Favorite Model Manufacturers

[Larry Esposito]

..and why.

A few months ago, before this hobby hooked my pretty hard, I would have been hard pressed to name more than a handful of model companies that were not in some way involved with Model Railroading. I knew of Tamiya, Verlinden, Revell. I've been exposed to lots of new names these past months. Looking over my want to buy list, I see myself trending towards a few manufacturers. Probably have not be exposed to others, but these are where my tastes lay, for now. That is where you come in and throw out your favorites and "enable" me to want more "stuff".

I realize this is subjective, based on preferred genre and scale and that some sculptors hang out here. This is not meant to ruffle any feathers, just looking to solicit some opinions from those who have been around. You guys could probably speak to the historical accuracy, where as, my opinion is usually based on the cool factor. but feel free to respond with historically accurate or not, if you have that knowledge.

My picks

Figures - I like both fantasy and historical. Seems I like fantasy more than most here. Also, can appreciate Science Fiction, but not really into the space marine stuff. (Steampunk is ok). I think 54mm is probably the sweet spot for price/value/detail, but I am lusting after some of the bigger scales/sizes.

• Pegaso - Nice mix of all genres. Their sculpting and detail are always top notch. I have both historical and fantasy stuff in my wishlist. Might be priced a bit high?
• Nuts Planet - Amazing, especially the busts. Like Pegaso, they seem to excel at both historical and fantasy.
• Young Miniatures - They may have the best, IMO, military and historical busts. What amazing sculpting and painting talent they have there.
• Scale 75 - I don't know why, but they seem to have the largest amount of figures that appeal to me. And I own and love their paint products. One turn-off, I sent an email to their American site (scalegames) asking why their retail price was so much higher...even when factoring in shipping from Europe..they never even replied.
• Nocturna - Maybe because they are fantasy based, but not talked about much here, but I really like this company. Their female sculpts have the right amount of mystery/appeal, without obscenity. Much as I like some of the other offerings, I would feel funny painting some of the more "risque" models with my family around.
• Andrea - Another big company with wide breathe of offerings. Good bang for the buck, so it seems.

Military Vehicles - I haven't went down this path too far yet, but these companies have stood out

• WingNut Wings - Really love their WWI stuff
• Tamiya - probably the standard other companies are judged against...seems that way from what I see in reviews/discussions on other modeling sites. Very pricey, the price really seems to have jumped, or so it seems since I last was into armor modeling (mid 90's)
• Trumpeter - word is they were not so good years ago and are now highly though of?

What are your opinions?????

 

[peedee]

..and why.

A few months ago, before this hobby hooked my pretty hard, I would have been hard pressed to name more than a handful of model companies ..........edit......I realize this is subjective
..........edit........

• WingNut Wings - Really love their WWI stuff
• Tamiya - probably the standard other companies are judged against...seems that way from what I see in reviews/discussions on other modeling sites. Very pricey, the price really seems to have jumped, or so it seems since I last was into armor modeling (mid 90's)
• Trumpeter - word is they were not so good years ago and are now highly though of?

What are your opinions?????

Oh Larry where do I start....

Ok

Tanks are crap

Planes are crap

Buy all the figures you can get past the missus without a divorce.

Er.............

No that's it

Whoever has the most wins.... Tommi's winning at the moment followed by Babelfish.



Paul

 

[Richie]

Tommi has first, second and third place, if it was gold, silver and bronze, he would also have tin, copper and brass

Hi Larry, firstly welcome aboard. This thread is about as open to interpretation as....... One for the Brits(great thread by the way, I had a few good laughs at that one). There are a vast number of smaller companies whose quality, service and reputations go before them. A few to mention M.M.M., Reedees Miniatures, Imperial Gallery, Victory Miniatures, Jeff Shiu, Chronos, Ibris, Beneito Miniatures, Stormtroopers, Tommy's War to name a fraction of the independent traders.
Everyone above and those not mentioned, whether it's your genre or not has produced or released some outstanding models that have deserved praise. I also think you get a better understanding of them by meeting them at shows and how they interact with there customers.
At the end of the day, it's what you are interested in or takes your fancy, how long is a piece of string.

