28mm Korean War, just couple of questions..

[Tim Haslam]

Ok, so I’m considering expanding out from my WWII collection to either WWI or Korean War.
Mainly as a painting project.
I’m going with Bolt Action Korean War, as I’m lazy and don’t want to learn another rule set, I’m very familiar and happy with BA.

I’m looking at Chinese or North Korean figures, from Warlord.
I’m starting to become aware, using the forum search engine, that there maybe some issues with these ranges?
Weapons and size of models etc?

So not wanting to start any arguments, please!
Which are the biggest physical figures from the two ranges?
And are there any other companies out there producing these figures?
I prefer big chunky style sculpting as a lot of my vehicle collection is 1/48 or 1/50

Thanks

[SABOT]

I’d go with 1st Corps. 👍👍

[Tim Haslam]

Don’t they only produce one infantry pack?

Thanks though! 

[bazookajoe]

I have only seen pictures but it appears the Warlord Chinese are too small.

[commissarmoody]

The North Koreans aren't to bad. But some of the SKS, might need to be charged out for other rifles. If you don't mind conversion work.

[armchairgeneral]

The Warlord Chinese are true 25mm so quite small compared to Crusader/Foundry.

If you are thinking of BA, so platoon level games, then the Korean War platoon composition isn’t much different to WW2 so won’t give that different a game.

With later war WW1, the French, British and a German platoons were composed of specialist sections i.e. grenadier/assault section, LMG section, rifle grenade section and a rifle section so you have the tactical challenge of coordinating these sections for mutual support. If you like big, chunky figures then the Great War Miniatures range is ideal. Amazing sculpts 

[Huascar]

As others have said the warlord Chinese figures are small. Very obviously smaller than the KPA or ranges from 1st Corp or Copplestone. However, while I would not mix them in the same unit they look ok (IMHO) in the same army, so for variety I have built my force using units of warlord Chinese and seperate mixed unit of 1st Corp/Copplestone/KPA. Have got enough options to run them as aWW2 or Korean War Chinese communist force.

For WWI if you like big and chunky style figures I can recommend the Brigade, Pulp and Copplestone ranges - although they are largely for Africa and ME.

[Tim Haslam]

Funnily enough I already have a very large Copplestone Chinese army, but obviously set in the 1930’s time period. I do love all his stuff.

I’m thinking maybe trying out the North Korean figures from Warlord, as it’s quite comprehensive and they appear nice sculpts. Like you said the Chinese range is a bit small which is weird?

I was hoping to use one of my JSII heavy tanks as a crossover from WWII into Korea but I don’t think the North Korean army ever used them in combat, most likely a T34/85 would be best suited???

I think I may have asked this question elsewhere, but cannot find it, so I’ll ask again.
I already have quite a few Artizan models US figures in overcoats, from the WWII range, with carbines and thompsons. Will these do as troops in Korea?

It appears to me as though I may have to paint up both sides is this conflict, as I can’t see any of my gaming buddies being persuaded to have a go..

[88D]

The KPA only really used t34/85's and SU76's in their armored units.

[armchairgeneral]

The Chinese may have had the odd IS2.

I believe the Americans worn a type of Parka for winter wear.

[Tim Haslam]

So by deciding on trying out the Korean conflict, have I come across a VERY niche wargame subject? Am I likely to ever find an opponent to play in the UK 

[Mark M Down]

I can’t comment on the accuracy of the models since I honestly don’t know what I am looking for. However, the Warlord Koreans are nice sculpts. They are crisp and have good poses.
The Chinese are smaller figures and have a softer sculpt to them with less detail.
I have enclosed a couple of pictures.

[Tim Haslam]

Thanks, looks like I’ll go for the North Koreans as these are a better size.

[redrob]

No Chinese tanks were ever confirmed in Korea. Stalin did equip 10 regiments in 1950 and by 1953 some of these (and by no means all) these had developed to include JS2s and Is122's in a sort of 'odds and sods' company as an adjunct
The Chinese do 'claim' that some of their tanks took part in a victory parade ins Seoul. This is a 'Chinese' claim and to be given no credence, despite the fact that you can even see pictures and one of the actual tanks which took part(!) in the Chinese Army Museum in Beijing.
I have read the U.S. reports on Armoured warfare in Korea and no mention is made (at all) of any Chinese tank anywhere south of the Yalu.
And according to their own records no Chinese armoured formation is recorded as being deployed in Korea during the war
There are intelligence reports that clearly confirm the presence of SU76 but this is a mobile armoured piece of artillery.

There are also lots of interesting digressions about Chinese personal equipment. Many were allowed to keep U.S. webbing (sorry Americans but you did rather throw a lot of it away!) and this was commented on by returned U.N. prisoners of war who also mentioned that the Chinese were woefully bad at looking after hardware. But obviously had little opportunity to 'take-in' American clothing

And NO, the Norks had no JS2 or JS3's only an ever reducing T34 capability.


I have just gone to have a look at the BA Korean War site. It's bloody awful.
(there were NO Chinese conscripts in Korea- they were ALL Volunteers!)

I would hate to look inside the covers of the rules, I expect my brain would explode.

[Tim Haslam]

I’d already come to the conclusion that I would use an SU-76 if any vehicle, for the North Koreans.
For all it’s faults I’ll still use the BA book, obviously with corrections where necessary.