john lacour | 05 Feb 2016 10:45 a.m. PST |
Hello all! I'm thinking of starting ww2 in 20mm. I have a friend who wants to join in. I really like AB ww2 figures, which i have just ordered. But could you guys give me some other companies for infantry that will match(or close), and what scale vehicles should i look at. Thanks! OH. forgot to ad…I don"t want to bother with airfix soft type figures. Metal or good hard plastic. |
Who asked this joker | 05 Feb 2016 11:02 a.m. PST |
PSC for plastics then. Those are hard plastic. They are slowly finishing up their late war selection of infantry. |
Simo Hayha | 05 Feb 2016 11:14 a.m. PST |
battlefield miniatures or fantassin miniatures. Most people mix and match 1/72 and 1/76 scale plastic vehicles with resin 20mm. I would not recommend 1/87 HO scale roco. |
Dye4minis | 05 Feb 2016 11:15 a.m. PST |
Don't miss Thoroughbred's offerings. Toby has some really great items in 200 WWII. You'll enjoy painting them, I'm pretty sure. Tom |
waveydavey | 05 Feb 2016 11:32 a.m. PST |
I recommend Wartime miniatures. Same sculptor as Battlefield/Blitz. Very nice indeed. |
wrgmr1 | 05 Feb 2016 11:36 a.m. PST |
Grubby Tanks/Britannia has some great figures and resin vehicles. grubbytanks.com Also Ready to Roll from Fire and Fury has resin vehicles. Especially if you don't like putting plastic kits together. link |
shaun from s and s models | 05 Feb 2016 11:57 a.m. PST |
we have a huge range of figs, vehicles and accessories for 20mm gaming:- sandsmodelsshop.com we have lots more to release as well. |
bc1745 | 05 Feb 2016 12:15 p.m. PST |
Thanx wrgmr1…….. Pictures being added to the site all the time Chris |
Syr Hobbs Wargames | 05 Feb 2016 1:34 p.m. PST |
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Faustnik pt | 05 Feb 2016 1:49 p.m. PST |
Welcome to the dark side. Apart from the other poster recommendations, you are welcome to the 20mm (aka 1:72) forum of excellency. guildwargamers.com Lots of models to get inspiration, advice and so on A+ |
steamingdave47 | 05 Feb 2016 2:05 p.m. PST |
Purists will probably flame me on this, but I quite like Hobbymaster 1/72- ready built diecast, so can put straight on the table or you can dirty up and add stowage etc. All of my M10s and M18s are from this company. I also have several Shermans, which I think are Atlas models- often available on EBay for £3.00 GBP or £4.00 GBP. Kits are fine, and I have lots, but they take time to build and paint and need good decals to finish them off. The diecast stuff gives you a basic force very quickly. As for figures, stick to AB or the Perry designed Foundry figures. I have Fantassin and plastics, but they do not compare with the other two. |
uglyfatbloke | 05 Feb 2016 2:59 p.m. PST |
AB..very nice figures. OTH you could always change your mind and go for 54mm instead. We just bought loads and we're already seriously considering our (fairly extensive) 28mm collections and maybe our 20mm Burma collection as well. |
Syr Hobbs Wargames | 05 Feb 2016 4:40 p.m. PST |
Faustnik isn't right you really should check out the Guild. Great folks there. Duane |
Cheriton | 05 Feb 2016 5:05 p.m. PST |
uglyfatblok: our 20mm Burma collection I have been, since the end of 2015, moving WWII & WWI to 20mm from (20 years of) 15mm. Eyes must… Can you offer suggestions for sources for doing the Burma Theater in 20mm? Options, particularly infantry with "appropriate" kit, seems rather thin thus far in 20mm? |
shelldrake | 05 Feb 2016 5:09 p.m. PST |
Eureka Miniatures also make 20mm, and they are excellent; it just depends on which theatre you are wanting. |
PiersBrand | 05 Feb 2016 6:05 p.m. PST |
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PiersBrand | 05 Feb 2016 6:11 p.m. PST |
From left to right; Two Adler, two Wartime, two AB and two Battlefield/Blitz.