Well my piece of string starts at 1877 and finishes at 1879. So for me the supremo independent trader is 1879 Miniatures. You know what they say....never miss an opportunity.
cheers
Richie

 

[mick3272]

If its British, Victorian its for me. As for retailers has to be in no particular order. CGS and Stormtroopers. First class figures and Great after sales service.
PS they have to be 120mm or above.
As for trucks, tanks, boats & planes I'm with Paul.
They can go where the sun don't shine.
Mick

 

[ghamilt1]

Hi Larry; welcome first of all and thanks for the interesting topic.

I have my favorites (as do we all) which are primarily based on quality of sculpt and "artistic merit": I suppose that means things like the pose and the atmosphere of the figure. I don't really have a favorite historic period and will buy just about anything that catches the eye. Having said that, I don't have a lot of fantasy or science fiction pieces in my display cabinet, and I don't really have a lot of WW II stuff either. I do have quite a bit of WWI and Napoleonic figures, and I enjoy the Victorian era just for the colour and variety of uniforms! One thing though, I do almost exclusively buy figures that are in the 75mm 0r 1/24 scale range. So my favorite manufacturers are, in no particular order -

FeR, - my personal favorite brand at the moment, just can't get enough of these.
Nutsplanet busts
Pegaso - pricey but usually worth the money
Life Miniatures busts
Alexandros miniatures - have some really unique character figures.

Haven't done airplanes in ages, but I do remember Trumpeter models was emerging as a quality brand, especially in 1/32 scale aircraft. You could never go wrong with Tamiya, but you would pay a premium.

 

[Larry Esposito]

Tommi has first, second and third place, if it was gold, silver and bronze, he would also have tin, copper and brass

Hi Larry, firstly welcome aboard. This thread is about as open to interpretation as....... One for the Brits(great thread by the way, I had a few good laughs at that one). There are a vast number of smaller companies whose quality, service and reputations go before them. A few to mention M.M.M., Reedees Miniatures, Imperial Gallery, Victory Miniatures, Jeff Shiu, Chronos, Ibris, Beneito Miniatures, Stormtroopers, Tommy's War to name a fraction of the independent traders.
Everyone above and those not mentioned, whether it's your genre or not has produced or released some outstanding models that have deserved praise. I also think you get a better understanding of them by meeting them at shows and how they interact with there customers.
At the end of the day, it's what you are interested in or takes your fancy, how long is a piece of string.

Well my piece of string starts at 1877 and finishes at 1879. So for me the supremo independent trader is 1879 Miniatures. You know what they say....never miss an opportunity.
cheers
Richie

Richie,

Thanks for the response and the welcome! I was going to say, that is a short string you have...then I realized what you did there. Nice site and great job on the figures...good prices too!

Your list of small companies are all new to me less Stormtroopers and Tommy's war. Might I ask what MMM stands for?

 

[kenshin393]

I'll paint anything that won't get off my desk quick enough, plastic octopi,Chinese coins, bits of wood, anything. All the manufacturers mentioned are quality but what I'd recommend is going to a distributors site (historex, el Greco, sk miniatures, figone) and just looking at everything. I guarantee you'll come away after 20 mins with a wish list twice as long as it was before.

 

[kenshin393]

Richie,

Thanks for the response and the welcome! I was going to say, that is a short string you have...then I realized what you did there. Nice site and great job on the figures...good prices too!

Your list of small companies are all new to me less Stormtroopers and Tommy's war. Might I ask what MMM stands for?

Mitches military models

 

[Larry Esposito]

If its British, Victorian its for me. As for retailers has to be in no particular order. CGS and Stormtroopers. First class figures and Great after sales service.
PS they have to be 120mm or above.
As for trucks, tanks, boats & planes I'm with Paul.
They can go where the sun don't shine.
Mick

Mick,

What/Who is CGS?

