Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: Lysandros on April 11, 2019, 07:27:48 PM
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I see there are 2 new ranges of Vietnam figs out at the same time.
What one do you prefer and why ?
How good are the existing ranges ?
What are the style differences ?
Does one reward more than the other ?
It would very interesting to hear some impartial views so a correct decision can be made to purchase a range.
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I know where you coming from buddy but I’m not sure that there is a ‘correct’ decision when it comes to buying toy solders tbh. I go with what I like. Gringo’s range is not even released yet so I think it would be wrong to talk about superiority of one over another at this stage. In the end it will all boil down to personal preference . For my part I’m glad about the Vietnam hype. Bashing one or the other helps nobody 😉
No doubt this will happen at some stage somewhere but I sure hope not here 😊
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@Lysandros,
Based on past experience, I would go with Empress Miniatures. I have a lot of Empress modern figures, a few of their Zulu wars and a few late War Germans. All are of the highest possible quality in terms of sculpting, historical accuracy and casting. The sculptor of this range is the renowned Paul Hicks. Paul was the original creator of the Bolt Action range and has sculpted the outstanding Empress Late War collection plus many more ranges.
However, I don't see it as an "either or question" - if Gringo's range is compatible, ie. similar weapon size and sculpting style, I would probably buy some of them too. I don't mind if they are taller or shorter, thinner or fatter because soldiers vary in size.
My Modern figures are mostly Empress and Spectre, with a few others for variety.
Mick Farnworth
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I see there are 2 new ranges of Vietnam figs out at the same time.
What one do you prefer and why ?
What are the style differences ?
Is one superior to the other ?
It would very interesting to hear some impartial views so a correct decision can be made to purchase the better range.
I'm really not sure this is the appropriate thread for that discussion. As this has become the Empress thread it wouldn't really be the done thing. I am in agreement with the sentiments of the post above from Suetonius.
(again, this is with my moderator's hat on)
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A valid question but best discussed on it's own.
Hence, I split off this thread.
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If (or when...) I end up starting yet another project I'd probably go with Empress for most of the miniatures and then sprinkle in some Gringo minis for characters.
This is asuming they match in size. If they dont I'll go with the largest range, no questions asked.
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I'm catholic in my preferences. Empress is already on the market and Paul is one of my favourite sculptors, so I that will be my first stop. However, Gringo's is showing nice stuff too, which means that, when it is released, I will also buy from him. I've not problems to combine manufacturers as long as they are more or less compatible, or even if they are not. My FiW collection, for instance, has Eureka and Conquest -now Warlord- miniatures, and Galloping Major, who are giants compared with the other two. In AWI I have Fife&Drum, Kings Mountain and Perrys miniatures. They look perfectly fine as long as I don't mix them in the same unit.
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Mini style and scale being a personal choice, I can be a bit fussy about mixing ranges if weapon/equipment sizes are inconsistent. I too like Paul Hicks work (his Bolt Action were the first minis I bought) and him being twinned with Empress who are very reliable, means I’ve committed to the Empress range. My figures haven’t arrived yet but they look slim, which fits with my expectations from the period imagery. Whether or not I buy Gringos depends on how they compare.
Vehicles are another matter and at 1:50 Empress might be too big for me, but as I’m only intending smaller Huế actions, if I end up being vehicle-less that’s not so much an issue for me.
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Thanks for the info so far .
When committed to a range l usually stick to it to advoid style changes.
As this a large skirmish project sometimes its hard to get different manufacturers to blend but arguably not impossible.
I have always preferred elegant figs , subtle than bulky charactual gung ho style.
Its horses for courses and we are lucky we have a choice.
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As gamers we are a fickle bunch,there is no right or wrong, we choose figures based on a multitude of reasons, ease of painting, accuracy, affordability , sometimes compatability, etc the list goes on.
what we must remember is that as gamers it is just great there are companies and individuals who put their money where there passion is and bring us new ranges to feed our desires. Every manufacturer will have its Passionate supporters but that does not give anyone the right to critiscise another.......
