RFCM

Richard and tiny mats are now back

Now

bigwargames.co.uk

More or less the same website but when I asked him he won't be do any shows

Stewart

That is good news, Stewart. I like the name!

I wonder whether we'll be able to revive the "Peter Pig mat" concept that Richard and I had previously been discussing. My idea was:
 - pick your mat size (5'x3', 4'x4' or 4'x3')
 - pick your terrain (from a limited range of grassy, snowy, jungle, arid types)
 - pick your grid (6"x6" or Bloody Baron / C&K alternatives)
 - not have a hem (which has historically otherwise reduced the playing area).

And get a mat that would be perfectly-sized for RFCM games, while avoiding everyone trying to explain in their own words what they needed to get to a similar end result!

Simon

Simon
In the guise of tiny Wargames I did get Richard to do a special,
4 x 5x3 mats, for a reduced price (£150 I think) but no grid as I thought that may be a challenge to far.

I received mine but I don't know of anyone else that took up the offer

Stewart

A gridded sheet would be most helpful to us less ept people

errr?

martin :)

Well, in the spirit of giving a company another go, I've ordered a mat for TCR. Excellent communication so far.

I shall report back.

Good luck Sean, he was quick to answer emails but there seems to be a few unhappy players , especially on TMP.

Stewart

Yes. I've had issues previously. But I'm happy to give it another go.

Fingers crossed for you chaps.

It looks like big mats is the identical company to tiny mats. Same products, same proprietor, same references (uses of word "renown" etc) to past activities (biggest mat in the world produced by them for Waterloo wargame some years ago) , same anonymity (no address given, contrary to the law). Big mats seems to be in the same gaming/business  category as Games workshop.


martin ???

Lots of websites (including this one) seem to be happy ignoring the UK Distance selling regulations.

No business details, no privacy policy, no returns policy

buyer beware

Quote from: Sean Clark on May 08, 2025, 11:52:12 AMWell, in the spirit of giving a company another go, I've ordered a mat for TCR. Excellent communication so far.

What colour terrain did you go for, Sean?
Having seen some of the bright otherworldly scenics on this forum's TCR threads, I'm curious...

Yes Sean, what scheme are you intending?

martin :)

Anyone care to enquire how my experience with Big Wargaming is going, especially  with reference to my mat order from two and a half weeks ago?

I thought it might curse it if we ask.
Is all good?

martin :)

Do please tell, Sean.

As an aside, I've been waiting for a sci-fi mat from another supplier for many weeks now. Although to be fair they did tell me that it was out if stock when I ordered it, and have been sending me weekly emails to confirm that they've not forgotten about it.

Simon

Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on May 24, 2025, 04:15:08 PMDo please tell, Sean.

As an aside, I've been waiting for a sci-fi mat from another supplier for many weeks now. Although to be fair they did tell me that it was out if stock when I ordered it, and have been sending me weekly emails to confirm that they've not forgotten about it.

Simon

Actually, Wayland Games have just emailed me to say that my mat for TCR is on its way.

Thanks for organising that, Sean  ;D

Simon

It's not good news from me.

I emailed last Saturday to enquire where my mat was.

I recieved an apology and was told it would be shipped during the week with tracking.

Heard nothing.

Emailed this afternoon. Yet to get a reply...but it is a Saturday, so no expectation.

If I hear nothing I'll put a claim into PayPal.

I'm still willing to give benefit of the doubt...

Fingers crossed Sean.

martin :)

Good mat Sean?

martin :)

No word from the company or sign of my mat  :'(

Hi Sean
You could put the details up on TMP , Richard seams to respond on there

Stewart

Probably best to let it lie?
Get the money back or fix a very exact deadline for an outcome.

Otherwise it might get out of control and very angry. A bit Julian.
If Sean has the time, then  fine, but maybe time is too valuable and not to be  spent on predictable outcomes?


martin :)

I'll wait until I get my £48 back before further comment.

Prudential Sean


martin :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/67mxnxhZ/Screenshot-20250528-230645-Gmail.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67mxnxhZ)


I've emailed Big Wargames tonight using the same email address over which we've communicated to place the order. It apparently  no longer exists 😡

That's a worry.