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Syr Hobbs Wargames | 05 Feb 2016 6:16 p.m. PST |
Ah Piers says it all with those pictures. Awesome as usual, Cheers Duane |
Doctor X | 05 Feb 2016 7:42 p.m. PST |
Also FAA range to look at. |
Blacky750 | 05 Feb 2016 8:50 p.m. PST |
Piers, What's happening with Adler? |
PiersBrand | 06 Feb 2016 2:53 a.m. PST |
You'd have to ask Leon that… I just paint up the lovely samples I get in the post now and then. Its gonna be good though if the stuff he has sent me so far is anything to go by. |
Gaz0045 | 06 Feb 2016 4:04 a.m. PST |
Cheriton, have you seen the Combat Miniatures Burma figures from Stonewall Miniatures link The Indian Army figures and Ghurkas fit nicely too……… For the original post, you can mix vehicles 1/72 and 1/76 scale as long as you 'seperate' by type………Matilda tanks all 1/76 and Pz IV 's in 1/72 for example….. |
Lion in the Stars | 06 Feb 2016 8:57 a.m. PST |
I second the Guild Wargamers forum. Lots of 20mm goodness there (and they also tolerate the occasional 15mm heretic like me). Had I not gotten started with Flames of War, I probably would have gone with 20mm minis for everything not scifi. |
PiersBrand | 06 Feb 2016 9:21 a.m. PST |
I cant think of any AB with oversized heads… and I think I own… one of everything. :) Are you sure youre not thinking of Fantassin/Warmodelling? |
donlowry | 06 Feb 2016 9:51 a.m. PST |
For vehicles you have two choices of scales: 1:76 and 1:72. The latter is really 25mm scale (25.4mm = 1 inch, and a 6-foot tall man is 72 inches tall), but these days there seem to be a lot more 1:72 models available than 1:76, and so-called 20mm figures are more like 23-25mm tall anyway. |
Cheriton | 06 Feb 2016 10:55 a.m. PST |
Ah Piers says it all with those pictures. Yes and equally important highly informative . Thanks PiersBrand… and thanks to Gaz0045 Cheriton, have you seen the Combat Miniatures Burma figures from Stonewall Miniatures I hadn't known about those… |
john lacour | 06 Feb 2016 10:58 a.m. PST |
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War Panda | 06 Feb 2016 10:59 a.m. PST |
I'm going to dissent a little and caution that some AB figures have very large heads. Tim, before we launch the witch hunt (and we all want a witch hunt) please support this statement with a photo. I'm not an owner of every mini like Piers possibly is but I have a lot (ordered more a week ago) and honestly I would have described them as the most realistically proportioned minis I've ever seen. So I'm calling you out Sir. Defend your honor and provide evidence or face the consequences. Bu take your time…I've got an especially sharp pitchfork to find ;) |
john lacour | 06 Feb 2016 11:08 a.m. PST |
And lastly, what tanks do i want as i hate vynle tracks.Anything out there with molded on tracks? |
War Panda | 06 Feb 2016 11:19 a.m. PST |
In my 20mm I've tried to keep the majority of my minis to AB but they don't have any US Airborne so I have several other manufacturers and I've noticed with certain brands (SHQ) the head sizes are probably larger in comparision to AB. SHQ
Compare to AB link
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PiersBrand | 06 Feb 2016 11:59 a.m. PST |
Funny cos Ive never even thought the heads looked even slightly odd. In fact quite the opposite for me. I dont see it on the officer either, though his raised greatcoat collar adds to the overall bulk.
Im biased, I adore AB though!
