Best 1/72 plastic figures choice ?

[sundayhero]

Hi,

As a side project (I'm particulary interested into specific scenery, and replay some of my favorite war movies, like A bridge too far), I'd like to go into 1/72 plastic.

I discovered that there is 2 choices : soft plastic (wich I already know and use in modern warfare, as cheap reinforcements) and hard plastic (totaly new for me). Both are cheap, and both have nice sculptings.

My question is about general scale, because I'd like to be able to mix diferent brands, and maybe add some metal minis one day.

The other question is about "paintability". I like small scale metal minis because they often offer very sharp sculptings, wich take paint easily. Is there a plastic range with the same qualities available ?

Thank you for your help.

[dice shaker]

Hello,

 there is no easy answear to that question. A first and quick help for any research is " plasticsoldierreview.com ", this page show the most available plastic figures in 20mm.
Think about 1/76 (Matchbox/Airfix/Pegasus/Caesar) , 1/72 (Revell, Italeri/Hät) and 20mm + like Waterloo 1815, newer Italeri, Plastic Soldier Company. Some are out of scale like Vailant. There is a lot more, you will see.
The point why I bring 1/76 is the oportunity to use the hornby railway things, like houses (plastic or paper kits), civil cars (Oxford diecasts) and its more close to european H0 railway builders (1/87) with their things than 1/72.
 On the other hand plastic soldier company, Pegasus, Italeri or Armourfast bring with their easy asembly kits fast big groups of tanks for small money. 

 Good luck, Sebastian

[sundayhero]

Thank you for your answer,

To be more specific, I prefer "big" miniatures. I believe metal WW2 figures are "bulkier" than the plastic ones, and I want to keep the metal option in mind.


I'm wondering about hard plastic minis. It seems very rare compared to metal or classic soft plastic minis.

[Cubs]

Soft plastic mins can be painted easily enough if you wash them in hot soapy water first, then give them a thin coat of clear-drying strong PVA/wood glue AFTER painting, BEFORE varnishing. This helps to seal in the paint with a flexible coating that helps prevent chipping.

This site should help you compare the styles of sculpting -

http://www.plasticsoldierreview.com/Index.aspx

[sundayhero]

Thanks !

Actually I know soft plastic minis, I painted (and still painting) some taliban reinforcements for my metal 20mm force

For WW2, I'm searching for cheap minis, but I'd like to have the "heroic" aspect of most metal minis ranges.

Soft plastic minis are sometimes really nice looking, but a bit too serious (sometimes a bit boring) for my own taste. I don't know how to better explain 

[sundayhero]

EDIT  : I found my brand, I believe. It will be plastic soldier company. I just found a webblog showing painted russians, these are the heroes I was looking for  

The faces especially, have a lot of personality. They really look like "28mm heroic" metal miniatures, but smaller and in hard plastic.

Since I plan to play NUTS (squad to platoon level), it would be great looking. If yo know other companies offering this style of miniatures, or compatible armour vehicles, keep me informed


thanks

[sundayhero]

Hi,

Now I'm planning to buy PSC minis, maybe you have some advises on compatible (size, style) plastic and metal figures to use with them ?


thanks

[Norm]

Also check 'Valiant', their stuff is plastic and bulky and on the large side of typical 1/72, looks nice, however they have not done Russians and I can't find anything that suggests they might want to.

[sundayhero]

Thanks

I saw the Valiant minis, nice but since I want to play russians, it's not an option.

[Gunbird]

That and the Valiant ones are visibly larger then anything else. PSC will bring out alll the armies in their new, heroic style so you are set for life mate.

[sundayhero]

I think I'll start with 2 PSC boxes of german and russian platoons. Since I want to play at squad to platoon scale (probably with NUTS system, since I will play solo most of the time), it will be enough.

The only concern I have is about tanks and armour. It seems that all wargame/fast build armour kits contains 2 or 3 vehicles, or half dozen heavy weapons. For my gaming scale, it's a bit too much  

[Gunbird]

Then sell what you don't need or just purchase Revell/Italeri and what not?

PSC sells individual sprues as well, so you don't have to buy a box of them.

[sundayhero]

I didn't find individual armour sprues ? at least in 1/72.

[Gunbird]

My apolagies, I could have sworn that Will sells them in 1/72 as well.

And did you really say it is a bit much? What kind of Wargamer are you? 

What you could do is get the PSC stuff from Caliver Books (free shipping over 20 Pounds I believe) and sell what you don't need. Or paint them as different versions, or make them as different versions. or paint one as a wreck. Be creative 

[sundayhero]

Yes, I could do that too !