First Legion: WWII Modeling vs.1:35 built (2 Viewers)

[Vezzolf]

On another area of the forum there was some discussion of 1:35 scale modeling vs. polystone.....Since my views were un-welcome there I thought I would like to get some opinions regarding Plastic vs.Polystone here...Fellow collectors from the other area are welcome to join in the discussion.....It seems to me that plastic with photoetch parts allows an exspert model builder to produce the most realistic detailed models in 1:35th scale.......First Legion Stalingrad AFV's have brought 1:35th scale detailing into the 1:30th world....the level of detail and subtle weathering in resin moulds is simply not possible in polystone IMO....In regards to weight I have found FL AFV's to be lighter but moderate in weight... not flimsy at all....If anyone admires the realism and detail of 1:35 scale exspert modeling....They will surely love the "First Legion Style"..SIMPLY the best product out there for diorama builders. Quality and Detail both in AFV's and Figures....Nicely done First Legion

 

[sammy719]

I will admit that after collecting polystone vehicles for 4-5 yrs. the weight of the First Legion vehicles kinda scared me a little, but once I got into the detail/painting/insignia and so forth of the First Legion stlye I became very happy with my new WWII vehicles.
Everyone collects different manufacturers for different reasons, but I like the First Legion stlye modeling due to the detail that they can incorporate into any vehicles they choose to, and polystone vehicles just can't do because of the material used, trust me I'm no rivet counter person here, but if I'm gonna pay big money for a vehicle I want it to be as close in detail/the right unit the vehicle belongs to with the correct paint scheme.
Right now there are some serious manufacturers making great stuff across the board, we are the lucky ones who get to choose which one is right for us, so whoever or whatever you collect be happy in your choice, and be glad that we have so many choices...Sammy

 

[spartan71]

On another area of the forum there was some discussion of 1:35 scale modeling vs. polystone.....Since my views were un-welcome there I thought I would like to get some opinions regarding Plastic vs.Polystone here...Fellow collectors from the other area are welcome to join in the discussion.....It seems to me that plastic with photoetch parts allows an exspert model builder to produce the most realistic detailed models in 1:35th scale.......First Legion Stalingrad AFV's have brought 1:35th scale detailing into the 1:30th world....the level of detail and subtle weathering in resin moulds is simply not possible in polystone IMO....In regards to weight I have found FL AFV's to be lighter but moderate in weight... not flimsy at all....If anyone admires the realism and detail of 1:35 scale exspert modeling....They will surely love the "First Legion Style"..SIMPLY the best product out there for diorama builders. Quality and Detail both in AFV's and Figures....Nicely done First Legion

First of all I love what First Legion has Brought to this hobby of ours. But as far as Going to another Manufacturer's Thread, Well........
The best way to treat each Manufacturer's thread, Is as if its a religion. You go into any house of religion and praise some other religion. you will not have to much of a welcome. If you like to Pray/ Praise. Then do it in the house of that particular religion. Do not instigate, Please. Because if they are looking for another. They will find it.
Again I love First Legion and Bought pieces from them, but I also like the Other manufacturers too.

 

[Vezzolf]

First of all I love what First Legion has Brought to this hobby of ours. But as far as Going to another Manufacturer's Thread, Well........
The best way to treat each Manufacturer's thread, Is as if its a religion. You go into any house of religion and praise some other religion. you will not have to much of a welcome. If you like to Pray/ Praise. Then do it in the house of that particular religion. Do not instigate, Please. Because if they are looking for another. They will find it.
Again I love First Legion and Bought pieces from them, but I also like the Other manufacturers too.

I would not go as far to say that toy soldier discussions are like religious worship but I do get your point.....At the other site on the forum the discussion moved to pre-built 1:35 scale resin AFV's vs. 1:30th scale polystone...Most were critical of resin...They should know that First Legion is probably the closest 1:30th scale manufacturer to high level custom 1:35 modeling...which can only be achieved with resin/photo-etched.....If your looking for the ultimate in realism and weathering of AFV's..First Legion has it....I also collect other manufacturers as well and like them but I call them as I see them.....Guess I will have to be more diplomatic... especially in church....Best Regards Frank......opposing views,open minds and open discussion welcome here

 

[Mitch]

I think if you hold opinions about manufacturers then is this not the place to voice them. If we cannot critique manufacturers what is the point of the site?

