Toy Soldier Realism (1 Viewer)

[katana]

The question was which company makes the most realistic looking figures and tanks. Collect and enjoy whatever companies stuff strikes your fancy, but the most realistic and lifelike looking figures/tanks are by First Legion. Figarti's vehicles are just as realistic too.

Great photos Hunter Rose. Who made the Panther. I agree with your position.

 

[Fitzgibbon]

View attachment 187486View attachment 187487

The attached photos show WWII Panzers and the size relationship of the crews. The Tiger I is the captured Tunisian Tiger I. The King Tiger is of particular interest as it shows crew on the ground and on the deck. The large size in relation to the crew is interesting. Often Toy Soldiers are too large in regard to the vehicle to be realistic. A change has happened over the last few years and the size of vehicles has increased in proportion to the figures, resulting in more realism. The change started with Honor Bound's superb Panther A. TCS made a large Stug III to match the size of its figures and K&C introduced the Tunisian Tiger I; the first of a continuing line of 1/30 scale vehicles. A more recent company First Legion has greatly increased the realism of WWII Toy Soldiers by producing all figures and vehicles to the same size.

Question: Which company do you think makes the most realistic combination of WWII figures and vehicles?

I like the vignette of the Tunisian Tiger. The black and white photography adds to the historical authenticity. The three figures in front of the Tiger are topical. All look realistic. The one on the left (54mm) is a bit out of scale relative to the vehicle. The John Clease type figure in the middle (70mm) is way too large. Imagine how small that tank would look surrounded by troop of these over-sized figures. But that one on the right (60mm) is just about right. I don't mind the b&w shots but prefer the bright colours used more frequently on modern figurines. I just adored that shot of Ivanmoe's with the underscale Corsair cunningly placed to take advantage of perspective. I found that dio very believable. I don't believe any manufacturer will improve on Nature for realism...and the really great thing about the hobby is that believability rests on the creativity of the dio maker...and their perspective

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Brad; I agree that at this point in time the opinion that Figarti is deceased is speculation. I suggest we should consider Figarti in a deep coma and on life support! Rick Wang could very easily put these speculations to rest by coming on the Form and explaining the situation. I have received no replies to inquires on the Figarti website. Who is the spokesperson for the New Figarti?

Deep Coma and Life Support.............I just fell off my chair.....LOL {sm3}

Wayne

 

[ivanmoe]

The question was which company makes the most realistic looking figures and tanks. Collect and enjoy whatever companies stuff strikes your fancy, but the most realistic and lifelike looking figures/tanks are by First Legion. Figarti's vehicles are just as realistic too.

Both of the replicas above have barrels that are (visibly) solid. In a model that costs $300, I consider this to be unacceptable. It would be one thing if the tube had a muzzle-break to hide that reality, but none is present. To the extent that KC doesn't always bother to model volds, they are guilty as well. If a collector wants to go all out terms of accuracy, then kits remain their best alternative.

-Moe

 

[katana]

I like the vignette of the Tunisian Tiger. The black and white photography adds to the historical authenticity. The three figures in front of the Tiger are topical. All look realistic. The one on the left (54mm) is a bit out of scale relative to the vehicle. The John Clease type figure in the middle (70mm) is way too large. Imagine how small that tank would look surrounded by troop of these over-sized figures. But that one on the right (60mm) is just about right. I don't mind the b&w shots but prefer the bright colours used more frequently on modern figurines. I just adored that shot of Ivanmoe's with the underscale Corsair cunningly placed to take advantage of perspective. I found that dio very believable. I don't believe any manufacturer will improve on Nature for realism...and the really great thing about the hobby is that believability rests on the creativity of the dio maker...and their perspective

Photoshop is great!

 

[TomNT]

The question was which company makes the most realistic looking figures and tanks. Collect and enjoy whatever companies stuff strikes your fancy, but the most realistic and lifelike looking figures/tanks are by First Legion. Figarti's vehicles are just as realistic too.

I agree that FL (and Figarti) armour (and other non armoured vehicles) are the most realistic and lifelike in the pre-made model industry. I do not agree that FL figures are the most realistic and lifelike. I think K&C still wins that segment hands down. FL figures in my opinion have issues with their facial expressions and action and non action poses. Many of the faces (not all) don't look lifelike and some of the figures don't look right when they are running or holding weapons etc. I will give them credit that they are getting better but I think they still have a bit to go before they are on par with K&C. I only have a few FL figures to go with my FL DAK armour but I would buy more if they looked more realistic and lifelike. K&C figures could do better with there weapons being a little over-sized but on the whole I think they still look the best.

I agree that FL figures and armour/non armoured vehicles go best together but it is the eye of the beholder and what may look good together for some, may not look good together for others. K&C and the other manufacturers get it right most of the time but I think there is room for improvement in the size disparity issue.

Take note that my opinion is based on WW2 only.

Tom

 

[katana]

Great response. I like both K&C and FL figures. I use the larger 68mm figures with my 1/25 scale models. The K&C half figure sets are perfect for 1/25 scale Panzers. I wish they would do some allied half figures for armor. The K&C Fury and US Tanker sets go a long way towards achieving the scale compatability that is First Legions best feature. I hope K&C continues this trend.

 

[ivanmoe]

FL figures in my opinion have issues with their facial expressions and action and non action poses. Many of the faces (not all) don't look lifelike and some of the figures don't look right when they are running or holding weapons etc.

Tom, you probably already realize this, but many of the heads/faces are identical within FL's WW2 ranges. For example, consider the pic of the Sherman that's already been posted:

The driver-figure in the rear model has exactly the same head and face as that of the TC-figure in the front model.

