Second World War comparisons on "World War 20mm"

Piers Brand has recently posted a side by side shot of several figures painted in his inimitable style.  They represent a number of different 20mm metal makers of early Second World War German infantry.  His post can be found here:

German figure comparison

The brands illustrated are: Sojers; Under Fire; Elhiem; Blitz; AB; and CP Models.

20mm Britannia vs 1/72 Forces of Valor

THE METAL FIGURES

These particular models come from Britannia’s British World War Two range, but the actual model codes are unclear. 

Height (measured to eyes): 19mm

Height (measured to head): 21mm

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

The FOV figures are included in set 85242 “US Landing Craft LCM 3.”

Height (measured to eyes):  20mm approximately
Height (measured to top of head):  22mm approximately

Britannia 20mm vs 1/76 Matchbox, WWII

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Matchbox P5006 “British Commandos”

Height (to eyes): 19mm

Height (to top of head): 21mm

Matchbox P5001 “British Infantry”

Height (to eyes): 18mm

THE METAL FIGURES

These particular models come from Britannia’s British World War Two range, but the actual model codes are unclear. 

Height (measured to eyes): 19mm

Height (measured to head): 21mm

Esci 1/72 vs Britannia 20mm, Second World War

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Britannia is well known for its 20mm Second World War range.  The company covers all the major participants in great depth.  Besides figures, Britannia has a range of vehicles and also offers artillery pieces and various other useful items.

These particular models come from Britannia’s British range, but the actual model codes are unclear.  Because Britannia does not publish a complete illustrated catalogue, it is not feasible to determine exactly which models they are.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 19mm.

Height (measured to head): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

The complete Britannia line is available on their website:  

http://www.britannia-miniatures.com/

Foot figures in this range are being sold individually for £0.65.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figure on the right comes from box 200 “World War Two, British Soldiers.”  The box included 50 figures in 15 poses. The set was later re-released by Italeri as box 6056, “British Infantry: The King’s Regiment.”

The Esci figure on the left is taken from Set 210 “World War Two, British Commandos.” It also contains 50 figures in 15 poses, and was reissued by Italeri.  Italeri numbered it as 6064 and named it “British Commandos: No. 2 Commando.”

Figure Characteristics:

200 Height (measured to eyes):  21mm.

210 Height (measured to eyes):  21mm.

200 Height (measured to top of head):  23mm.

210 Height (measured to top of head):  23mm.

Availability:

Esci no longer exists, however Italeri continues to produce these figures. 

Notes on the Samples:

The commando figure was donated by Liam Sullivan.

Odemars 1/72 vs Britannia 20mm, Second World War

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Britannia is well known for its 20mm Second World War range. The company covers all the major participants in great depth. Besides figures, Britannia has a range of vehicles and also offers artillery pieces and various other useful items.

These particular models come from Britannia’s British range, but the actual model codes are unclear. Because Britannia does not publish a complete illustrated catalogue, it is not feasible to determine exactly which models they are.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 19mm.
Height (measured to head): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

In January 2011, Dave Howitt, the founder of Britannia Miniatures, passed away. Following a period of uncertainty, his complete catalogue was taken over by Andrew Grubb of Grubby Tanks. After a few more months of transition, the complete Britannia line was once again available. The website for this incarnation of Britannia is:

http://www.britannia-miniatures.com/

Foot figures in this range are being sold individually for £0.65.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Odemars set PF17 “The Last Defenders of Berlin.” The set contains 42 figures in 14 poses. Odemars did produce two other World War Two sets, one portraying German commanders in the conflict, and the other covering Bosnian troops.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

Odemars shut down production in 2009, but their figures can still be found in some hobby shops and online stores.

Britannia 20mm vs Revell 1/72, Second World War

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Britannia is well known for its 20mm Second World War range. The company covers all the major participants in great depth. Besides figures, Britannia has a range of vehicles and also offers artillery pieces and various other useful items.

These particular models come from Britannia’s British range, but the actual model codes are unclear. Because Britannia does not publish a complete illustrated catalogue, it is not feasible to determine exactly which models they are.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 19mm.
Height (measured to head): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

In January 2011, Dave Howitt, the founder of Britannia Miniatures, passed away. Following a period of uncertainty, his complete catalogue was taken over by Andrew Grubb of Grubby Tanks. After a few more months of transition, the complete Britannia line was once again available. The website for this incarnation of Britannia is:

http://www.britannia-miniatures.com/

Foot figures in this range are being sold individually for £0.65.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figure on the left comes from box 02508 “German Engineers,” while the figure on the right can be found in box 02510 “Soviet Infantry.” The German set includes 40 foot figures in 12 poses, along with a few odds and ends. The Soviet set is a bit bigger, and comprises 48 figures in 18 poses.

Revell has produced a number of sets covering this conflict.

