"28mm Vietnam War miniatures - comments and recommendations?" Topic

I'm aware there are a number of ranges of Vietnam War minis available in 28mm – TAG, Baker Company, Empress/FNG, Westwind, and Eureka that I know of, and I'm sure many others.

I'm looking for comment, thoughts, recommendations – how do these different ranges shape up and compare to each other, and how would they sit alongside 1/48 scale model vehicles?

I'm looking to get some small (platoon level at maximum) forces put together across all the different combatants – ideally with some identifiable leaders, specialists, and 'characters' in each force.

Any thoughts or recommendations much appreciated.

For compatability with 1/48 vehicles I would go for the former Chiltern Miniatures which are more like 30mm. They are now sold by SHQ as 28mm Vietnam.

Be aware, they do have a style of their own and will not fit in with other ranges. The range does include characters, particularly from the film Platoon.

I would shout that they don't fit with ANY other ranges.

Re 1/48 the WestWind and TAG chopper pilots and gunners are designed to fit 1/48 plastic Huey kits.

Here is my blog on my Vietnam project. link

If you want to see Chiltern figures in action, have a look at the Grand Manner site where these figures are used to illustrate the Vietnam buildings range.

LostPict those figures look great, I see you are using Old Glory And TAG.

Here's my notes:

My Vietnam collection is mainly West Wind, Baker Company, some TAG and very few London War Room
(now called Jungle Rot).

I want the weapons to match in scale more than the figures. I find the following match up good
enough for me:

M-16 – WW, BC, TAG
M-60 – WW, BC, FOA – TAG is way to big
M-79 – WW, BC, FOA, TAG, LWR – all a little off but not overly so.
L1A1 – FOA, TAG – Eureka way to small

AK-47 – WW, BC (the Magazines are a little off ww long and thin – BC short and wide) – TAG way to big and LWR way to small
SKS – WW, BC, LWR, TAG (largest of the four but still good)
RPG – WW, BC, TAG , LWR (need modification to the actual rocket – a little to fat).
RPD – WW, BC – TAG way to large and LWR way to small.
Older mixed weapons – BC, TAG – BC's local force VC is one of the best packs you can get.

Female VC – BC, LWR – I just had to include an squad – mostly SKS armed LWR and AK-47 BC with a few conversion.

Other ranges viewed and eliminated

Battle Honors – some troops could be included, however, not enough to make it cost effective. VC pack AK-47 1/2 size to WW
Eureka – viewed ANZAC only far too small
Chiltern – Ogre sized.

thanks for that VC, it is very useful!

What is FOA?

Force of Arms – the owner has had some health issues.

Here's the most recent info I could find from 2015:

link

And here from 2013:

TMP link

VCarter,
Even though Ive only played Bolt Action in 28's and enjoy it.
Ive never played any 'Nam skirmish games, well not since my very bygone days of Airfix 1/72's, I too appreciate the time and effort you put into providing all of that information. Thank You.

*repaint
Thanks for asking, due to my lack of knowledge of miniature companies, I was also wondering Who is 'FOA'?

*crazy cat
I think your on the right track. Like Bolt Action 28's, its best if you limit yourself, at least in game terms (not collection) to nothing larger than platoon encounters.
And wish you the very best of luck w/ this project.

On the subject of Vietnam. Does Anyone know of a company that makes 15mm – 1/100 scale 2 1/2 ton 'duce n a half' trucks. Im 'dying' to try my hand at making some Gun Trucks.

Thanks to all.