"Any differences between 1/56 scale WW2 plastic vehicles?" Topic

I'm a longtime miniature wargamer, but I am new to Bolt Action. I've been painting infantry figures for some time, and am now looking to purchase and assemble model vehicles (tanks, armored cars, etc).

Are there any real differences in quality among the various plastic model kits available in 1/56 scale (Italiari/Warlord, Rubicon, Blitzkreig, West Wind, etc.)? Or, are they all pretty close in terms of detail, assembly, size, etc.? Thanks in advance to any of you who can share from your own experience with these kits.

I can't say I have a lot of experience with this, because most of my vehicles are resin, but I have the Rubicon pzkwIV, and it's terrific: great detail in an easy-to-assemble kit.

Probably if you area bolt counter/detail nut.

I've built warlord and rubicon. They are both great for gaming purposes. Key thing is to get the models you're looking for, which can be somewhat challenging for early war (although it's getting better), while mid to late war have lots of options

A big advantage for some Rubicon kits is that they include all the parts to make a few common variants in one box, as well as releasing 'one sprue' add on kits for things like German halftracks so you can build less common variants.

Most other kits are single variant, maybe a different barrel for the main gun if you are lucky.

I've found that a few models in some ranges can have a rather odd scale.

West Wind is actually 1/64th so they are noticeably smaller than other manufacturers.

I have worked with several different model makers for 1/56 scale models. Most do mix fairly well. As for the most detailed, inside and out, it is Rubicon. They give you more options and I prefer the figures they have with their kits to other manufacturers.

If, like Jeff Ewing, you think Rubicon's existing PzIV is good you are in for a treat. The existing kit is being replaced by new ones representing models D thru J. Unfortunately you can't invade Poland in 1939 with these but everyone else will get the later models with their distinguishing features. They look to set a new standard for kits in this scale.

You can get a surprisingly good Pz IV with skirts round the turret from the Airborne museum at Oosterbeek. They're ready-built, virtually unbreakable, take paint easily and cost (IIRC) 5 Euros. Better yet, they have a friction pull-back motor so you can really disconcert opponents!

It should be noted that although Rubicon kits are very nice they are ABS plastic. Normal modelers plastic glue, such as Testors, has a much longer drying time on these. Does anyone have a recommendation for an alternate glue for Rubicon (other than super glue)?

Hans I use a product called Tenex or Plasticweld
Both meld the surfaces and work well on Warlord and Rubicon models