Ww2 chinese question

[summsi]

Hi,

how about using ww2 french plastics (e.g.Warlord Games) as any kind of chinese troops. I like the models, but not so the early western european theater.
Any other suggestions are also welcome.

[SBMiniaturesGuy]

There are several sources of figures you can use for WW2 Chinese troops.

1. Eureka Miniatures has a WW2 Chinese troops product line: https://eurekaminuk.com/blogs/news/28mm-ww2-chinese-release

2. Copplestone Castings has the "Back of Beyond" range of Chinese Warlord troops that can also use for WW2 well: https://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/list.php?cat=2&sub=59&page=1

Here's a YouTube channel where a gamer has been running a WW2 China campaign using the Battleground WW2 (OOP) system. He has a lot of content, so search for China in his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@weirdwwii8775/featured

[dadlamassu]

Not sure about using the French uniforms for Chinese.  I have warlord period Chinese and if I was going to kitbash plastics I would probably use Wargames Atlantic (or other) Late WW1 Germans as the basis. 



88 Div


Shorts & WW1 British Helmet

[joekano]

Brigade Games makes a good set, though they are on the smaller side when compared to Copplestone:
https://www.brigadegames.com/China-at-War_c_33.html


Pulp Figures/Crucible Crush also make some useful figures
https://www.cruciblecrush.com/store/range/37/Pulp_Yangzee_Gangs/

I've also used early war British from Empress as proxies if you want the Brodie helmet
https://www.empressminiatures.com/great-britain-30-c.asp

[summsi]

Sorry, but with 'other suggestions' I meant for using the Ww2 french!!! Not for other chinese soldier models.

[dickiegranthum]

Use them for French Indo-China. The Japanese invaded in fall 1940, and stayed until the end of 1945.

Vietnamese troops were even captured in the May 1940 invasion by Germany. In French uniform.

Hopefully that helps…

At least you have an OpFor.

[carlos marighela]

Given that the Warlord Games French are wearing greatcoats, anywhere warm or tropical is less than likely. 'Ah, but it gets cold in the northern mountains of Vietnam' I hear you cry. It does but the French fought neither the Thais or the Japanese at Dien Bien Phu. It also rather rules out French West Africa.

I can think of but two, possibly three historical theaters where you can use Early War French in greatcoats outside of France and Belgium. The first is Norway in 1940, although many (not all) of the troops there were wearing specifically alpine kit for the campaign.

The second is Syria in 1941, where there are extant photos of greatcoats being worn  by Vichy French forces despite the campaign taking place at the height of summer. It gets cold in the Lebanese mountains.

Technically speaking the uniform and kit had changed a bit by November 1942 but I suppose you could use them as Vichy French fighting the allies during Operation Torch. North African troops were probably down the pecking order and greatcoats conceal any changes to tunics.

If you like what-ifs, use them for a semi-fictional opposed verson of the German reoccupation of the Rhineland in 1936. I picked up the Wargames Atlantic French for just that purpose.

[dickiegranthum]

Africa does in fact get cold.

and great rebuttal. Coats … ugh. 

[robh]

Here's a YouTube channel where a gamer has been running a WW2 China campaign using the Battleground WW2 (OOP) system. He has a lot of content, so search for China in his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@weirdwwii8775/featured

That site is highly recommended, Brian is very helpful if you have any queries about his stuff, which tends towards the more "weird" aspects of WWWII. His website is listed in the links of each of his videos.

There is another WW2 China based channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@wargamingchina9174

[SBMiniaturesGuy]

China is often overlooked, and most don't know the Chinese Expeditionary Force helped the allies defeat the Japanese in Burma. The CEF actually saved 7000 Commonwealth troops (British and Indian) at the Siege of Yenangyaung in April 1942, breaking through the Japanese forces so they could escape.

[carlos marighela]

You could choose to use your WW2 French as Chinese. They look nothing like Chinese troops, as the pictures above clearly show but if you really wanted to... Your toys, your choice.

[summsi]

How about the madagascar campaign?
It's a tropical island, but I have seen some pictures of french in coats. They were from the uprising 1947.

[carlos marighela]

Personally, I'd use the Perry Vichy French for Madagascar. They're basically made for it. Bonus is that you can also use them for: West Africa vs Brits/ Free French, Syria vs Brits/Australians and Indochina vs Thais or Japanese.

[Hang Tuah]

The photos of Vichy troops on Madagascar I've seen all show tropical uniforms.

But while I would be inclined to think you're better off gaming fantasy or science fiction, this comment is a very valid one:

You could choose to use your WW2 French as Chinese. They look nothing like Chinese troops, as the pictures above clearly show but if you really wanted to... Your toys, your choice.

[summsi]

Thank you all for your help