The WWII Miniatures Showcase: Vehicles

The models on this page are diecasts, which means they are readily assembled, pre-painted models, initially intended for display purposes. Their sturdy nature and the fact that they are ready-to-use straight from the box make these very appealing with the wargamer, who can then focus on painting the miniatures or adding small details to individualise the vehicles. The fact that the models are mostly metal makes they have a nice'heavy' feeling, generally appreciated by the 'lead'-addict.

One thing that sets apart wargaming WW2 from most other historical periods is the large array of armour and vehicles that are available to chose from. However, the gamer who wants to include tanks, trucks or jeeps soon finds himself confronted with one question that has no easy answer. What scale should the vehicles be? Now, the obvious answer is that, since the miniatures are said to be in the "28mm scale", the vehicles should be 28mm as well. But we all know that 28mm isn't really a scale, but rather a measurement system. The fact alone that some measure it to the eyes, while others measure it to the top of head should make this clear. Add to this that in 28mm the proportions of the figure are distorted. While the average height might come down to 1/60th or 1/56th scale, the heads and bulk of the figure are in line with 1/48th scale and thus closer to 35-40mm.

So if working with an exact scale is not an option, what is one to do? The answer is quite simple. In the end, it is all in mind. Put a figure next to the vehicle and if it looks right, then it *is* right. So whether you prefer 1/60, 1/56, 1/54, 1/50 or 1/48, the main rule is consistency. Stick to the same scale as much as possible or if you must mix scales, at least stick to one scale for each vehicle type. After all, unlike humans, one Willys jeep is exactly as big as the other.

The Corgi WWII Collection is one of the best sources for 1/50 scale ready-to-use vehicles. The Corgi vehicles are well detailed and painted, with weathering. The collection includes vehicles for the Western Front, the Eastern Front, Italy, North-Africa and D-Day.

The "Fighting Machines" Showcase collection has more WW2 models of undetermined scale ("fit the box"-type). Most of them are too small but the jeep-sized vehicles are just right. There is a selection of kubelwagens and Willys jeeps.

- Soviet vehicles:

Commonly believed to be 1/50 scale, the Solido military range actually falls in two subranges, one being 1/48-1/50 and the other being 1/43 scale. The 1/50 scale range of military vehicles includes German, French, US and Soviet models. Many of the vehicles come with moving metal tracks, which is an attractive feature in a toy, but looks a bit less realistic. Once you painted over the shiny metal and applied weathering, this is less noticeable. The main difference between the "Solido" and the "Verem" label,is that the latter have more detailed paintjobs and weathering. Quality of the models themselves is the same though.

As part of Onsite Diecast, WarTanks.com makes a nice series of metal and resin tanks at 1:48. Detail is fairly good, but be forewarned that the treads are molded to the vehicle. They are rather pricey and could do with some weathering.

"Polistil was an Italian diecast firm which produced a series of diecast and plastic vehicles (including tanks) in the 1970's and 1980's. The tanks were designated as the "CA" series, and six types of tanks were manufactured (see table below). The tanks have not been reissued, and Polistil was acquired by Tonka in 1988. The scale is 1:50. The overall quality is good, with fair to good detail The treads, although not highly realistic, are metal." - Commentary taken from Mike's Diecast Tanks and Armour (also go there for pictures). These are OOP.

OSD produces a range of 1:48 - 1:50 scale diecast, plastic, resin ground vehicles using Solido, Verem, Corgi and WarTanks as a basis, as well as some completely original models. These are often very expensive ($50-150).

Like the OSD models, these are 1:48 scale hand built limited editions, including tanks, guns and ground support vehicles. They are built to order and price varies (up to $100-140). The range includes complete kits as well as upgrades for other models.

Quarter Kit also carries the 'Models of exception' range, which, among other things, includes a splendid armoured train (for a mere €1.300).

A range of ready to use, 1/48 scale remote control tanks! Price is reasonable and you can always remove the remote control system if you don't want to take advantage of it. US, German and Russian tanks so far

8. Ripmax - 1/54

Another range of highly detailed, ready to use, remote control vehicles! For WW2 there is a German Tiger 1, available in sand camo or winter camo. Fully built and painted 1:54 scale model, 27MHz multi-channel radio control (3 switchable frequencies) with turret and sound effect controls.

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Naturally, any free samples you might provide would greatly aid us to form a documented opinion.