"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 in the works—and, "Yes!," your suggestions are welcome!

Special RPG Accessory!

In collaboration with Howard Whitehouse, author of the 2nd Edition of his popular Pulp Fiction rules, Astounding Tales!, comes the unique Scene Generator. This always suspenseful and exciting (and often hilarious) game accessory allows a Director/Games Master to invent a "Pulp Fiction" Detective/Gangster movie, one scene at a time. The Scene Generator introduces Characters, what they might do, and where the action may move, and includes a ready made list of such Characters, complete with their individual Talents/Quirks. While these "stats" are provided in terms of Astounding Tales!, with minor adjustments the Generator (which appears in rules) can be used with any other set of rules you may prefer.

Currently, the Scene Generator has been devised specifically to make use of only the first five Sets. With the release of additional Sets, an expanded version of the Generator is being developed.

Each "Mean Set" is available as a PDF for $10.00.

The "Special Deal": Buy 5 or more Sets and receive #6 ("Miscellaneous Furniture & Accessories"), and the Scene Generator--8 pages of inexhaustible plot and action combinations--for FREE!

Buy 6 or more Sets at once, and take a 7th one of your choice for FREE . Buy 12 and take 2 more free, by all 18 currently offered and pay only for 14, and still get the Scene Generator . Please remember to ask for your free Sets in the "Special Instructions" Box when you order, or by E-mail, etc, so this Old Fossil will remember!

Mean Sets

Mean Set #1

The P.I.'s Office

Special Bonus Offer! Send me the name of your own Private Investigator Character, and it will appear in his Office window! If not specified, both "Sam Spade" and "Phillip Marlowe" are already provided.

PDF Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #2

The Cheap Hotel

Three sleazy rooms, and an even sleazier bathroom at the end of the hall. A great place to lay low when the heat's on, or to heal up without benefit of hospital!

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

PDF Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #3

The 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 bacci de morto. (The tables, chairs, and other items come from another vendor.)

PDF Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #4

The Garage

A great place to store your bootleg inventory, but even better for making a little noise for Valentine's Day.

PDF Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #5

The Speakeasy/Bar

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 get's thirsty!

PDF Edition: $10.00

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, etc). One sheet is specifically for The P.I.'s Office, and another for The Cheap Hotel, though all will work at least in part with the other Sets.

PDF Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #10

The Night Club

Recently redesigned, the "new" Night Club has put on the Art Deco "Ritz," with an extended floor plan for more backstage action. The stage has been enlarged to accommodate the newly released "Dream Jazz Band" from Eureka Miniatures, and the dance floor is read for the Charleston Dancers and "Flappers!" The most ornate "Mean Sets" interior to date!

PDF Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #12

The Big Shot's Entry Hall

Sooner or later, your P.I. will find himself paying a visit on 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 drawing room where he can cool his heels, surrounded by (ill gotten?) opulence while waiting to ask some dangerous questions....

PDF Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #13

The Old Farm House

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, as you prefer--it's your call!

PDF Edition: $10.00

Mean Set #14

The Warehouse

The other largest Set currently available, also measuring 23" in length and 8" in depth and height.

PDF Edition: $10.00

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.

PDF Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

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 Edition: $10.00

For Additional Photos visit the Mean Sets Photo Page

Click here to find the "Mean Sets" Assembly Instructions

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 photos of finished Sets on the Photos Page. The only things in "O Gauge/1;48" that will not be of use are human figures. Far too large, and generally much cruder than what war gamers are accustomed to!

TVAG has no affiliation with any of these companies, but has happily done business with all.

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.

Berkshire Valley, Inc.
Complete ranges of 1:48 Detail pieces, especially shop counters, shelving, pop machines, bottles, tools, etc. They even have a Soda Fountain set, complete with stools, counter, cash register, plates, and more, for just $12.00! VERY fast Service!

Bowser.
Extensive list of 1:48 (and other scale) Detail pieces, particularly safes, office desks and chairs, traffic lights, street signs, "modern" sinks, toilets, etc.

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!)

FAVORITE LINKS
to war gaming and history sites on the web