Medieval History, Miniature Dioramas & Behind the Scenes | Northern Crusades Miniatures
Stories – History, Dioramas & The Journey Behind the Models
This is where the miniatures come to life. The Stories section is a mix of medieval military history, showcase dioramas built by painters and collectors from around the world, and personal accounts of how Northern Crusades Miniatures grew from a single figure into one of the largest ranges of historical 3D printable miniatures available today.
The Northern Crusades — the medieval military campaigns waged by German, Scandinavian and Baltic Christian powers against the pagan peoples of the Baltic and the Orthodox warriors of Kievan Rus — are among the least documented and most visually fascinating conflicts of the Middle Ages. These stories aim to change that, pairing real historical research with beautifully painted miniature dioramas that bring these forgotten battles back into focus.
You’ll find detailed accounts of battles like the famous clash on the ice of Lake Peipus in 1242, where the Teutonic Order met Alexander Nevsky’s forces in one of medieval history’s most dramatic encounters. You’ll read about obscure but fascinating military orders like the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. And you’ll get a look behind the scenes at how monthly Tribe sets are researched, designed and sculpted.
Whether you’re here for the history, the hobby inspiration, or both — you’re in the right place.
How one bishop have turned into more then 1800+ models…
Hi All,
It all started with a project to do just one single figure… a model of the Bishop of Dorpat, Hermann von Tartu based on a vignette done by the legendary model sculptor Mike Blank… Now less then 1,5 years later the range of models in my range has grown from just a few to more the 1000 different models available on MyMiniFactory.
Read the Full Story Here
From Medievalists.net: Were War Elephants used during the Crusades?
By Lorris Chevalier
The use of war elephants in military conflicts has been well documented in Asia and certain regions of the Near East since antiquity. However, their appearance in Western medieval sources is much later. This raises the question: were war elephants actually employed during the Crusades?
There is no definitive proof that Muslim armies used war elephants in battle, but the frequency of their representation in medieval European sources suggests it was likely. European sources depict highly detailed scenes, including elaborate towers constructed on elephants, complete with intricate details of saddles and harnesses. However, these artistic representations do not necessarily confirm historical military use, as they often depict elephants carrying three to more than ten soldiers, making their direct role in combat questionable.
Prior to the Crusades, Western sources were already aware that the Persians and Indians used war elephants equipped with howdahs—wooden towers placed on their backs to transport archers or officers. This knowledge could have reached the Crusaders through merchants, travellers, and Arabic sources.
Read the full article here
Battle of the Ice – Lake Peipus 1242
Just want to share some history and some eye-candy with you. This diorama is build by Udo Speng primary using miniatures from Northern Crusades Miniatures, but also one from my former psychical range of 1/72 scale (he did scale down the 28mm figure before printing. Have fun, learn a little history and enjoy the amazing work by Udo. Read the Full Story Here
The Livonian Brothers of the Sword
I would like to share a little “eyecandy” and also a little history about the Livonian Knights, Swerd Brethern or Knights of Dopirn as they were called.
Read the Full Story here
Battle of Zappolino – Miniature Diorama
The Battle of Zappolino, etched in the annals of history as the harrowing climax of the War of the Oaken Bucket, stands as a testament to the relentless clash between the Italian powerhouses, Bologna and Modena. It was a conflict born of ancient grudges, fueled by the fervor of Guelphs and Ghibellines, and bathed in the blood of thousands.
Read the Full Story Here
1.000.000 views at MMF – Thanks for the support
Just wanted to give a big thanks to all those who have shown interest in my hobby project, trying to make the best, biggest and most versatile range of models with focus on the medieval period. Earlier today I passed more then 1.000.000 views, which I see as a certain interest in the subject.
Link to the Full Story Here
The Creation of a Tribe Set…
I would like to share a little insights in how I work and how I arrange the process when creating larger sets for the TRIBE. Basically doing a larger set each month is hard work, but I truly love the results!
For November I decided to go back to one of my most popular subjects – which is the battle of lake Peipus which took place in 1242 and was the German military Order Knights – The Teutonic Order fighting against the city of Novgorod led by their young Prince Alexander Nevsky. Also vassals of the Danish King Valdemar did fight alongside the Teutonic Order and Mongol warriors did fight on the side of Novgorod.
Read to Full Story Here
More than 2.000.000 views at MMF
More then 2.000.000 views on my miniatures! For me that is quite amazing and a huge motivation to continue expanding the range of models and miniatures for my range. I would like to thank all who buys models, all who follows my work and all who from time to time looks at my range of models!
Read the Full Story Here
The Uprising – Upcoming BoardGame
Here the latest update on the coming board game, with miniatures, made in coorperation between Sieben Schwaben Spiele and Northern Crusades Miniatures.
Please have a look: Promo Video
More than 2.500.000 views on MMF….
It all started with one model of the Medieval Bishop of Tartu… now more than 1.700 items and just passed more than 2.500.000 views.
Just want to say thanks for the support and interest.
More models added… The battle of Lake Peipus 1242
AUG 2021 – I try to keep up the paste and add more relevant models to the growing range of figures for the theme focusing on the Crusades to North/Eastern Europe. Click here for the full Story
Discover Over 1,800 High-Quality Medieval 3D Printable Miniatures
AUG 2025 – Some more info on the development of NorthernCrusadesMiniatues Click here for the full Story