I do not believe these specific houses are for only stating good things as we all know there are many faults with products in this hobby from painting realism etc and for many this is the only medium to find these out before parting with considerable money. I also do not believe that any likening to religion has any point or purpose when discussing our hobby. I have no problem with anyone posting in any section a critique as long as it can be backed up. Keeping to specific houses sounds like censorship and denies honset debate about the flaws in the hobby. The FW debate among others shows this is very much needed

The debate about models and polystone is relevant as manufacturers are striving to reach expert plastic detail. My concern is that to get this will take longer and be more costly to the hobby and that is not welcome.
Mitch

 

[Spitfrnd]

I think if you hold opinions about manufacturers then is this not the place to voice them. If we cannot critique manufacturers what is the point of the site?

I do not believe these specific houses are for only stating good things as we all know there are many faults with products in this hobby from painting realism etc and for many this is the only medium to find these out before parting with considerable money. I also do not believe that any likening to religion has any point or purpose when discussing our hobby. I have no problem with anyone posting in any section a critique as long as it can be backed up. Keeping to specific houses sounds like censorship and denies honest debate about the flaws in the hobby. The FW debate among others shows this is very much needed

The debate about models and polystone is relevant as manufacturers are striving to reach expert plastic detail. My concern is that to get this will take longer and be more costly to the hobby and that is not welcome.
Mitch

I agree with you that in a perfect world, it should be accepted and encouraged to post positive and negative impressions anywhere on the forum but there are some here that cannot or will not resist abusing that privilege to the point of causing the most benignly motivated observation to degenerate into pointless and silly acrimony. So we are stuck with somewhat of a lowest common denominator rule in the interest of an artificial appearance of peace and harmony.

To me more detail and accuracy are what it is all about but no doubt there have to be compromises to keep costs within reach of a critical mass of collectors. I also worry that at some point, rising costs may take the joy out of collecting but hopefully our producers will continue to innovate to keep costs under control. I do greatly appreciate what FL has done in this regard by bringing Russian level quality in at quite reasonable prices.

 

[uksubs]

On another area of the forum there was some discussion of 1:35 scale modeling vs. polystone.....Since my views were un-welcome there I thought I would like to get some opinions regarding Plastic vs.Polystone here...Fellow collectors from the other area are welcome to join in the discussion.....It seems to me that plastic with photoetch parts allows an exspert model builder to produce the most realistic detailed models in 1:35th scale.......First Legion Stalingrad AFV's have brought 1:35th scale detailing into the 1:30th world....the level of detail and subtle weathering in resin moulds is simply not possible in polystone IMO....In regards to weight I have found FL AFV's to be lighter but moderate in weight... not flimsy at all....If anyone admires the realism and detail of 1:35 scale exspert modeling....They will surely love the "First Legion Style"..SIMPLY the best product out there for diorama builders. Quality and Detail both in AFV's and Figures....Nicely done First Legion

Can I asked why you posted this thread under First legion & not in General Toy Soldier Discussion

 

[Mitch]

Spitfrnd..

You are correct I want more detail but, IMO we are about, to peak if not, already there. This was one of my responses that we will move to far away from the crux of this hobby if we continue to cross the seemingly holy grail of the modellers world.
As for the argumentative bit I will always state concerns over manufacturers products as I have and, hope that correct critique is recognized as just that. It has its place in every section of this forum.
Mitch

I agree with you that in a perfect world, it should be accepted and encouraged to post positive and negative impressions anywhere on the forum but there are some here that cannot or will not resist abusing that privilege to the point of causing the most benignly motivated observation to degenerate into pointless and silly acrimony. So we are stuck with somewhat of a lowest common denominator rule in the interest of an artificial appearance of peace and harmony.

To me more detail and accuracy are what it is all about but no doubt there have to be compromises to keep costs within reach of a critical mass of collectors. I also worry that at some point, rising costs may take the joy out of collecting but hopefully our producers will continue to innovate to keep costs under control. I do greatly appreciate what FL has done in this regard by bringing Russian level quality in at quite reasonable prices.