Maybe my standards aint as strict as others… ;) |
War Panda | 06 Feb 2016 12:21 p.m. PST |
War Panda, I'm kneeling with hands outstretched, looking upwards to heaven. grin And there lies the problem Tim; I'd say get off your knee's and position your posterior (ahem) on a seat and humbly gaze down at the perfect proportions on those AB minis ;) And I forgive you ;) Maybe my standards aint as strict as others… ;) Yes Piers, we all know you have pretty sloppy standards ;) |
7dot62mm | 06 Feb 2016 12:21 p.m. PST |
I own lots of AB figures and none of them have especially large heads. If you want large heads look for Valiant Miniatures. |
War Panda | 06 Feb 2016 1:50 p.m. PST |
I don't think AB is ghastly. I will buy them again (I used to get them from Milicast) but am not sure about ordering from the distance of Australia for now (I'm in Canada). Not sure if I've misinterpreted Tim but did you mean ordering AB's from Oz? They're available from Eureka Miniatures in the US and the P&P is pretty good to Canada. IMO Tim you are one of the true gentlemen of the hobby so I for one know you're not trying to insult anyone. Can't honestly understand being insulted by someone critiquing a mini but I guess they're those who would) I'm really just having a laugh; having said that :) they are my favorite mini by a country mile. Funny you mention 28mm because I'm seriously considering getting rid of mine, simply because of what I perceive as the cartoonish proportions. All about opinions and taste though; as most of my pals who play with my gear seem to prefer my 28mm and I just can't understand it. BTW anyone know if AB plan to make US Airborne in 20mm? |
Syr Hobbs Wargames | 06 Feb 2016 2:04 p.m. PST |
All about opinions and taste Sounds like a great place to leave it War Panda, I much prefer to hear how 20mm is the one true scale. :) john lacour send me a private message or an email and I will see if I can get you a deal on some Elhiem, CP Models, and/or TQD figures to get you started and compare with your AB figures already ordered. Duane Duane@syrhobbswargames.com |
LeonAdler | 06 Feb 2016 2:48 p.m. PST |
Ah, The AB brits :) Possibly the best figures ever made. Never noticed any big AB heads myself, nothing beyond normal human variations ( and heads do vary a heck of a lot in the case of some people.) Working on some American and German heads/helmets at the moment and both are tricky devils to get right and makes me appreciate even more just how brill the AB are. Ditto Tango 2 3 I will certainly agree with you on some 28mms being very odd, lots of em look more like Orcs than humans to my eyes. AFK tank crews due in production end of the month, too many distractions at the moment for much progress on the Lehr but all the equipment and weapons done so hoping for April release. L |
ubercommando | 06 Feb 2016 3:34 p.m. PST |
AB is great, and further proof of their quality is that some museums, such as the one at Duxford, use them in their dioramas. I'll add SHQ into the mix here. I like them. In fact, my own 20mm collection is made up from so many different manufacturers that I've lost track of which is by who. |
Fred Cartwright | 06 Feb 2016 5:19 p.m. PST |
"Gonna start 20mm, p,ease help!" Don't worry John I'll send you some nice green tablets and you will be feeling better very soon! :-) But if you must get your fix then AB and SHQ will see you ok for most theatres. |
Blacky750 | 06 Feb 2016 7:39 p.m. PST |
War panda, Checkout the FAA US Para's, superb figures link |
War Panda | 06 Feb 2016 10:39 p.m. PST |
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PiersBrand | 07 Feb 2016 4:39 a.m. PST |
Im using Elhiem, Mercer and Grubby for mine…
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John de Terre Neuve | 07 Feb 2016 6:25 a.m. PST |