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Of course people have the right to fairly critique commercial enterprises.
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As I said us gamers are a fickle bunch lol, we are total magpies, we pick and choose shiny new metal, we all have our favourite sculpts, my collections have sculpts from many sources...I choose what I like for the current project I am working on, regardless of manufacturer, my choices can be based on pose, easy of painting, variety, uniqueness ..!
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As I said us gamers are a fickle bunch lol, we are total magpies, we pick and choose shiny new metal, we all have our favourite sculpts, my collections have sculpts from many sources...I choose what I like for the current project I am working on, regardless of manufacturer, my choices can be based on pose, easy of painting, variety, uniqueness ..!
Of course, each to their own :)
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An interesting question, but not sure how you can give a preference since Gringos are only at the start of this project and still have to release their figures.
So I agree with a previous comment and don't think it's appropriate to make comments at this stage. And at the end of the day, each punter will make a choice based on their own conception of the quality and realism and poses of the figures.
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Let's not forget Bob Murch has a line coming out too, Crucible Crush, I think. They are tied in w some Cthulhu types, but the packs are split between the fantasy and the proper historical. And they are lovely!
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An interesting question, but not sure how you can give a preference since Gringos are only at the start of this project and still have to release their figures.
So I agree with a previous comment and don't think it's appropriate to make comments at this stage. And at the end of the day, each punter will make a choice based on their own conception of the quality and realism and poses of the figures.
To be fair, it does seem that Gringos40 have already commented on their range relative to others :)
From an (official?) Gringos40 blog post:
https://gringo40s.blogspot.com/2019/04/new-28mm-vietnam-marines-battle-of-hue.html (https://gringo40s.blogspot.com/2019/04/new-28mm-vietnam-marines-battle-of-hue.html)
Kitted out in historically correct uniforms and equipment these minis are our most exciting range to date. Based on actual photographs of the Battle of Hue they will bring an unparalleled level of realism and intensity to the gaming table and 28mm Vietnam modelers vignettes.
Available 2nd Quarter 2019 these are the Vietnam War miniatures worth waiting for.
:D
Btw, as commented above, I don’t have an axe to grind as I might well buy from both ranges. I just don’t think that the OP is out of order in asking which range is, say, “unparalleled” or otherwise, say, “worth waiting for” when one of the manufacturers marketing blurbs says as much. ;) :)
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I love the Force of Arms stuff. Sold mine years ago when this period stagnated but recently ordered a load more. Thankfully I hung on to their 1/56 vehicles so will be sticking with that scale that I prefer. Full Metal Minatures also has a promising line of vehicles in 1/56 about to be released, which is apparently going to include an LVTP!
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I love the Force of Arms stuff. Sold mine years ago when this period stagnated but recently ordered a load more. Thankfully I hung on to their 1/56 vehicles so will be sticking with that scale that I prefer. Full Metal Minatures also has a promising line of vehicles in 1/56 about to be released, which is apparently going to include an LVTP!
That’s very useful to know as I prefer 1/56 vehicles
Thanks!
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I must admit I'm not sure of the function of this discussion, it sounds close to what we suffer more and more from mass media, this against that, draw a line in the sand, a big versus sign attached to something which isn't that simple, etc. This verges on the argumentative, when there's no argument to start with. There can't be impartiality with mini's as we all have preferances and bias, Lysandros expressed his own, just as there's no correct choice. As for better well you've two fine sculptors working for two well established manufacturers (In the Empress v Gringos scenario) so it's better over simplified to win/win I think.