Have you been using the email address still showing on their website, Sean?

warmatsuk@gmail.com

Simon

Just tried it.

What a turn up.

A chap named James has got straight back to me, apologised and is sending the mat out today.

The Duoo email address, answered by Richard and the order placed through, now appears defunct. I've no idea whether he still has anything to do with the company, but this rapid response from James is promising.

Of course, I don't have the mat yet. I shall report back when it arrives.

Be aware Sean, I was emailing 'James' enquiring about a mat and he slipped up and signed one 'Richard'

Stewart

I highly recommend DeepCut of Lithuania. They are in the EU but good quality and very dependable. They also attend several UK wargames shows. I have arranged show pickups with them before now.

Maybe James in his second name?  Richard James xxxx
I often answer to my alternate names of Oi,Hey, Poppet and Loser.

martin :)

Andy

We have several DeepCut mats at the club.

I'll await the arrival of this mat  but suspect it may be my last purchase.

Our local gaming shop Entoyment actually supply Deepcut studio mats.
Miles

I didn't realise they stock Deepcut Miles.

I received my Deep Cut sci-fi mat from Wayland Games (thanks for the idea, Stewart) yesterday.

I knew it was out of stock when I ordered it, but Royal Mail delivery was prompt once it was sent. And delivery was free.

I went for the cloth, as opposed to mouse mat, material for ease of storage.

The only downside is the absence of grid lines, that I really like on my Tiny Wargames cloths.

Simon

I did not know that Miles. Thanks. I will have a good look on 7th  CK day.


martin :)

DeepCut will add grid lines if you ask them. I think there might even be a section on their ordering to allow for requests. Will have to check that out, but a few years ago they did me a 4x3 with a 4" grid and a 6x4 with a 6" grid.

Just checked and yes, they will print any size grid or hex requested on any size mat requested. Go to shop and scroll down to a large menu, then click on custom mats to enable you to do this. They really are a good company to deal with. (As an aside, the nicest children I ever taught were Lithuanians and Kosovans)

I shall take a look myself Andy. Thanks for the info.

I'm having déjavu.

My mat has arrived, but it's printed on a PVC type sheet that doesn't fold  and can only be rolled up.

As per the website, I was expecting premium hemmed cloth.

I may be being fussy. But this is shiny, doesn't fold up and smells very strongly of PVC.

I'm awaiting a response.

(https://i.postimg.cc/5Y1gq7nB/Screenshot-20250602-145428-Chrome.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Y1gq7nB)

(https://i.postimg.cc/t1FD6QtR/Screenshot-20250602-145436-Chrome.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t1FD6QtR)

Maybe I should have used their name as one of the dodgy companies instead of Pitir Peg   :) for my TCR buildings.

Derek

Take heart Sean. You are quite close. Operation market garden  was a success ; apart from that final bridge.


martin :)

Possibly a bridge too far.

Running a business must be really easy. Advertise some random products, take orders and money from people, send them anything you've got in the warehouse.
John

It's hugely disappointing  because I wanted to give them a chance after a bad experience previously.

Oddly I've now recieved a dispatch notice  for my original order of 7th May telling me my mat is on the way. I'm wondering whether this is a replacement mat, or just some automated notification.

(https://i.postimg.cc/r0zkYRz1/Screenshot-20250614-082723-Gmail.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0zkYRz1)

I recieved this reply 2 days ago from 'James'.

So the notification I recieved was clearly with reference to the vinyl mat I was sent.

Let's see how long it takes to turn this order around.

We are on day 38 of this farce, during which:

1. Intial contact from Big Wargames on 7th May was very promising, using info@duoo.co.uk email.
2. Then nothing.
3. I contact Big Wargaming at the same email address on 17th May requesting an update.
4. At which 'Richard' responds the same day apologising and saying he will ship that week with a tracking number.
5. 24th May, still no mat. Again using the Duoo email address  no response is forthcoming.
6. 28th May I ask for a refund using the Duoo email address, which bounces and apparently  no longer exists.
7. 29th May, 'James' then appears on the scene, apologises and states he will send my mat that day.
8. He tells me that he will find out what happen to the original mat!!!
9. He's now using the warmat email address.
10. 30th May, I email James, asking if he managed to post the mat as promised the previous day.
11. 2nd June I again ask for an update.
12. James responds with a screenshot of a delivery note saying my parcel has been sent by Darenth Print and Design Limited and will arrive on 3rd or 4th June.
12. He emails separately apologising for the issues.
13. A mat arrives on 2nd June. The wrong mat - printed on some kind of plastic vinyl. I email James to let him know.
14. I email him again on 12th June asking for an upsate.
15. James replies on 12th June. He apologies and says he will ship the correct one ASAP.

