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"Dice, Figures... ACTION!"
“Mean Sets”
provide inexpensive but highly practical interiors in which fans of role-playing games of
the first half of the 20th Century may place and move their 25/28mm scale alter egos. These Sets complement TVAG's line of
25/28mm scale City Blocks, "Mean Streets," but not designed to fit inside the buildings themselves.
Though very expensive resin models of entire buildings and even some interiors are available,
the plain fact is that they do not lend themselves to the filmic nature of "Pulp Fiction" games. Even if there is room to
physically reach down into the model to move figures, no one can see the action except from above: Fine miniatures, beautifully
painted, but only whose heads/hats/shoulders are visible to players who can only look directly down on them!
The obvious solution was to draw a lesson from the Hollywood that inspires so much of the
hobby’s imagery. That is, place the action on classic movie “Sets”: Rooms without ceilings and only two or three walls so
that the characters can be seen as they move and interact. During games, it now is possible not only to do this, but players
can have the fun of actually seeing the action at eye-level!
Each Set comes with decorations, furniture and/or other accessories including rugs, period
art, posters, advertising, etc, that complement its purpose.
Some "props" are not practical in paper, so links are provided to other
vendors of everything else you might need to dress your Sets, establishing the mood and period of your games. Candlestick
telephones, cash registers, desks, chairs, beds, lamps, and even pull chain toilets (like the one that proved very useful in
a certain classic Gangster film of some fame) are available.
More "Mean Sets" are
constantly in the works—and, "Yes!," your suggestions are welcome!
Each "Mean Set" is provided in PDF format
and delivered free by E-Mail for $10.00.
The Special Deals!
Buy 4 or more Sets and receive
your choice of a 5th for FREE!
Buy
10 and take 3 of your choice FREE!
The Full Collection Deal!
Buy
14 for $140.00 and receive the remaining
14 FREE--a savings of $140.00!
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The Currently Available Sets--Click to visit each you'd like to see.
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Mean Set #1
The P.I.'s Office
The proper starting point of any good Detective game is right
here in the Shamus' Office, so it lead's off the catalog accordingly. Note the "City at Night"
visible outside his windows.
Special Bonus Offer!
Send me the name of your own Private Investigator Character, and it will appear in his Office window!
Both "Sam Spade" and "Phillip Marlowe" are already provided.
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #2
The Cheap Hotel Lobby
Two sleazy rooms, a sitting area, Night Clerks' office, stairs to 2nd floor, and back
door. Pay the guy behind the counter enough, and he'll not only give you the room number, he'll load your Roscoe for you....
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #4
The SMC Garage
A great place to store your bootleg inventory, but even better for making a
little noise for Valentine's Day.
PDF: $10.00
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From Al's Heart To Yours. Model assembled with some details added, props, figures, and photography by Mr.
Nick Buxey of the UK. You're alright, Kid!
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Mean Set #5
The Saloon/Speakeasy
Just give the password through the door, and come on in for some alky and polite
conversation with folks from all strata of society. Rich or poor, everyone gets thirsty!
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #6
Miscellaneous Furniture & Accessories
Now expanded to a 5 sheet collection of self assembly furniture and accessories
(desks, chairs, filing cabinets, safes, radios, wall clocks, book cases, telephone booth, etc).
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #7
The P.I.'s Apartment
Closely modeled on Sam Spade's flat in The Maltese Falcon, it's a place
for your P.I. to hang his hat--but keep his Roscoe in the Ice Box. Comes with a complete Art Deco kitchen.
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #8
The Illegal Brewery
One of the two largest Sets in area currently available, measuring some 23" in
length and 8" in depth and height.
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #9
The Small Town Bank
Not to be confused with the "First National Bank" in a Big City, this more
modest enterprise is less likely to have a Rockefeller coming through its front doors than Bonnie and Clyde! This updated
model now has an exterior front wall and sidewalk.
PDF: $10.00
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Model and Photos courtesy of Glen Allison.
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Mean Set #11
The Casino
Also completely redecorated in Art Deco, this Set still fits right alongside the
Night Club, with adjoining doors. Just flash the high sign--or maybe a Jackson--and "members" may discretely enter and
play games of chance (that actually are probably not). There's even an office for the Owner/ Manager, with a convenient
side door to the Night Club's back stage--and the Star's Dressing Room.
PDF: $10.00
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Model and Photos courtesy of Glen Allison.