That's 2 for Stormtroopers. Now that I look, I do remember liking that 90mm Iroquios Indian. He may make my "Tommi JR. list"

 

[kenshin393]

http://www.cgsmilitaryfigures.co.uk/

 

[Larry Esposito]

Hi Larry; welcome first of all and thanks for the interesting topic.

I have my favorites (as do we all) which are primarily based on quality of sculpt and "artistic merit": I suppose that means things like the pose and the atmosphere of the figure. I don't really have a favorite historic period and will buy just about anything that catches the eye. Having said that, I don't have a lot of fantasy or science fiction pieces in my display cabinet, and I don't really have a lot of WW II stuff either. I do have quite a bit of WWI and Napoleonic figures, and I enjoy the Victorian era just for the colour and variety of uniforms! One thing though, I do almost exclusively buy figures that are in the 75mm 0r 1/24 scale range. So my favorite manufacturers are, in no particular order -

FeR, - my personal favorite brand at the moment, just can't get enough of these.
Nutsplanet busts
Pegaso - pricey but usually worth the money
Life Miniatures busts
Alexandros miniatures - have some really unique character figures.

Haven't done airplanes in ages, but I do remember Trumpeter models was emerging as a quality brand, especially in 1/32 scale aircraft. You could never go wrong with Tamiya, but you would pay a premium.

Ah yes, FeR, real nice. Hadn't heard of Alexandros. Love it...bookmarked. Thanks!

 

[mick3272]

Hi Larry
CGS is as stated. taken from Gra website hope he dont mind. Hope this answers your question

CGS Military Figures was formed in 2012 by Graham Scollick on his retirement from the Royal Marines.

Initially comprising of the David Grieve (DFG)/Debra Raymond range of figures and busts, CGS now carries work by renowned sculptors such as Alan Ball, Maurice Corry, Pete Morton and Carl Reid, with new pieces added regularly.

Figure sculpting and painting has been a passion for Graham for over 30 years, he’s been fortunate to have articles published in Military Modelling and has gained awards at area competitions and Euro Militaire. In addition to running CGS, Graham also sculpts for a world recognised figure manufacturer.

All manufacturing is done personally by Graham, aiming to give the highest quality of product and service with emphasis on quality control.

Please enjoy the website, all products can be purchased through the shop and if you would like any further information or specific requests, please do not hesitate contact us at [email protected]

http://www.cgsmilitaryfigures.co.uk

Mick

 

[Larry Esposito]

I'll paint anything that won't get off my desk quick enough, plastic octopi,Chinese coins, bits of wood, anything. All the manufacturers mentioned are quality but what I'd recommend is going to a distributors site (historex, el Greco, sk miniatures, figone) and just looking at everything. I guarantee you'll come away after 20 mins with a wish list twice as long as it was before.

Ha, that's funny that you paint anything that dares to be on your desk. I have been to those sites...I think I'm in the wrong hemisphere for this hobby.

 

[peedee]

Ha, that's funny that you paint anything that dares to be on your desk. I have been to those sites...I think I'm in the wrong hemisphere for this hobby.

I have read your posts Larry you know you are amongst
friends, its only your desk needs untidying !
I was deliberately having fun with my answer earlier.
I cannot think of a supplier out there that hasn't produced a few absolutely fabulous figures of stunning quality.
It's so hard to have a favourite supplier movie or single favourite song.

Just look back through the review section here the choice is amazing whatever you need is there.

On a personal note I think your enthusiasm and sense of fun is wonderful? great to have you as one of the gang, long may it be so.

Paul.