I've seen this type of discussion on lesser forums so if this is the way LAF is going to go I may become a 6mil extremist and plot to overthrow the 28mm patriarchy/hegemony with acts of random dumbness with the evangelical zeal of the terminally stupid. Can't wait! lol
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Rest assured Phil, we'll be keeping an eye on this one to make sure it doesn't become an argument. There's room for more than one range in any period and different people like different aesthetics. Hopefully it's a win - win for customers and manufacturers alike. 'Best' is subjective. I'm just pleased there's so much choice coming, we surely can't complain about that lol
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Elk101, I'm perpetually assured by the high levels of moderation on here, fear thee not. ;)
Being spoilt for choice is a good thing of course, but I'm readying my Stalinesque purge none the less. There will be but one choice chumrade, the correct choice whether the enemies of 6mm want it or not. Forward to Victory... and really tiny figures!
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a 28mm LTVP5 will be simply.... huuuuge. The P-7 is already a beast. But the p-5 is something like a brontosauros. I saw a picture of a friend close to a ROCMC one and knowing my friend size... well the beast is a beast. And I do not envy the poor chaps who had to drive them, especially to bring them back to the tank park... lol
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I am not nailing my colours to any mast.
I have two packs from Empress (from Salute) which will be my test build and paint. I like Empress miniatures (they lag only a short distance behind Crooked Dice and Hasslefree in providing radiation shielding), but that does not mean that I will not be utilising Gringos figures and vehicles.
Colours will be expensive...
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I love the Force of Arms stuff. Sold mine years ago when this period stagnated but recently ordered a load more. Thankfully I hung on to their 1/56 vehicles so will be sticking with that scale that I prefer. Full Metal Minatures also has a promising line of vehicles in 1/56 about to be released, which is apparently going to include an LVTP!
I just bought a fair amount of FOA from John Bruce that still have some stock of the miniatures left. Great sculpts I must say and I believe they will be a good fit to the new Empress beauties
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I’ve been looking for who sells them, so John Bruce you say. Thanks.
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I’ve been looking for who sells them, so John Bruce you say. Thanks.
You can reach him at email: profpate at gmail.com
He still has most of the miniatures in stock while the vehicles were sold to Warlord so I guess it will take a few years before we see them :'(
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Thank you
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I just bought a fair amount of FOA from John Bruce that still have some stock of the miniatures left. Great sculpts I must say and I believe they will be a good fit to the new Empress beauties
That's very good news if they'll tie in, as I already have some FoA.
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Empress for me, based on availability and I prefer the more realistic proportions of Mr Hick's sculpts. May be tempted to buy a few from others if they get released.
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I like a lot the "wargame figures" look of Gringo´s models; all of them look like characters of the Nam comic with their own stories.
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Full Metal Miniatures have just released a 1/56 M41 and M42 Duster... just ordered one of each!
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Very nice, I just ordered one as well!
Do you happen to know if there are crew figures planned?
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End of the month apparently for Duster crew
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Very nice, thanks for the heads up!
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Full Metal Miniatures have just revealed the first of their USMC sculpts. Seems that everyone is getting started with a healthy dose of 'Oorah!' I understand the Marine is a common image of the war in Vietnam, but I can't imagine many of us will be buying more than a platoon's worth of USMC. I suspect the saturation of the market will result in at least one of the manufacturers not receiving the expected return on their investment in the new range.
(https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59881215_2030397473931426_6316632007367458816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=aac7a2833a199a8be922f974dc6d31ff&oe=5D6B1C8E)
(https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59874767_2030397433931430_1636790939626242048_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=3f7c6fa8de7243b9229e314f64c0ebb0&oe=5D2B17C2)
(https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59844011_2030397387264768_4219009536649854976_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=08e042dcd088a580442992c5a4f016d1&oe=5D53F3F3)
(https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60284982_2030397353931438_8398008639733891072_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=5dc03ce9d36789848655d0f28016e24b&oe=5D62395C)
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Full Metal Miniatures have just revealed the first of their USMC sculpts. Seems that everyone is getting started with a healthy dose of 'Oorah!' I understand the Marine is a common image of the war in Vietnam, but I can't imagine many of us will be buying more than a platoon's worth of USMC. I suspect the saturation of the market will result in at least one of the manufacturers not receiving the expected return on their investment in the new range.