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Mean Set #12
The Big Shot's Drawing Room
Sooner or later, your P.I. will find himself paying a visit to the top floor of
society, be they retired politicians, industrialists, or just old time Big Shots who've made it. But since the shamus will
never actually be a guest in this mansion, he doesn't need anything more than the front door, entry hall, and a room for him
to cool his heels, surrounded by (ill gotten?) opulence while waiting to ask the owner some dangerous questions....
Recently extensively redecorated.
PDF: $10.00
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"Big Jim" Is No Longer The Boss. Model of the Drawing Room, props, figures, and photography by Mr. Nick Buxey of
the UK.
Mille grazzie, Paisan!
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Mean Set #13
The Old Farm House
Besides the base piece that provides a root cellar, there's even an outhouse.
The Old Farm House is the first Set to provide all Exterior Walls and a Roof so that the entire building can be besieged
by Lawmen on all four sides, but still have a fully detailed interior. When assembling this model, use all four exterior
walls, or leave one out or make it replaceable, as you prefer--it's your call!
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #14
The Warehouse
The other largest Set currently available, also measuring 23" in length and 8"
in depth and height.
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #15
The Barbershop & Drug Store
The first dual "Mean Set": Nitti's Pharmacy and the Garibaldi Brother's Barbershop.
Occupying two parallel spaces in the same block, both come not only with their counters, shelves, a Public Phone Booth,
shaving mug racks, signage and products, but they have an exterior front wall with sidewalk. Both also have back
doors--which can lead to the alley, but also The Secret Room (below) or the Speakeasy/Bar.
(Note: The Barber Chairs, sinks, cash register, etc, are 1:48 scale castings, and do not come with the model.)
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #16
The Secret Room
What Evil Mastermind doesn't have at least one hidden room where the BIG SECRET is kept?
This comparatively small Set is just over 6" by 4", but comes with three different types of entry door (Vault type shown),
with props and furniture to allow it to serve as The Mad Scientist Operating Room, or the site of his Electron-Dissing-
Explodateriating-Krebulator, or perhaps the Cult Leader's Secret Library of arcane volumes, or even just a place to lie low.
And in the best Saturday Serials tradition, 10 framed portraits of "Fearless Leaders" and Evil Masterminds are included to hang
on the wall, from Hitler to Tojo to Lenin--and one last too horrific even to whisper!
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #17
The Opium Den
In Chinatown--or just where you least expect it!--there is bound to be one of these,
if you know where to look! With authentic Mandarin signage and other "decorations" to contemplate while inhaling the
narcotic fumes, this will be one scary place to wake up in!
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #18
The Middle Eastern Cafe/Bar
For the first time (but not the last!) a "Mean Set" positively takes you to Cairo/Port
Said/Damascus/Casablanca or other seat of adventure and intrigue. This Set also has an exterior front and street section.
El Barraka, is the place to go for strong coffee, discreet alcohol, or to dally with Jasmine, the dancing girl.
But it's also where you can hire a guide before setting off into the desert, bribe officials to look the other way, or just to
avoid the odd flying dagger, swinging garrote, or muffled gunshot! Comes with tables as shown, authentic Arabic signage,
as well as other decor to inspire your scenes!
PDF: $10.00
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Deanie's Bad Sale --Model assembled, props, figures, and photography by Mr. Nick Buxey
of the UK. Thank you, Sir! |
Mean Set #19
Schofield's Flower Shop
The scene of the Capone Southside Mob's "hit" of Charles Dean "Deanie" O'Banion in 1924
which touched off the full blown "Beer Wars" in Chicago that did not end until the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Recreated in
exacting detail from contemporary pictures, crime scene photos and drawings, this model provides a variety of uses for your
Gangster/P.I. and other Role Playing Games. Another easily assembled "Mean Set," the Flower Shop requires only a short time to
cut out and assemble, and if using the recommended standard foam board or 5mm MDF, it will be permanent for years of play.
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #20
The 33rd Precinct Police Station
Well, at last Law & Order come to "Mean Sets!"
The latest addition to this ever growing collection is the 33rd Precinct Police Station.
Now it is possible for Games Masters and Players actually to "run in" their characters when it takes the Cops to sort out
the mess they've gotten themselves into. With a waiting area in front of the Desk Sergeant, characters can now attempt to
explain why it should be no concern to him why they were picked up just before Midnight climbing to the top of the Chrysler
Building with an ancient book, 1000 feet of copper wire, a can of luminous paint, and an organ grinder's monkey.