Figure Characteristics:

02508 (German) height, measured to eyes: 21mm.
02508 (German) height measured to top of head: 23mm.
02510 (Soviet) height, measured to eyes: 23mm.
02510 (Soviet) height measured to top of head: 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

Both of these sets were first released in the early 1990s. The Soviet set remains in production at Revell, and can be found online and at local hobby shops. The German Engineer set is not being produced at present, but the company has recently reintroduced a number of other sets from this period, so this one may soon be available again.

Empress Miniatures launches 20mm Second World War range

Empress Miniatures is an established maker of 28mm wargaming figures. Recently, the firm announced that they would be expanding into 20mm figures, starting with a World War Two range. At present they have announced 8 codes, 4 each for late war Americans and Germans. Most of the codes include 4 figures, and sell for £3.00.

The photo above is taken from their website and shows code WUS04 “Winter American riflemen with fixed-bayonets.” Click on the picture for a larger version.

The Empress website can be found here:

http://www.empressminiatures.com/index.htm

Foundry Revives WWII Range

The photo above comes from the Wargames Foundry website and shows item WW0012 “Japanese Infantry.” Click on the picture for a larger image.

Wargames Foundry has put their 20mm Second World War range back into production. This is at least the third time that this interesting range has been available.

All of the major combatants are represented, although the number of sets available for each varies. In addition, the number of unique poses within a set can also vary significantly. Nationalities covered include:

American
Australian
British
Chinese
Finnish
French
German
Indian
Italian
Japanese
Polish
Russian

The range includes infantry figures and vehicle riders or crews, but does not feature any artillery crews.

The figures retail for $23.10 (US) per 10-figure pack.

You can find out more here:

http://wargamesfoundry.com/historical_ranges/single_packs/20mm_ww2/

Martello sculpts resurrected by Under Fire

This photo, taken from the Under Fire website, shows the first release from the Arab/Israeli range: a 5 man IDF patrol for 1982. Click on the image for a larger version.

Martello International was formed in late 2008 to market a limited number of ranges sculpted by Stuart Emmett and Tony Boustead. The first products went on sale in January 2009, and eventually included a number of World War Two and more recent subjects.

While some very nice figures were produced, the company never really had success in the retail and distribution functions. The story got a bit confusing in the fall of 2009, with changes in personnel, and announcements that the rights to the current or future figures were being sold or licensed variously to Sgt’s Mess, TQD, artwho9 Painting or AB Figures.

Flash forward a year, and most of the confusion has been removed. The former Martello range is being re-released by Under Fire Miniatures, a new company started by Bill Weston.

The website is here:

http://www.underfireminiatures.com/index.htm

As of now, the following ranges are available for purchase:

WWII Germans, Italians and Russians;
Arab/Israeli 1982 (1 pack only so far);
Rhodesian Light Infantry, and Selous Scouts;
British and Taliban in Afghanistan.

Before the end of the year, Bill plans to have some additional British figures produced, wearing updated (2010) helmets and body armour, and carrying some new weapons. They will be joined by a couple of new SAS packs for the same theatre.

Also on the schedule for this year, we should see a new range of modern Russians, based around the 2008 Russia/Georgia conflict as well as four packs of Vietnam figures.

Bill promises further expansion of the existing ranges next year.

Lancashire Games vs Matchbox, WW2 Infantry

The photo above compares three metal soldiers from Lancashire Games (A,C) with a pair of plastic figures from Matchbox (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The Matchbox figures come from two different sets: the blue-gray figure on the left is from box P5003 “German Infantry”; and the brown figure to the right is from box P5001 “British Infantry.”

The British Infantry and German box each includes 49 figures in 17 poses, plus a mortar.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
P5003 German Infantry 19mm
P5001 British Infantry 18mm

Availability and Cost:

Matchbox no longer produces these sets. Used figures can be found on eBay or similar places. Complete boxes also come up occasionally, but they sell for high premiums to collectors.

Lancashire vs Airfix, World War 2 Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic figures from Airfix (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Figure B comes from box 01718 “World War II Japanese Infantry.” This set was also released by Heller as 79618.

Airfix figure D comes from box 01705 “WWII German Infantry.” Specifically, the figures come from the later version of this set. This set was also released by Heller as 79605 “German Infantry”

Each box includes 48 figures in 15 or 16 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

01718 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
01705 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.

Availability and Cost:

Both sets are currently in production at Airfix. New boxes can be purchased directly on the manufacturer’s website at a cost of £4.99.

Lancashire vs Esci and Italeri, WW2 US Infantry

The photo above compares three metal infantry figures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic paratroopers from Esci and Italeri (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures came from Italeri set 6063 “WWII US Paratroopers 101st Airborne,” which is a reissue of set 209 from Esci, titled “WWII US Paratroopers 82nd Screaming Eagles". The set contains 48 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Italeri continues to produce these figures, and they can be found easily in hobby shops.

Lancashire vs FOV, WW2 US Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic figures from Forces of Valor (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The FOV figures are included in set 85242 “US Landing Craft LCM 3.” FOV offers pre-painted figures with several of its diecast vehicle models, as well as issuing a few small sets of figures and accessories. A complete list of their figure offering will be forthcoming.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm approximately (neither of the figures are fully upright).

