WarModelling vs Airfix, WW2 German Infantry

The photo above compares four metal figures from WarModelling (black washed metal) with three plastic figures from Airfix (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from WarModelling’s World War Two range. They are part of set WW22, titled “German Fallschirmjägers (CRETE)”. This is a boxed set with 22 figures in unique poses, plus a small mortar.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The WarModelling figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: 19.50 EUR for the complete box.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were kindly supplied by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The two paratroop figures (on the left and in the middle) come from box A01753 “WWII German Paratroops.” This set was also released by Heller as 79653 “German Paratroops”

The box includes 46 figures in 14 poses.

The infantry figure (on the right) comes from box A01705 “WWII German Infantry.” Specifically, the figure comes from the later version of this set. This set was also released by Heller as 79605 “German Infantry”

The box includes 48 figures in 15 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Paratroops: Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Infantry: Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Both sets: Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Set A01705 (Infantry) is currently in production at Airfix. New boxes can be purchased directly on the manufacturer’s website at a cost of £4.69.

Set A01753 (Paratroops) is not currently being produced by Airfix. While it is easy to find second hand boxes on the web, they are priced much higher than current production, due to the scarcity.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

Airfix / Heller vs SHQ, WWII Infantry

The photo above compares three SHQ US GIs with two WWII figures from Airfix: a partly painted US Marine, and unpainted Japanese soldier. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix figures come from box 01716 “World War II US Marines” and box 01718 “World War II Japanese Infantry.” The sets were also reissued by Heller as box 79616 and 79618 respectively.

The SHQ figures come from their “WWII American Infantry, 1942-44” range. The figures come from several of the packs, as follows:

Far left: GI 23 Wounded and Two Medics
Middle: GI 24 Stretcher Party
Far right: GI 25 Surgeon and Two Orderlies


Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix– 20mm.
SHQ – 21mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix US Marine – C (Average)
Airifix Japanese – B (Slender)
SHQ – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:
Twentieth century armies aren’t mounted in ranks or tight groups, so slight height or sculpting differences are much easier to fudge when mixing ranges. The fact that the SHQ figures reviewed don’t carry weapons (which should be consistent) makes it even easier to see them as simply taller men than their plastic colleagues. In short, these two lines work very well together.