I have painted quite a few 20mm/1/72 models. I prefer metals but have been happy with PSC and have used some Caesar Models for support teams I can not find else where. TQD models from CP models are my favourite, lovely slender models. AB are terrific but maybe slightly shorter then TQD. CP Models are a little odd in their poses. I am painting up some Eureka Japanese and USMC now and they are really quite nice and I would recommend them without hesitation. I am tempted by SHQ but the few I have bought are a little smaller then my other models. I like Warmodelling (Fantassin now Battlemodels) but can not recommend them. The molds all seem broken down and the casts are a waste of time. In respect to vehicles, PSC is a real deal and the rapid build Italeri are also quite nice. Armourfast and Pegasus have some useable models but are more flimsy and less detailed. I am happy to supplement with SHQ but you may have difficulties in scale if you use them in the same army. I am not really enamored of the short squat models, but that is an opinion only. Anywhere it is a scale I would highly recommend there is lots to chose from. Flicking through my blog will reveal many painted models. fuentesdeonoro.blogspot.com I should point out though that I have nowhere the skill of Piers Brand. ww20mm.blogspot.com or Dani Dunbar gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com John |
donlowry | 07 Feb 2016 10:16 a.m. PST |
SO 1/76 over 1/72 right? I prefer 1/76, because that's what I started out using, and I still have quite a few models in that scale. But, as I said above, there seem to be a lot more 1/72 models than 1/76 available these days. So I guess if I were starting out in 20mm these days I'd go with 1/72. (Actually, if I was starting over now, I'd go with a smaller scale, like 10/12mm.) |
Syr Hobbs Wargames | 07 Feb 2016 10:28 a.m. PST |
Thanks for the links John de Terre Neuve There are some real Gems in the CP Models range. Duane |
JimF51 | 13 Feb 2016 11:52 p.m. PST |
To the OP. John, if you mean for wargaming, which means large numbers of figures and vehicles, then 1/72 is probably your better choice, from companies such as PSC, S Models and such. Overall cost will be less. They are just not quite as detailed, perhaps, as kits aimed at the modeler market. I've just come back to modeling, with diorama ideas I want to do, verses just models on shelves. For braille scale, I have found a lack of many types of vehicles in 1/72, either because they have not been done, or, more often, are not available from the mfr any longer. The Italeri M8 Greyhound is just one example of that. So that means hunting ebay, or FS lists, etc. In 1/76, vehicles that suit my time period interests (BEF 1940, Western Desert and France/NW Europe '44), are all readily available in resin, from the likes of Milicast, Matador, Cromwell, etc.. Excellent models, very detailed, but more costly per vehicle. The last is not as critical for me, as I don't need more than 2 or 3 of any one type. I have figures from AB and Dan Taylor Modelworks, which work well together. It experimenting, I've found they will look fine with both 1/72 and 1/76 vehicles, as long as I don't have both scale vehicles in the same scene. Good luck. Jim F |
uglyfatbloke | 14 Feb 2016 12:08 p.m. PST |
Piers and Warpanda (cheers for the youtube vids BTW Warpanda)your painting standards are just awful…send ALL of your figures (and scenery and vehicles obviously) to me and I'll …ahem…dispose of them safely. |
Kungfucius | 15 Feb 2016 4:35 a.m. PST |
Like Warpanda said "BTW anyone know if AB plan to make US Airborne in 20mm?" This is the question… (I am also waiting for Leon Adler's Germans, they look nice) |
Probert | 23 Feb 2016 1:37 p.m. PST |
Most of my collection is SHQ. And I am a big fan of the vehicles and infantry. I'm not sure there is a reliable SHQ dealer in the US/Canada these days, so you may be paying a bunch of shipping. |
custosarmorum | 23 Feb 2016 8:10 p.m. PST |
I recently picked up some SHQ 20mm WWII miniatures from Minutemen Toy Soldiers. While none of the items I wanted were in stock, George from Minutemen Toy Soldiers added my packs to his restock. I had them in just a few weeks and George was very good at providing status updates (he even responded to a query on New Year's Day!). I was very happy with the service. |
Tiberius | 26 Feb 2016 5:30 p.m. PST |
SHQ are very nice and go well with airfix
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