This is where notes on assembly of other kits from Dream Pod 9 will be added. Think of it like an FAQ for model assembly: This is more helpful notes and advice for specific models.
As some of these have plastic, 3d printed, or other versions I am tagging entries with the material or method used.
We’re not the Model Police#
These are, importantly, suggestions. The original art for the Heavy Gear setting wasn’t always consistent and the setting presumes long histories for Gear designs. It is a setting where things are sometimes assembled by engineers in the field who have to improvise with limited support.
Your models are your models and you should always feel free to convert and do what you wish with them.
Guide Updates#
Original Release
2024-09-16
Initial notes scribbled down and uploaded to tools.dp9.com.Original Release
2025-12-31
Initial notes scribbled down and uploaded to tools.dp9.com.
Miniatures History#
This page is focused on currently available or at least recently available miniatures. The history of the Heavy Gear miniatures line has had a surprisingly complex hsitory.
RAFM Miniatures#
Miniatures were released in the 1990s by RAFM. These are in a larger scale (1/87 versus today’s 1/144) and are fully metal models. More information on these can be found at the Lost Miniatures website.
Tactical and Blitz Miniatures#
Early Dream Pod 9 produced miniatures for Heavy Gear are usually referred to as ‘Tactical’ era miniatures. They use a similar scale as today’s miniatures, but notable have slightly different scaling of details and similar. One distinctive feature is the much thinner hand-held weapons. These models were re-sculpted to create more distinctive kits. Scale was slightly exaggerated to make the ‘scout’ and ‘fire support’ Gears stand out in height from the middle-height Hunters and similar. Additionally the Tactical era initially assumed hex-map play so most models were scaled with that in mind: For example, the initial release of the CEF Hovertanks was a small tank model, similar in size to the current LHT-67/LHT-71, designed to be able to fit on a hex-based flight stand and only slightly overhang the hex base. This was converted to modern pairs of LHT-67/MHT-68 and LHT-71/MHT-72 to allow players to continue using the smaller miniatures for a lighter class of hovertanks. The LHT models were later improved with new sculpts to add details.
The below notes will focus on the currently available or recent releases.
North#
Metal Dingo and Koala#
MetalThe metal kits for the Dingo and Koala include a small sprue for each model that has the head, HMG elements, and a few other small pieces. One small element is a rounded piece with some detail on it: After asking on the Heavy Gear:Blitz Discord, this is a parachute and the default location is attached to the V-Engine.
To my understanding the Dingo, along with the Mad Dog it is based off of, should be modeled with the V-Engine mounted upside down.
Metal Bear / Den Mother/ Mad Dog R#
MetalThese models have recently been replaced by 3d-printed versions, but the older models are still available. This is taken from the page on the main dp9 website. The Den Mother is now an upgrade for the basic Bear design: Feel free to have fun with the various parts if you want. Note that the Mad Dog and Bear use the same engine, but on the Mad Dog it should have the central exhaust remoed and is mounted upside down.