Judging by that figure and the Viet Cong they have produced so far, I think I can predict which one.
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Judging by that figure and the Viet Cong they have produced so far, I think I can predict which one.
That was going to be my own comment, Carlos. Not a good beginning for another foray in the same hunting ground...
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Yep, my thoughts exactly gents.
Although considering they're up against the likes of Paul Hicks, I'm somehow not surprised ;)
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The picture of the M60 gunner is not the first USMC sculpt by Full Metal Miniatures. They actually have 4 packs for sale in their shop and had so for a while as far as I can tell.
That said I wasn't impressed by the pictures in their shop and decided to wait for the brilliant Paul Hicks' sculpts. ;)
But I ordered the recently released M42 Duster by Full Metal Miniatures and got it in the mail today. Imagine my surprise when I not only found the Duster in the package, but also a sample pack of sorts containing two of their USMC. I think that is a very nice touch - and a pretty smart marketing move.
Having seen the miniatures in the flesh I have to say: The pictures in their shop don't do them justice at all. They are actually very good, sculpting and casting quality are very high!
That being said, here is what irks me: The shape of the helmet on these guys is wrong. The shape is more akin to early Cold War Soviet helmets. Secondly, there is nothing in the sculpting that suggests that there is actually a camo cover on the helmet, they might as well be bare.
And here is another problem, at least for me as I have bought into Empresses' offering: They are HUGE. Not in the Warlord sense that they are beefy, actually the proportions are fine. They simply are very large 28mm. They are way larger then Empress, Warlord and even larger than Artizan, which I find to be pretty damn large (I compared these guys to Arizans WW2 GIs in greatcoats). That really is a shame - Apart from the helmet issue I would have had no problem mixing in these guys with the Empress Marines as far as proprotions and general quality is concerned. But the difference in scale makes that impossible for me.
Here is a comparison shot between Empress and Full Metal Miniatures:
(https://i.imgur.com/6MYz5zl.jpg)
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That Blooper appears to come from Gorkamorka...
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At last! A wombat gun that you could actually fit a wombat down the barrel.
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That Blooper appears to come from Gorkamorka...
Yes indeed, very 40K. I find it odd that someone would go to all that trouble and then put the wrong lid on it.
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Great … now I've got Stan Ridgeway's 'Camouflage' as an ear-worm.
'Whoa Camouflage,
Things are never quite the way they seem,
Whoa Camouflage,
This was an awfully big marine.'
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I'm really surprised to see the size difference, especially considering their vehicle range is on the smaller side at 1/56.
Anyone know if their VC are of a similar scale? Looks like I'll be sticking with Empress and the Hicks sculpts for my 28mm adventures.
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size these days is subjective, one chooses the figures that portray in ones minds eye the best reflection of the soldiers they portray. Obviously if one is looking to mix figures then it can be an issue, however one tends to stick with a range where you like a sculptors style coupled with dynamic poses and accuracy.
Most of my collections are made up from figures from various manufacturers, if a figure is on the short side I USE A THICKER BASE!
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I wonder how Gringo 40s and Empress figures would look one next to another...
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As soon as Gringo releases some models I'm sure we'll see comparison pics :)
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So has anyone gotten their hands on both ranges side by side yet?
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Yes, both are very well sculpted. Gringos are a little and i mean a little bit bigger and fatter for a better word, put it this way just like real life, and when painted im unsure you will notice, i am certainly going to mix and match without any worries.
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How do the weapons compare?
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Great both are realistic and not 40 times to big
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Yes, both are very well sculpted. Gringos are a little and i mean a little bit bigger and fatter for a better word, put it this way just like real life, and when painted im unsure you will notice, i am certainly going to mix and match without any worries.
Hi any chance of an image of the figures together?
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Yes please comparison shot?