"Favorite Scale for WWII? 15mm!" Topic

You were asked – TMP link

What is your preferred figure scale/size for WWII miniature wargaming (land battles)?

28% said "15mm"
24% said "28mm"
11% [TIE] said "6mm (1:300 or 1:285 scales)" OR "20mm"
8% said "1:72 scale"
5% said "10/12mm (1:144 scale)"

But if you argue that there is little difference between 20mm as applied to figures and 1:72, applied as a scale to inanimate objects, then collectively they come out with 19% and are elevated to third place. Hurrah.

28mm in second place surprises me. I had the impression that we do not see that much posted here for that, in WWII. But what we do see is usually of exhibition standard, in its paint finish and detail.

Yes, I would lump 20mm (1/76) and 1/72 together, as they are often intermixed on the table.

Yeah, 20mm and 1/72–1/76 are definitely lumpened together for gaming 'scale'.

This poll is completely nonsensical, because it separates scales that are functional equivalents in wargaming and combines scales that are sometimes separated in wargames.

If "6mm (1:300 or 1:285 scales)" and "10/12mm (1:144 scale)" are going to be single categories of similar scales, then "20mm", "1/76", and "1/72" should also be together in one category, and "15mm" and "1:100" combined into another.

Most of my USMC are Command Decision figures, and marketed by the manufacturer as both "15mm" and "1:100" scale simultaneously.

- Ix

If I did my tank versus tank rules today, I would use 10mm or 1/144 scale. We used 1/300 or 1/285 back in the 1980s. Most available. We did include a scale conversion for 15mm, or 1/285. As well as 1:25 and 1:50 and 1:100 Yates ground scale.
Due to costs today , 15mm would be too expensive.

IIRC, 20mm is the default scale in the UK. It was the prime scale in the US in the 80s, but got supplanted by 15mm Scotia/Command Decision, Battlefront/Flames of War and Peter Pig. Essex has had some 15mm WWII since Noah got off the boat, but it never gained any traction.

15mm is still a big chunk, but Bolt Action has established a substantial presence at 28mm. I can't remember the last time I saw 20mm WWII at an East Coast con. I DID however see some 20mm Spanish Civil War in a flea market a few years back.

To add to the above, I'd also treat 20mm and 1/76 and 1/72 as all same. We certainly did when I was at school… (along with 1/87).

Im not surprised by 28mm, many people love BA and many, many people just love larger figures and vehicles.

Ive sold off almost all my 20mm stuff in recent years to focus solely on 15mm, as I find it a good compromise of cost, looks and ease of storage and transportation.

I really wanted to love 15mm. Got a bonus and bought a HUGE selection of Battlefront British and Italian forces for the desert. Huge. Stupidly huge.

Then I tried to paint. I could not have caused myself more pain if I had asked someone to kick the family jewels. I was miserable. My eyesight was simply not up to the level of detail I required. Wanted to hit things with a hammer!

Boxed both forces up and eventually sold one (British). The other is still all sealed up in a box. Nearly everything still in boxes or blisters. Somewhere in the basement. I just looked up my old list and it was $1,106 USD worth of minis. I would be happy to get half that if anyone is interested.

Email me at seattlered (at) aol (dot) com if you want more details.