"PSC vs. Timecast Cold War Minis?" Topic

I presume there may be some of you out there that have minis from both of these manufacturers.

If so, I'd like to know what your thoughts are on the comparative quality and value between the two ranges.

Both look to be fairly decent, but from images I've seen (never seen either up close, in person), I have the impression that the Timecast minis are more crisp, with better detailing. The PSC minis are an excellent value, but it appears that the detailing on them may be a little softer, e.g. less pronounced, and sharp.

Is that a fair assessment?

Which do you prefer, and why?

Infantry and APCs from the PSC British range in 1/144. The vehicles look excellent and crisply cast, although I haven't had time to build mine yet. The infantry have quite a lot of flash which is a bit of a sod to clean off, but the basic design is nice if quite hefty. I think they'd mix well with Pendraken etc. They are 12mm from foot-top of head. Hope that helps.

I did briefly look at Timecast as a replacement for my 20mm. The resin vehicles are very nice indeed, but the figures are pretty unimpressive. Not seen the PSC but that's an awful lot of flash for a new mould so I will pass on those too.

I listened to the PSC brain-trust Sunday for CyberWars 2020. They are using a new process called ultracast. Different type of process/plastic. They recommend using a very sharp knife to clean the mold lines. Also, only use superglue, not traditional plastic model cement, to put kits together. Very flexible, they showed videos of tank barrel being bent and snapping back into their original position. With all that it takes and holds paint with no issues. Doesn't flake off. This is their future for all 10mm & 15mm stuff.

Thank you for the info, and pics.

I really appreciate it.

The real plus with these is that they do seem to be pretty much "gamer proof", since they are a lot more robust than other, much more expensive minis. Perfect for use by "ham-handed" wargamers who destroy everything they touch.

I hadn't actually seen any pictures of the infantry when I bought my set, so I got some to see if I liked them.

I don't mind the flash too much, as the basic figures are good in terms of poses and detail. I used the blade from a Stanley knife to clean mine up, might try an implement on a Dremel to get to hard to reach areas.

I'm not quite sure whether to change from 15mm to 12mm as there is very little difference but I am pleased with my purchase.

As an aside I can't get over how old fashioned British soldiers uniforms were in the early-mid 80s, these could just as well be late war WW2 soldiers in the later pattern helmet and Denison smock.

Yep, and same for the US and West German uniforms during much of the Cold War, before they got the new helmets.

I have both. The newer Timecast (resin) vehicles are excellent, the older metal moulds starting to show their age but ok. Issue with PSC is mould lines, especially with BTR where a lot of work is needed – I wouldn't buy these again. PSC infantry much neater and well detailed, Timecast rather 'blobby' but do come in smaller packs if you don't want to buy a full company/platoon. When painted vehicles are compatible, infantry ok together(ish).

There seems to be another player now in the form of Red 3 miniatures . I have just sent in an order to sample their products . A bit expensive but look very good . I also like the look of Timecast vehicles . The Chieftains look very good as do those by Red 3.

I have the PSC Soviet starter set . For me a lot of work is needed in cleaning up . The T64 wheels dont look right to me either and look like those for a T80 . Admittedly not a big issue in such a small scale but to me its like the mole on the face incident in Austin Powers as I am more of a modeller than a gamer .

The BTRs will look bashed a bit when done as the casting on these I found to be quite rough in places with creases on the sides of a couple of the vehicles . A bit of rust paint here and there and they can be made quite realistic.

For me I think the PSC range will be my back up if I cant get the right models in the other 2 Ranges.

The rules I have are Northag which as an existing Battlegroup player is a no brainer for me as the fundamentals are similar coming from the same family of rules .

Having painted up the BTR60s they look respectable albeit with some battle damage . I have just painted up some Soviet Infantry to go with them. These paint up quite well and if you use contrast paints the detail comes out .

Just received my Red 3 Order. The BRDM 2s look really crisp but a little larger than the PSC models . I ended up buy these after I lost a turret trying to price it off after noticing a gap between the turret and a hull. Another niggle is the the PSC turret doesnt fit the BRDM Hull very well due to the turret stub being larger than the hole on the hull.

The size difference not too dissimilar than the 20mm 1/76 v 1/72 issue . Just keep them to the respective units and they will be fine IMO.

The Red 3 infantry should mix with the PSC infantry ,which is good as the PSC range lacks officers .Again very crisp casting from Red 3 indicating a quality product .

For the Brits I will be ordering Time Cast Chieftains being nice looking models to go with RED 3 FV432s. For some reason I dont like the look of the Timecast model .