I have been collecting WW2 British army figures since about 1962, they were among the first Airfix figures I picked up. The early Airfix 8th army, British army and paratroops figures were usable, but would not win any prizes now. They have been updated over the years ,and other companies have entered the fray. Some of these figures were bought over ten years ago, and have been thru several reorganizations. Spare figures have been thrown or given away. In the case of sets where I am not sure of the exact contents I have noted this. Usually it is the number of prone or not useful figures that I have lost track of I believe all of these sets are still available, with the possible exception of the Atlantic Indian Brigade. There are also several sets on the market I have never bought, and can't review. These would include the ESCI and Revell 8th Anny. For WW2 gaming the British can be a lot of fun, and give a good account of themselves.
North Europe-ESCI. Well done figures in standard battle dress, long pants, and helmet.
The rifles are fair, Piats are very good. Six of the SMG have pick axes and can be
used for engineers, and two figures are swinging their rifles, again easy to modify to
engineers. There is also a vignette of q troop helping a wounded friend.
Rifles-18, SMG-12, Bren Gun (prone)-3, offcers-2, MMG-3, plus two PIAT, and a radio
operator.
North Europe-Matchbox. Smaller figures and slightly flat, mostly combat ready with no
packs. Standard battle dress, helmet, short boots. Some of the SMG figures make good
company officers, and there is a Monty figure, a radio operator, and a Brigadier.
Rifles-21, SMG-4, Bren Gun-4, MMG-2, Mortar-1, Flame-thrower-1, prone-2.
8th Army-Aifilx. Nice well animated figures, and has mine detectors for your engineers.
Lacks a mortar however.
Rifle-24. SMG-5, MMG-2, Officer-1, mine detectors-2.
8th Army-Matchbox. A good box of figures, with extra officers. Monty again, brigadiers,
and a piper.
Rifles-19, Bren Guns-5, MMG-2, Mortar-1, Officers-3 and a piper,
Paratroops-ESCI. A useful set, but you may require more than one box. The figures are
very good as to uniform and equipment, with a lot of SMG. There are two figures just
standing which are usefull as bearers, ore gun crew. There is also one man with demolition
equipment, convertible to a radio. The Bren guns are three sets deployed, two advancing.
Rifle-18, SMG-16, Bren-5, officer-2, piat-2.
Airfix paratroops. An older set but still useful if you can find it. Too many prone figures,
but has a mortar.
Rife-2, SMG-12, bazooka-1, mortar-1, prone-8, officers-2
These are winter campaign troops, in heavy clothes. A friend who loves the Battle of the
Bulge made up four Bttn. of these just for that period. They are very good figures. The
Garands and carbines are well done, and there are some grease guns mixed in with the
Tommy's, and there are BAR. The MMG are rather large air cooled, maybe .50 cal.
models. The mortar is well done, probably the best looking you will find. In addition to
the below there are 4 figures with slung rifles, marching. These would be fine for
converting to moving MG or mortar crews.
Rifles-9, carbines-4, SMG-5, BAR-5, MMG-2, Mortar-1, bazooka-3.
ESCI
These are nice figures, summer uniforms, field jackets, some with puttee, some with combat boots. I would put them at Normandy or north Africa. The weapons are well done and there is a slew of equipment. I found a bunch of these on sale as Action Toys, and bought them just to get the MG and mortars. The bulk of my dug in troops, (rifle and ma) are from these sets, and the extra mortars and MG have found a place in Bttn made up of other companies figures. Even at full price they are a bargain for the equipment alone.Rifles-14, SMG-5, BAR-3, air cooled MMG-3, water-cooled MMG-2, mortar-3, officer- 2, flame thrower-2, mine detector-2, prone-8.
ESCI US Paratroops.
Again a good set, with some interesting figures, such as the trooper with mohawk hair cut. These are lightly equipped, with a high proportion of carbine and SMG. Unfortunately no mortars, and no specific officerAeader figures. Again some of the SMG and carbine figures make good leader figures. There are also a couple of figures in parachutes. Not a total waste if you are making a C-47 model and want a trooper to put in the open door.Rifle-15, carbine-6, SMG-7, air cooled LMG/MMG-2. Prone (used with the MMG as crew) 2.
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© Copyright 1998 Hal Thinglum
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