Empress Miniatures release new WW2 ranges.

[Keith]

All fair points and all things we've considered at length.

In this case, however, it was us very much taking advantage of being able to commission exactly what we wanted. There's a definite vision for what we want to do with this vehicle and, for that, it absolutely needs to scale correctly. An ambulance conversion etc. just won't look right on something too small or too big.

This is entirely subjective of course, but sometimes you just have to go with your instinct on these things. There wouldn't be any point in producing either a 1/56th or 1/48th version because there are perfectly serviceable models in these scales already.

Also, before we panic too much, it's not as if we'll be producing loads of AFVs. Armour is already well catered for in both popular scales. Artillery makes some sense (many pieces do look very small these days tbh) but we'll see. Small soft-skins are unsatisfactory though currently in our humble opinion. YMMV and that's fine. :-)

[.:Gunslinger:.]

I can't wait to see what you got in stores for us! Really looking forward to the jeeps!

Will some of the miniatures be wearing greatcoats? What about a more gritty battle-worn look for the Hurtgen forest? On pictures from WW2 US Troops often have scarves wrapped around their head to protect against cold...

But I don't want to request too much, I'll let meself be surprised with what you are going to produce!

[Keith]

 

I could tell you but then Paul would have to kill us both ...

[M Blakey]

I could tell you but then Paul would have to kill us both ...

Let's put it to a vote

[Elk101]

Actually 1:50 would work very well with my Corgi stuff so it'd be ideal for our group. It's funny how we all do such varied things with the same basic starting point (28mm WWII in this instance).

[aphillathehun]

I have a suggestion for this range: a standalone pack of extra "crew" figures.  Guys with and without carbines standing, squatting, or lying down would work as generic extras for all kinds of crews - mortars, mmgs, spotters, etc.  This would be great for chain of command that has large crews that go with support weapons.

[commissarmoody]

I've been trying to sit back and enjoy the releases as they come, but I have to ask, is that the bipod M1919A6, or the 'light tripod' M1919A4 and whichever one it is, will we see the other at some point too?

... and please, yes, just keep going.    

I would lean towards the 1919A6. I have been a gunner, AB, and assistant gunner on a few gun teams and it's far easier on every one involved if a tripod set team has at least 3 guys....one time i had to be all 3, the RTO (2 man packs) and had a mess of mortars. Not my fondest memorie.  

[Arlequín]

Both would be the ideal for me. 

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

I could tell you but then Paul would have to kill us both ...

Its always a consideration 

However I will say that the first  30cal up is the M1917A1 with water jacket on tripod. The M1919A6 with bipod will follow just after.

In reference to vehicle scale its what Keith said so well.

Cheers,
Paul

[commissarmoody]

works for me

[moiterei_1984]

Here's hoping you'll sell the jeep crew separately as I don't want to mix scales with the 1/56 jeeps I already have.

[Arlequín]

I must admit I would have preferred bipod and tripod M1919s, rather than the M1917, or preferably all three. Please, when you get round to the Bazooka, go for the M9 rather than the M1, it's more in keeping with the late war mojo.

As for the vehicle scale debate, granted I was the first to mention it, but it might be a mountain being built out of a molehill. A 1/50 Jeep is only 8mm x 4mm larger than a 1/56 one by my reckoning and certainly you would be hard pushed to spot the difference between 1/50 and 1/48 at a glance. I get PDE's point about pedal cars, you only have to look around what's already available for proof.

Certainly I don't think the sky will fall because Empress went for 1/50 and if you really don't like them, there are both 1/48 and (supposedly) 1/56 alternatives, as mentioned. At least wait for photos of the finished item before lighting the torches and picking up the pitchforks?

 

[moiterei_1984]

Granted, the difference between 1/56 and 1/50 won't be too drastic but I'm somewhat picky about such stuff. As long as I know it's not 'in scale' with my other stuff it'll keep buggering me. And if I like the Empress one more I'll probably end up painting a whole new jeep armada 
... thinking about it, this might be the evil plan after all 

[Mattias]

Awesome news, both the Hicks sculpted miniatures and the choice of 1/50 scale vehicles. It would be fantastic if not only jeeps and such were released but also the mainstay armored vehicles like a Sherman and maybe a StuG or PzIV for the Germans. But failing that - and I can see why you'd initially hesitate with that - a 1/50 scale M8 Greyhound would be an excellent addition to the jeeps.
/Mattias

[Painter Jim]

These are fantastic, as of all of Mr. Hicks sculptures that I have laid eyes on to date.
Can not wait to put a brush to the WWII range and look forward to see future releases.

I can only imagine what your talents in ACW 28mm would look like and yes I know there are a ton of ACW on the market, but not of this caliber.