Availability and Cost:

FOV retires its releases from time to time. In general though, FOV products can be found in a wide range of online and retail stores.

Sgt Major's Miniatures adds Aussies for WW2

Sgt Major’s Miniatures (SGMM) is an American firm producing metal 20mm figures for the Second World War. They offer a very complete range of US figures for that conflict, as well as some Japanese and German troops.

In their newest offerings, the firm has tackled some Australian subjects, including regular infantry, command, mortars and MG sections. They have also produced a couple of additions to their German and American lines. The photo below shows the mortar set.

To lighten the mood, SGMM has also added a small set of “pin up girls” from the same era.

Both photos are from the manufacturer’s website. Click on either image to get a larger version.

Lancashire vs Revell, WW2 US Infantry, part 2

The photo above compares three metal infantry figures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with two plastic paratroopers from Revell (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from box 02517 “WWII US Paratroopers.” This box includes 44 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, this set was first released in 1995. It is currently in production at Revell, and can be found online and at local hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The Revell figures were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

World War Two comparisons at Wargaming.info

The site wargaming.info belongs to an individual who games in a variety of periods. Among the different resources he has posted is a comparison shot of a number of World War Two ranges. The posting can be found here:

http://wargaming.info/2005/20mm-176th-a-172nd-figure-comparison/

Included in his review are the following metal ranges:

Raventhorpe
Hinchliffe
Britannia
Hotspur/Combat Miniatures
AB
SHQ
Liberation

On the plastic side, he includes:
Esci/Italeri
Airfix
Matchbox

Lancashire vs Revell, WW2 US Infantry part 1

The photo above compares three metal miniatures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic figures from Revell (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from box 02506 “WWII US Marines.” This box includes 50 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, this set was first released in 1993. It is currently in production at Revell, and can be found online and at local hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The Revell figures were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Odemars vs Lancashire, WW2 Infantry

The photo above compares three American soldiers from Lancashire Games black-washed metal) with a pair of plastic Germans from Odemars (tan plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Odemars set PF17 “The Last Defenders of Berlin.” The set contains 42 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Although Odemars shut down production in 2009, their figures are still available in hobby shops and online stores. For instance, Drum and Flag is currently selling the set for £6.95.

Notes on the Samples:

The Odemars figures were obtained in a trade from Eric Yin.

Valiant vs various metal makers, WW2 Infantry

This image was posted recently by "Big P at GMG" on TMP. It shows a plastic figure from Valiant, compared to five different 20mm manufacturers. Click on the picture for a larger version.

The Plastic Figure

The Valiant figure comes from set VM003 "American GIs 1942/44." The set includes 64 figures in 16 poses.

The Metal Figures

As indicated in the picture, the metal miniatures come from the manufacturers below.

Britannia Miniatures: Offers a broad range, covering all the major combatants in depth.
Battlefield Miniatures: Offer a small number of American, Japanese, French and Russian figures, as well as more substantial British and German ranges.
SHQ Miniatures: Also provides a very deep range with all major nations covered.
Liberation Miniatures: Currently this maker is only producing post-1945 figures.
Elhiem Figures: Have released WW2 figures in two series. Their newest series covers the Red Army, US troops in winter gear, and a number of German subjects. The older series also covers some other topics.

Lancashire Games WW2 US Infantry

Lancashire Games is a British manufacturer offering troops in 20mm for World War Two, and 25mm for Ancient, Medieval and Napoleonic campaigns. The photo above shows several poses from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American range. (Click on the image for a larger version.)
I believe the figures include poses from the following codes:

20/US1 Infantry Command
20/US2 Infantry Advancing
20/US3 Infantry Firing
20/US4 Infantry with SMG

I picked these figures up in a “bring and buy” in a single battle pack. It was marked as “20/WBP32,” which is the code for “American Infantry.” However, as shown above, the bag contained 31 figures, while Lancashire’s website only promises 24 figures in a battle pack. Perhaps they used to release larger battle packs, or maybe my bag had been supplemented by the original owner.

Besides the Americans, Lancashire offers a wide range of figures covering the well-known, and the not so well-known, participants in the Second World War. They include:

American
American (Paras)
American (USMC)
ANZAC
ANZAC (North Africa)
Bandits/Natives (Far East)
British (1944)
British (8th Army)
British (Far East)
British (Paras)
Bulgarian
Chinese (Communist)
Chinese (Regular)
Finns
French (1940)
German (Afrika Corps)
German (Paras)
Germans (1944 Camouflage)
Germans (1944)
Germans (late war)
Greek
Hungarian
Indian (North Africa)
Italian
Italian (North Africa)
Japanese
Norwegian
Partisans
Rumanian
Russian
Ski Troops
Winter Troops
Yugoslavian

Prices for the 20mm figures are as follows:

Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items.
Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.