After that's out of the way, the Characters may be released, but somehow seems more likely to
be sent in to talk with one of the Detectives in his Office. Or perhaps they'll be escorted into the Watch Commander's Office,
from which they can be taken into the "Interrogation" room for some physical culture--if they won't come up with a better story
PDQ! And, just to cap off a fabulous evening, the whole party can be moved into quieter quarters back in the direction of the
Cell Block. And, not to worry, but your female members of the party will be given over to the kind attentions of
"Miss Manners," the Matron for the Ladies' Cells.
The Precinct Station comes with card models of the visible desks, file cabinets, all items
shown on the walls, and even the Cathedral Radio. (All other chairs, telephones, radiators, typewriters, and the row of seats,
with "guest" are from various vendors, all of whom are listed below. The Police Flivver out front, with driver, is from
Lledo's 1:64 range of "Days Gone By" die cast models. The Desk Sergeant, Police Matron, Beat Cop with Drunk and Hooker are
all courtesy of Mr. Bob Murch's "Pulp Fiction, Gangland Justice" range of figures. Don't be confused when you find this set
named "The 16th Precinct!"
Bob has his Precinct, and I have mine.
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #21
The Hotel Metropole 3rd Floor
Already represented in full as part of "Mean Streets," the Metropole is the swankiest hotel in town. Hosting the most
influential and powerful citizens in town, and equally important guests from elsewhere, this is where the well funded guest
comes to hang his hat in tasteful surroundings and impeccable service. These four rooms, with decorated corridor from the
elevator doors, will see plenty of deals being made--above and below the table. Furnishings shown are primarily from the
vendors listed below.
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #22
Hotel Metropole Lobby
This is where your Characters might meet, or where a hungry P.I. might hang out in search of a needy client. Ornate, and
offering a tobacanist and barber, as well as a coffee shop, one could do very well here--with enough scratch. A good
public place to make or collect a drop with enough witnesses to keep both sides safe. Or not....
The interior front wall follows the appearance of the "Mean Streets" exterior wall for perfect continuity.
PDF: $10.00
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Mean Set #23
Offices
The business of any town is... business, and that means offices for different companies and services. This set represents
one floor in what could be any 1920's through 40's building with different offices, a corridor, elevator doors, and exit to
a stair well. Some desks, filing cabinets and other furnishings shown are from the "Mean Streets" Set #6, while other details
(typewriters, phones, water coolers, etc) are available from various vendors listed below.
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #24
The Pulp Submarine
What villainous Pulp Mastermind doesn't have his own Submarine Boat on which
to plot his latest plot to conquer the world--or at least a very effective means of escape after The Heroes dash
his plans? And what better way to discover that Lost World of the Antarctic, or visit Skull Island without
concern for Indian Ocean storms--though battling the odd sea monster on the surface might still be an issue!
Though not meant to be any particular actual Submarine design, this waterline model is perfectly representative of
those of the Pulp era. However, there is no reason this model couldn't be used in more nearly historical war games,
particularly with similarly scaled Tramp Steamers and other likely vessels.
This unique addition to "Mean Sets" is no more difficult to assemble than any, and easier than some. When finished,
this model is fully 20" long, 4" wide, and 3.25" to the top of the Conning Tower gunwales. Like all other Sets,
this one requires no painting, and only the usual range of recommended materials.
(Please note that the weapons and crews shown are for illustration only. Credit to Mr. Glen Allison for the display model,
all photos, painted Brigade Miniatures U-Boat Crew figures and weapons from Houston's Naval
Guns and Ship Fittings .
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #25
The Pulp Submarine Interior
So, you have your waterline Submarine model for surface actions and encounters of
all Pulp varieties, but... what if the Heroes are taken prisoner by the Evil Mastermind? He could leave them on deck, but
wouldn't it be better to bring them below, to wonder at the power of his invention, and to share a fine meal while he
gives them every detail of his Master Plan? Well, you don't need to wish for it any longer now that the central interior
of most of the Submarine provides spaces where the action can continue.
Ten inches wide, providing cut-away access to the Conning Tower, 1st and 2nd Decks, the fully assembled model, with
all levels stacked upon each other, stands 6.75" high. However, all three levels are stand alone sets, accessible from
top and sides for maximum utility.
The Conning Tower has the obligatory periscope, instrument panel, and the Weapons Control station, operating whatever
terror weapon the Evil Mastermind is using today.
