HOW IT WORKS

Topside Minis are top-down ship and aircraft images designed for naval miniature wargaming. They represent real-world navies and air forces and are used with any rules set of your choice. Each set is highly detailed and available in multiple scales, ready to print and play.

WHAT DO I GET?

Each set is available in one of three formats:

  • Downloadable PDF – Delivered instantly. Print at home in either US Letter or A4 size.
    • You will receive an emailed receipt containing the download links to all sets purchased.
    • If you choose to create an account, your purchases will be saved there along with the download link.
    • Here is a link to the same paper we use for printed sets: Inkjet Vinyl Self-Adhesive Matte 4.1mil 8.5 x 11″ PPD-38

 

  • Printed Set – Professionally printed on US Letter sheets and shipped to you. Printed on durable adhesive-backed vinyl—simply cut, peel, and apply to a base of your choosing. The material is water-resistant and smudge-resistant for long-lasting use.

 

  • Acrylic Set – Our Tsushima set is available in acrylic.  These are UV printed sets and are made to order.  Currently this is the only set in this format.

All sets include:

  • A complete set of ship and aircraft images as stated on the product page
  • An order of battle
  • A basing guide with counts of image sizes for mounting
Naval wargame miniature sample printout.

WHAT SCALES ARE AVAILABLE?

Pre-Dreadnought, WWI, WWII, and Target Sets:

  • 1/1800
  • 1/2400
  • 1/3000

Cold War Sets:

  • 1/2400
  • 1/3600
  • 1/4800

To see how each scale compares, download a free sample PDF below:

Naval Wargame Miniatures Free Sample PDF

WHAT ABOUT BASES?

Topside Minis can be mounted on a variety of materials, depending on your preference:

  • Cardstock – Print directly on heavy cardstock (as thick as your printer allows) for a simple, low-cost option.
  • Foam Board – Lightweight and easy to cut, available at most craft stores.
  • MDF (Wood Fiberboard) – More durable, available at hardware stores and easily cut to size.

Laser-Cut Wood Bases (Recommended):
We offer 3mm laser-cut wood bases, available individually or as part of select printed sets. These provide a consistent, professional look and are sized to match the images.

  • Typically available with 1/1800 scale and all Cold War sets
  • Check individual product pages for availability

You can also purchase compatible bases from third-party suppliers such as Litko Gaming Accessories.

Naval Wargame Miniatures bases.

HOW TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

Assembly Instructions for printed sets sold with bases

What you need to assemble the kit

  • Comfortable Work Space
  • Good Lighting
  • Sharp Scissors and/or Wheeled Paper Cutter
  • Exacto knife for trimming (Optional)

Cut on the black line for best results. If you are worried about making a mistake, make your cut towards the outside of the black line. You can trim it afterwards with an Xacto knife after you apply it to the base.

Scissor and a steady hand are all you really need

After peeling off the backing, apply image to the base. Start at one corner and attach flush this the base edge.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Apply the opposite corner to the opposite edge making sure the bottom of the image is aligned with the bottom of the base. If it is not lined up correctly you can peel it off and start again. This is very durable vinyl adhesive.

Lining up the bottom of the base with the image

Once you are happy with the alignment, press down on the entire image to secure it to the base.

Securing the whole image to the base

If after you are finished you feel that some of the units have images that over hang the base, you can trim them with an Exacto knife. On a surface you can cut on, flip the base with the image side down and run an Xacto knife along the edges to cut off any over hanging part of the image.