So here we are.

DO NOT TOUCH THIS COMPANY WITH A BARGE POLE.

Darenth Print and Design appear to be a printing company for corporate stationery and supplies working out of Dartford. They advertise a service for some kind of banner, which I imagine might be printed on  a 5'x3' vinyl material  ;D 

I've emailed them to make enquiries.

My summation is that this man is trying to do a good job; good intent is always laudable.
However, the execution is too difficult.
Maybe some person who is good at logistics and smoothing linkage of process would sort it all out quicker than trump can  sort out the Ukraine invasion. Administration is so often under valued.


martin :)

Could your mat become  a banner Sean??

martin :)

If I need a Martian background, then yes!


(https://i.postimg.cc/8sqMmqC5/Screenshot-20250614-092358-Gmail.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sqMmqC5)

James has just replied. Early next week means Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday would be classed as mid week. Thursday or Friday towards the end of the week.

🙄

Did James buy the company from Richard or from the second owner Daniel?

martin :)

No idea. Communication  is difficult apparently.

These things happen in war.

martin :)

All sorted?

martin :)

No.

Last communique was 5 days ago:

"Your new cloth is being printed. Please keep the other one."

I placed my order on 7th May.

I'm drawing a line under this now.

I've requested a refund. If none is forthcoming I shall be requesting  aa charge back through my credit card company.

Registered address with Companies House is:

21 St. Davids Road, Hextable, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7RJ, England 

Companies House do show that a Wesley Fitton looked to take over the company, but nothing was legally formalised. Richard Bailey is still showing as the owner. Presumably his middle name is James.

Interestingly   the same card I used to pay for the mat was scammed this week and used in Kent.

This is a coincidence and I am in no way blaming Tiny Wargaming/Big Wargaming for this scam.

 :'(

Pontious Pilate role play next?

martin :)

My credit card company have now refunded my £53 and are chasing Tiny/Big Wargames for the money.

Lunch on you then Saturday Sean

Stewart

Oh well.
I will report back on how I get on with geek villain.
My "Champions mat" has beens sent back as too small. 42" by 24".

martin :)

I have ordered a 'sand' mat for the upcoming PITs rewrite from TIMU (£3.08)

Stewart

I like the price, Stewart!

Does it come with grids?

Simon

Unfortunately no grids Simon


Stewart

Quote from: Stewart 46A on August 04, 2025, 06:22:16 PMUnfortunately no grids Simon


Stewart

You didn't want to pay the 10p extra?  ;D

Simon

Martin,

Not the mat of Champions then?

My mat and all of the scenery is sorted for PITS. I'm ready to go!

Stewart,

I can stretch to a sausage roll for you.

Quote from: Stewart 46A on August 04, 2025, 04:52:50 PMI have ordered a 'sand' mat for the upcoming PITs rewrite from TIMU (£3.08)

Stewart

6" x 4"....?  ;)  ;)  ;)

Jon.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Yj8mHCGk/20250925-085901.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yj8mHCGk)


This will make you smile, and bring closure to this thread. 

Look what arrived out of the blue!

Now, its the right design and the right material. But it's 58" x 34". And it doesn't have a grid on it like I asked for.


So 2 out of 4 requests satisfied. And at least I have a mat for TCR. The perimeter squares will all be 1" short, but I can live with that.

Oh dear  :-[ ; why do some businesses find fulfilling an order to the required specifications so difficult? It's as if in my old job I was required to teach the Roman invasion of Britain, and somewhow managed to do it without mentioning Roman legions, British chariots or the Emperor Claudius.

I think you can fudge the mistake by making each square a touch smaller Sean.
It is a very nice looking mat. I would buy one if the supplier was capable.

You have a one-off.

martin :)