 

[uksubs]

On another area of the forum there was some discussion of 1:35 scale modeling vs. polystone.....Since my views were un-welcome there I thought I would like to get some opinions regarding Plastic vs.Polystone here...Fellow collectors from the other area are welcome to join in the discussion.....It seems to me that plastic with photoetch parts allows an exspert model builder to produce the most realistic detailed models in 1:35th scale.......First Legion Stalingrad AFV's have brought 1:35th scale detailing into the 1:30th world....the level of detail and subtle weathering in resin moulds is simply not possible in polystone IMO....In regards to weight I have found FL AFV's to be lighter but moderate in weight... not flimsy at all....If anyone admires the realism and detail of 1:35 scale exspert modeling....They will surely love the "First Legion Style"..SIMPLY the best product out there for diorama builders. Quality and Detail both in AFV's and Figures....Nicely done First Legion

Well Dragon & Tamiya make 1/35 armour already but what I fine odd is they don't cost $300.00

 

[Vezzolf]

Well Dragon & Tamiya make 1/35 armour already but what I fine odd is they don't cost $300.00

You might be surprised to know that pre-built custom 1:35 scale AFV models done by an exspert modeler will cost $200 to $250 plus....I posted on the FL site because they are the only manufacturer that produces a 1:30th scale AFV with 1:35 scale details....I believe they are able to achieve this level of realism because they work with resin moulds....Weathering/painting is also more easily accomplished with resin with no flaking problems... the gain in realism seems to more then make up for decreased weight... also FL AFV's are definitely heavier and sturdier than a 1:35 scale kit and resin is also less likely to fracture then polystone since it absorbs shock better.....What do you think?

 

[Alex]

I for once will say it like it comes without me being politically correct.

Many years ago, I fell in love with K&C products .. Those were looking great at an affordable price... JJD were looking good too on the shelves of my local dealer, but I never liked the way the faces were sculpted.. those homo sapiens sapiens were looking more like neanderthal guys so out was JJD...

One day during a trip in San Francisco, I went to Sierra toy soldiers and saw for the first time in my life some russian figures ... my jaw fell in front of those marvels .. and the price tags ...

When FL started, I saw right from the start how those figures were way ahead of what the others were doing in terms of Nap offerings ... and I had at that time hundreds of K&C figures to compare with ... but the canadian dollar was weak at that time and I put aside those FL figures for a while...

Then I stopped collecting K&C figures all together because of a lack of interest in the new products and an increase in price which was not coming for me with a significant increase in quality..

And then one day I bought some Aeroart figures and then realize how FL figures were so close to those pieces but could be bought for 50% less...

So I revisited FL website and placed my order and there I was in may of this year with a renewed joy of collecting ....

As I will say it again and again, Polystone products as done by K&C can't compete AT ALL with what Figarti & FL (and HB) are producing. You can't even put those in the same basket ... and if you want the top quality in terms of figures, I would suggest some kolobob figures or go visit planetfigure.com and see what the modelers can do .. That's where I've recruited a painter to paint some Pegaso pieces for me.. Museum pieces... FL are near that but with a still afforable price tag, they give use the opportunity to replicate scenes even battles of the Napoleonic times LIKE NO OTHER MANUFACTURER HAS DONE IT BEFORE.

Now I don't understand why some people think that we all have to agree on some points in some parts of this forum.. If you don't like a product done by a manufacturer, I will be the first one to hear it so I could planify better my collection .. If it's only bashing done for bashing then of course there's no point to it ... But man do I like FL products and can clearly see the better quality you get when you buy these instead of K&C products for example.

Oh and I like K&C products too just not as much

Some people will argue that yes FL figures are better but they cost you more .. I would answer this statement by saying this : when you chose your wife and fell in love with her, didn't you chose the one you found the best for you, the cutest and the smartest ? That's what I did and I would not have settled for less... two wifes less than perfect for me instead of choosing the right one... never ! That's the same I do with my collecting, buy the best there is for the money and if you want the best FL has done since they started, go buy FL french old guards, Colbert and the British dragoons... You will be hooked I promise

Alex

 

[Northgate Woods]

Alex mate,
A very well written post. One of the most sensible I have read lately. Whilst I don't agree with your conclusions, I fully support your right and view to express it. Enjoy your collecting.
Cheers Howard

 

[Andanna]

Alex, are you proposing to Matt? He will be flattered.



