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

HYTTY 1/72 vs 20mm Newline, Ancient Greek foot

THE METAL FIGURES

Newline Designs ANG 3, Greek Hoplite Standing, Linen Cuirass: 
Height (to eyes):  20mm

Height (to top of head):  22mm

Newline Designs ANP 14, Persian Immortal Spearman, Campaign Dress: 
Height (to eyes):  20mm

Height (to top of head):  22mm

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

HYTTY 2002, Macedonian Infantry: 
Height (to eyes):  varies, 19-23mm

Height (to top of head):  varies, 21-25mm

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

Tightening Focus

This blog has now been online for more than 5 years, but to be honest it isn’t really a blog at all.  When I set this up, I simply wanted to find a place to publish a series of photos which would illustrate various plastic and metal ranges side by side.  The images were not intended to be “followed” as they went up; instead I visualized this as a static resource where hobbyists could look up comparisons as they needed them.

Over time though, a few other things crept into the blog.  For instance, I had some lists of manufacturers that I had created for my own use, but I thought they might be helpful to others, so I published them using the “pages” tool.  I also posted “news” items from time to time when metal manufacturers announced new ranges or other changes.

I have now discovered the drawback in publishing these other items, especially the pages: readers do not realize that they are not current.  And this can make them less than helpful.

At this time, I have no desire to maintain a current description of the manufacturing landscape for 20-25mm metal soldiers.  There are many other places where that information is published and is kept up to date.  In particular, Uwe Wild’s blog History in 1/72 does a great job of staying on top of the new and smaller manufacturers.  I will keep links on this page to Uwe’s blogs and the other core resources for understanding the sector.

As for this blog, I will shortly be taking down the out-of-date pages, removing the old “news” items, and deleting the blog roll.  This will remain simply a storage place for comparison pictures, which will be expanded from time to time. I hope others find those photos useful in assembling their armies.  I know I will continue reading the many other blogs out there dedicated to modeling and gaming with them.