The 1st Deck includes the Mastermind's private cabin, with plush appointments, a comfortable bed, private book shelf,
and plank deck with Oriental carpet. The central control room has more instrument panels, and the navigation
station with maps, books, and charts on the desk top. The third compartment can serve any purpose, or carry
whatever cargo the scenario may call for.
The 2nd Deck has a similar compartment forward--which would do nicely for the boat's brig and a place for the Heroes
to plot their brilliant scheme to escape and take over. The central compartment has a "moon pool" allowing easy egress for
the Mastermind's divers to perform their part in his plans. The aft compartment houses the boat's engines for surface
running, and batteries for when submerged.
Open hatches on the Decks' front edges indicate passage from one to the other.
(Please note that the figures shown are for illustration only. Credit to Mr. Glen Allison for the display model,
all photos, painted miniatures, bulkhead hatches and other fittings from Houston's Naval
Guns and Ship Fittings .
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #26
The Old Barge
Providing many different uses, this item can be used to carry troops ashore in an era before sophisticated
landing craft, carry cargoes down canals, be towed along the coast, or simply tied up along a wharf or levy.
Anything--or anyone--can hide aboard one of these....
PDF: $10.00
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Model and photos courtesy of Mr. Glen Allison
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Mean Set #27
Lagano's Italian Restaurant
Decorated with images of Sunny Italy, this is the perfect place for that meeting with
The Turk, or just that "last good meal" before getting/giving the baccio della morte. Recently completely redesigned,
this version is far superior to the original! The model comes with tables, checkered table cloths, and hand towels.
(The tables, chairs, and other items in the last photo come from another vendor.)
PDF: $10.00
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Sources for Miniature Accessories To Complete Your "Mean Sets"
All the items available from these vendors are nominally 1/48 scale (1" = 48"), but are in fact perfectly
scaled for 25/28mm figures. All are remarkably inexpensive (some items less than a dollar) and many of these items appear
in the above photos of finished Sets. The only things in "O Gauge/1;48" that will not be of use are human figures. Far too large,
and generally inferior to what war gamers are accustomed!
TVAG has no affiliation with any of these companies, but has happily done business with all.
Microform Models, Inc.
I have bought extensively from this source and am extremely pleased with their business and products. This link leads
to their 1:48 Scale Catalog, but the company produces a plethora of architectural and other models in more scales than might
be imagined. The "Theater Seats" in the Police Station are perfectly compatible with "28mm figures" and available
here. Items for city streets and other uses may also be found
here. And while their products may at first appear to be plastic,
everything I have received so far is sharply cast in white metal. Go and enjoy!
Miniatures.Com
At this page you can get very reasonably priced plastic furniture set (Eastlake Victorian), including that
pull-chain toilet! Look at the rest of their 1:48 scale items for a 16 piece collection
of musical instruments (Violins, Bases, and a Grand Piano).
Oakridge Hobbies & Toys
The largest list of all types of accessories, from park benches and grand
pianos, to candlestick phones and typewriters. Go to the "O Gauge" (1:48 scale) listings.
Valley Model Trains
O Grandt 1:48 Scale architectural, railroad, and industrial pieces, but
also the only Barber Chairs I've ever found! (Use their Search Engine for instant gratification on these!)
Miniatures.com
Another source for 1:48 furniture, fireplaces, and other useful pieces, but also more expensive actual wooden furniture
sets for the high-rollers among you.
Berkshire Valley Models
One of the best sources for fine detail items at very reasonable prices. Period cash registers, desks, typewriters,
candlestick phones, the wonderful soda fountain set, Highly recommended to just go and see all that's available to
help furnish and detail your favorite "Mean Sets."
Scale City Designs
Mostly O Gauge train accessories, but many, many very useful items, some of which appear to be
unique to this seller, such as 1930' type refrigerators (two kinds), different cash registers than from others, etc. A
particularly fine point is the bags of multiple items (1920's lamps, garbage cans, etc) for the same price as some others
charge for singles of the same item.
Scenic Express
Excellent source for trees, shrubberies, potted plants, and more for exterior and interior decoration.
This link is to their 1:48 Topiaries, just the thing for filling out The Flower Shop, the Big Shot's Drawing Room, and other
Sets.
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HOMEPAGE
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All text, photos, and artwork are COPYRIGHT©2003 by Patrick Wilson.
They may not be used without written permission.
Contact The Virtual Armchair General
Names of individual product lines are trademarks (TM) of the manufacturers.
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