Has anyone considered using 1:72 scale plastic infantry instead of the models that come with the game?

Lately there's been some talk about booster packs, expansions and such, especially for units we may never see like the Italians and French. Substituting the ToI infantry for 1:72 soldiers opens up a lot of options in terms of nations and weapons. Plus, the sculpts are far superior.

I've started collecting sets of Japanese soldiers to make my own Pacific expansion. So far I have the following: Type 99 LMG, Type 92 HMG, Type 89 mortar, Type 97 anti-tank rifle, flame-thrower, anti-tank "stick charge" and a 70mm Type 92 artillery piece, as well as models to represent regular infantry, elites and officers.

The moulds are bigger than those used with ToI (they stand about a head taller and are bulkier) but four figures will still fit on a squad base. At the moment I'm deciding whether or not to clip off their bases and then use magnets to attach them to either the ToI bases or something similar.

Here's a website that has pics of several different sets:

www.plasticsoldierreview.com/Index.aspx

IMO 1/72 would be a bit too big.

15mm(1/100) would probably be a better scale with plenty of vehicles. Many suppliers in this scale from WoTC (AAM) pre-painted to unpainted like Flames of War and others. Otherwise 10mm are probably about the same size as TOI. GHQ makes a nice 1/285 scale line which is a bit smaller yet.

Yes I have considered other options including mounting what ever scale I have considered mounting on metal bases and then using magnetic material for for the squad stand making building squads very easy.

I'm not too concerned about vehicles as I've already swapped out everything in ToI for 1:144 scale pre-paints (which in my opinion are a better option than either the AAM or FoW minis as they are cheaper and often more detailed).

This topic was more about nation-specific infantry. As the infantry for ToI are already out of scale with the vehicles, I didn't think 1:72 seemed too large. Then again, I haven't put an entire army together and played them on the ToI map boards so they could turn out to be unwieldy. I had considered using AAM soldiers, of which I have quite a few, but their round bases make that difficult (their sculpts aren't too impressive either). I'll look into other 15mm scale options though, and see if they have the variety of units offered at 1:72.

One other thing I like about 1:72 plastic soldiers is the level of detail. Some of the poses are quite dynamic, and the HMGs and artillery can look very good.

I know most players are probably only interested in seeing new types of armor for ToI, but I think the game would benefit from new infantry and infantry weapon types. Most of the scenarios are infantry-heavy, so adding some new elements to the "regular, elite and officer" mix would be nice.

Obviously it is all a matter of personal choice. I was just thinking that 1/72 might prove to be a bit big on the ToI map boards due to larger size. WoTC changes from the 2" hexes to 3" hexes to provide more room with the 1/100(15mm) units. I am sure the 1/72 minis look very aesteically pleasing with alot of detail.

For the time being I have resigned myself to accept ToI as a board game and not try to make it a miniature wargame as I have plenty of other options for that with other games although the ToI mechanics could lend very well to full out 3D scaled miniature wargaming which I may try someday.

As for 15mm infantry other than AAM there are many unpainted options. Old Glory and FLames of War would be the first that come to mind. Personally I do not care for the look of the FoW as I think the heads look to big. GHQ make an nice line of minis as well. but I believe the scale is smaller and I do not think going any smaller is necessary.

I am holding out hope that FFG will give us some more options both infantry and armor and more than just an operation card that turns a soldoer into a ranger of AA trooper.

Well, 1/72 sure would be easier to paint, and as Yipe says, there are alot more figure stances, poses, different pioneer tools and such, but it IS ones personel flavor, i suppose. Myself i am a bit fragged from painting infantry, although i'm contemplating painting some of the TOI dudes. Maybe boots, weapons, belts and such. Just not every detail, 'course once i get started...who knows?

Yeah, figures are a little too large for TOI... even the Tanks or artillery. 1:144 is the best choice. Or the 15mm figures

www.fat-wally.com/collection.html

for proposal... but, aren't you happy with the TOI figures? Or do you just need MORE men and vehicles... write to FFG, they are really cooperative and maybe you can purchuse from them some extra figures.

Siegfried

Siegfried Westphal said:

15 mm is perfect for infantry and OK for vehicles. I wish I would finally find out how to post pictures here in the forum so I could show you.

KlausFritsch said:

Klaus, If you use Photobucket or another image host(i use photobucket), upload your pictures there and copy the 'Direct link" code. Then press the 4th box from the right-Insert/Edit Image- and paste that link into the box on the top that says URL.

Here's some of my 1/72 scale infantry. I DO NOT use them in TOI. I like the little dudes just fine.

ANd more

Siegfried

So are you guys using your 1/72 for gaming or just diarama? BTW, They all look great!

I am only playing my own, selfmade, WW2 Tabletop game with the 1/72 figures and vehicles. No dioramas for me. Would be interesting...but i would need more time...toooooo much hobbys ... The buildings are my last paint and decoration jobs....

Siegfried

WOW, they look great...model railroading is one of my other hobbies and your are definately up to snuff.

Siegfried..That building is great..Especially the posters on the front..Fabelhaft!!!

My stuff in 1/72 is all diorama

This. sons a bitchin site keeps cutin off my pics..BASTARDS!!!!!!