritime scenes. The term covers figures representing people, animals, and occasionally small vehicles created for miniature contexts.

They are typically cast in white metal or pewter, resin, or plastic, and may arrive as single-piece figures or as tiny multi-part sets. Because of their size, surface detail is often simplified compared with larger figures, and sculptors focus on clear silhouettes and readable poses. Quality varies by manufacturer, with some lines emphasizing historical accuracy and others offering fantasy or sci-fi themes.

Painting and handling require fine tools and magnification. Hobbyists prime microfigures, then apply washes, dry brushing, and layered highlights to suggest depth on a tiny canvas. Adhesives must be used carefully, and many collectors mount figures on tiny bases or magnetic stands to aid storage and posing.

Applications include populating dioramas, crowd scenes in architectural models or railway layouts, and densely populated units in micro-scale wargames. The availability of microfigures is niche, produced by specialty studios and small casting houses with themes spanning historical, fantasy, and contemporary subjects. Related topics include miniatures, wargaming, dioramas, and scale modeling.