Otherwise: fully agree with your reasoning. I also more or less disgarded Russian figures for FL.

 

[marco55]

I don't understand why people don't like resin.I have metal and resin figures and while both are nice I think yiou get better detail with resin.A lot of people think heavier is better but I'm not one of them.
Mark

 

[Vezzolf]

Hi Mark, I think that resin is fine for AFV's because it allows for better detail especially with photo-etch parts...However I prefer that figures are done in metal....All the major players use metal figures....First Legion Stalingrad Series is the best detail for metal soldiers I have ever seen....I like metal figures....

 

[marco55]

I like metal figures too,Don't get me wrong but I get figure kits and a lot of them are resin and they are fine.I actually prefer the lightness of resin but again it doesn't make a difference to me.Once painted I can't tell them apart.Also resin is "suppose"to be cheaper.
Mark

 

[Vezzolf]

I like metal figures too,Don't get me wrong but I get figure kits and a lot of them are resin and they are fine.I actually prefer the lightness of resin but again it doesn't make a difference to me.Once painted I can't tell them apart.Also resin is "suppose"to be cheaper.
Mark

Mark, you have sparked my interest...What brand are you purchasing? Is there WWII...Can you share some photos of your painted soldiers? Thank you Frank

 

[Firebat]

BSP owns vehicles and figures from every manufacturer except for First Legion. We simply cant afford them. It is ashamed they are so expensive, we would have liked to feature them in our upcoming Mini-Series.

I have seen them at shows, they are excellent, and do come close to the 1/35th products in detail...but I can't comment any further, because I have not worked closely with them...I do think Figarti is the closest, and at times possibly better, due to their finish which gives a metallic feel.....But I have a lot of Figarti stuff and I have more experience with them.......Good job First Legion....Alex

Here is a Figarti piece for you to study. This is First Legions Section so this is as far as I will go with this.

 

[binder001]

I can't say that I've seen any FL vehicles up close. I'll have to see if I can see some in Chicago. They sound very nice.

It's always interesting to see the discussions about resin/metal/plastic etc. I know that resin has to have better quality control to avoid bubbles, etc, but the 1/35th resin figures that I have purchased are about the finest castings that I have seen. A good resin figure can capture amazing detail, often much crisper than a metal figure. A plastic figure can also have superior detail to a metal one but somehow the collecting community look down on plastic as a medium.

Personally, I look to Figarti/ K&C/ Wm Britains/ etc for "fun" - something that can be displayed with only minimal extra work. For sheer detail I go with 1/35th plastic models - takes time but can't be beat for detail. Another feature of models is that you get what you want. If I want an M4A3 from the 10th Armored Division that defended Bastogne, then I can build one. The only limits are my skill and research. Oddly enough I haven't run into those guys who pay for models, so in my world a one-of-a-kind model is less "collectable" than a generic pollystone casting that may or may not be correct.

To each their own. It's a hobby, so relax and enjoy your toys. I like my coilectable figures, my plastic figures and conversions and my plastic models in various scales. It all keeps me out of the bars

Gary B.

 

[Firebat]

I can't say that I've seen any FL vehicles up close. I'll have to see if I can see some in Chicago. They sound very nice.

It's always interesting to see the discussions about resin/metal/plastic etc. I know that resin has to have better quality control to avoid bubbles, etc, but the 1/35th resin figures that I have purchased are about the finest castings that I have seen. A good resin figure can capture amazing detail, often much crisper than a metal figure. A plastic figure can also have superior detail to a metal one but somehow the collecting community look down on plastic as a medium.

Personally, I look to Figarti/ K&C/ Wm Britains/ etc for "fun" - something that can be displayed with only minimal extra work. For sheer detail I go with 1/35th plastic models - takes time but can't be beat for detail. Another feature of models is that you get what you want. If I want an M4A3 from the 10th Armored Division that defended Bastogne, then I can build one. The only limits are my skill and research. Oddly enough I haven't run into those guys who pay for models, so in my world a one-of-a-kind model is less "collectable" than a generic pollystone casting that may or may not be correct.

To each their own. It's a hobby, so relax and enjoy your toys. I like my coilectable figures, my plastic figures and conversions and my plastic models in various scales. It all keeps me out of the bars

Gary B.

Well Said !!!