IMO, FL's Stalingrad/German figures and vehicles are among the best of its WW2 sets because so many them have their heads concealed by scarves, hoods and such. Another plus for the Stalingrad/German range is that the figures and vehicles appear to be scale-appropriate to each other.

-Moe

 

[katana]

I was considering the First Legion 3 piece loading set for the 15cm Sfh 18 Howitzer; but the faces of all three figures are identical! Not realistic. I wanted a 60mm set to fit into a 1/30 scale Hummel.
The K&C sets for the 155mm Gun Emplacement look a lot better; but may be too large to fit into the Hummel.

 

[braddinpa]

I think the facial sculpts from Range to Range for FL vary. For example the Civil War sculpts are amazing. Each face appears to be unique. Same with the few Naps that I own. Agreed about WW2 range. Although I really like them. The facial sculpts do appear to be similar. Here are pics from my collection.

 

[jazzeum]

Brad; I agree that at this point in time the opinion that Figarti is deceased is speculation. I suggest we should consider Figarti in a deep coma and on life support! Rick Wang could very easily put these speculations to rest by coming on the Form and explaining the situation. I have received no replies to inquires on the Figarti website. Who is the spokesperson for the New Figarti?

Katana,

Not really sure why you persist in this line of argument when you don't have the facts at your disposal. Rick is no longer involved in the business. He has licensed the business to present management but has no other involvement.

Brad

 

[uksubs]

Katana,

Not really sure why you persist in this line of argument when you don't have the facts at your disposal. Rick is no longer involved in the business. He has licensed the business to present management but has no other involvement.

Brad

Well said again Brad:salute::

 

[sammy719]

Katana,

Not really sure why you persist in this line of argument when you don't have the facts at your disposal. Rick is no longer involved in the business. He has licensed the business to present management but has no other involvement.

Brad

I'm with Brad here Katana..not sure what your issue is with Figarti??? if I'm not mistaken a few fine fellows here left the past Chicago show with some very nice winter Panthers, as well as a few other new sets, doesn't sound or look dead to me?? maybe not the Figarti of old with shock and awe but new management may mean a complete different way of running Figarti...Sammy

 

[katana]

I am well aware that Rick Wang is no longer directly involved. Were I involved in a management position with a company for many years and than sold it; I would be concerned that it would continue and be sucessful. I would contact concerned parties and try to clarify the situation.
I am not the only person expressing concern as to the fate of Figarti. I respect Figarti's past accomplishments and hope for more in the future. I have several pieces of Figarti armor that I consider the best in my collection. When I had a problem with missing parts on a T34-85 I contacted Rick and he resolved the problem quickly and efficiently. Someone from the new owner needs to provide some information; in the absence of information their is speculation as we are seeing.

 

[wayne556517]

I'm with Brad here Katana..not sure what your issue is with Figarti??? if I'm not mistaken a few fine fellows here left the past Chicago show with some very nice winter Panthers, as well as a few other new sets, doesn't sound or look dead to me?? maybe not the Figarti of old with shock and awe but new management may mean a complete different way of running Figarti...Sammy

What other new sets mate ?

 

[TomNT]

Tom, you probably already realize this, but many of the heads/faces are identical within FL's WW2 ranges. For example, consider the pic of the Sherman that's already been posted:

The driver-figure in the rear model has exactly the same head and face as that of the TC-figure in the front model.

IMO, FL's Stalingrad/German figures and vehicles are among the best of its WW2 sets because so many them have their heads concealed by scarves, hoods and such. Another plus for the Stalingrad/German range is that the figures and vehicles appear to be scale-appropriate to each other.

-Moe

Hey Moe

Thanks for mentioning the heads/faces being identical and the hoods and scarves making the facial expressions look better, I forgot about those points and I agree with what you say. Some of the FL DAK motorcycle riders have scarves as well and they look great. I have been tempted to get a couple of FL sidecar motorcycles but they are pricey and my funds are pretty stretched at the moment!

Tom

 

[sammy719]

What other new sets mate ?

Butch, the Bergetiger, Railguns, Winter Panthers were all shown just a short few months ago, I'm not going to get into a pissing contest on whether Figarti is alive or dead as it has not much baring on what I collect (even though I hope they return to producing vehicles/tanks) etc. but I do believe what Matt at Hobby Bunker mentioned in a thread after the Chicago show that the new company had issues to work out but believed that going forward would return to the toy soldier world, time will tell and if not I guess you were right...Sammy

 

[wayne556517]

Butch, the Bergetiger, Railguns, Winter Panthers were all shown just a short few months ago, I'm not going to get into a pissing contest on whether Figarti is alive or dead as it has not much baring on what I collect (even though I hope they return to producing vehicles/tanks) etc. but I do believe what Matt at Hobby Bunker mentioned in a thread after the Chicago show that the new company had issues to work out but believed that going forward would return to the toy soldier world, time will tell and if not I guess you were right...Sammy

Yeah i know mate but I'm yet to see any BT,s or rail guns for sale in the US for all of us not just show goers,not arguing mate just discussing a fact.
When was the last time FIGARTI released something 100+ in numbers mate for sale in the US or any where else except China ??

 

[katana]

I have not seen any of those new products appear in China either! Prototypes are easy and cheap to produce. Manufacturing 100 pieces to high standards of quality is hard. The Winter Panther G is a repaint; no tooling costs and a fast easy money making product your customers are asking for.
Why hasn't it been made and shipped in quantity to US dealers?

 

[Hunter Rose]

Great photos Hunter Rose. Who made the Panther. I agree with your position.

It's one of those Figarti Winter Panthers that they never released. :salute::