 

[DEL]

To be honest I don't tend to have favourite model manufacturers but I do have favourite models.
Each company hits some real highs and occasionally some real lows most however have a fairly predictable 'style' and produce in the main very good figures that either do or don't appeal to a modellers interest or preferred 'look'.
What matters is the interaction between you the buyer and the seller but that's a different debate.
It pays dividends to look at the publicity material for shows and competitions. Many post details of traders attending some of them being relatively small and only trade directly.
Where they have a web site you can discover some real gems.

 

[Larry Esposito]

I have read your posts Larry you know you are amongst
friends, its only your desk needs untidying !
I was deliberately having fun with my answer earlier.
I cannot think of a supplier out there that hasn't produced a few absolutely fabulous figures of stunning quality.
It's so hard to have a favourite supplier movie or single favourite song.

Just look back through the review section here the choice is amazing whatever you need is there.

On a personal note I think your enthusiasm and sense of fun is wonderful? great to have you as one of the gang, long may it be so.

Paul.

Aw sucks, thanks Paul. And yes I know you are a wise-guy.

"We are always in excrement, only the depth varies."

though "excremento" does not compute...sounds like Spanglish mixed with Latin!

And yes, I have found the reviews section to be a wealth of information. I'm sure we are all grateful for all the work people have put into it. I guess it is that this is a "niche" hobby with many manufacturers, many small...it has been hard for me to narrow down my purchase decisions. I'm not even sure what era I like...I love all history. Also, some things are totally lost on me, like the Black Watch..What is this..."Knight's watch?"

Have to google some of these british figures with the tall funny hats! So these subjects don't always catch me like they would one of your fellow countrymen.

 

[peedee]

[/quote]......big edit......Also, some things are totally lost on me, like the Black Watch..What is this..."Knight's watch?" Have to google some of these british figures with the tall funny hats! So these subjects don't always catch me like they would one of your fellow countrymen.[/quote]

Larry I have to be very careful not to be rude with comments on the Black Watch because of the inter Regimental rivalry in the British Army.
I was in a different regiment......but........

The British Army when very small from 1689, had the Colonels name as an identifier for each Regiment, so 'Monk's Regiment of foote' and so on.
As the Army grew in size numbering was adopted instead and at the height of Empire there were 109 regiments of infantry around the world.
A large Amalgamation took place in 1881 called the Cardwell reforms, which grouped regiments in pairs with Territorial names instead, like 'The Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders for example and the army has more or less shrunk bit by bit ever since.
Many Highland Regiments were raised and disbanded over short periods because they were not felt always to trusted to stay loyally under arms in peacetine after the experience of the Jacobite rebellions.
But the Black Watch, 42nd Foot The Royal Highlanders, nicknamed in Scotland 'The Gallant Forty Twa', have an almost unbroken record of service from the early 18th century to today.
They were formed to provide a Watch over the Higlands by the English Crown and today still exist in service of their country, taking part in Bosnia, both Gulf wars and Afghanistan.
All British Regiments proudly remember their ancestors nicknames like The Celestials, (97th Foot), The Diehards (Middlesex Regt.), The Upsydowners, (69thFoot),
The Cherrybums, (10th Hussars) and many many more.

The regimental histories of the British army are individually fascinating and although many have disappeared, tyhe museums around Britain are full of wonderful artifacts and helpful curators.
I sent a request to the curator of the Cherrybums a for a photograph of a particular soldier in India in 1935 the other day at 4.30pm and received the exact photo I wanted at 9.15 the following morning.

I hope this may help and intrigue you enough to research a regiment or two yourself.

Paul.

Paul.

 

[Chrisr]

Larry

http://www.nam.ac.uk/research/famous-units/black-watch-royal-highlanders

The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch) and The 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment.

In 2006 amalgamated with the remaining Scottish regiments and is now the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Cheers
Chris

 

[Mirofsoft]

If you want the list of the others 1950 manufacturers, just tell me

 

[mick3272]

......big edit......Also, some things are totally lost on me, like the Black Watch..What is this..."Knight's watch?" Have to google some of these british figures with the tall funny hats! So these subjects don't always catch me like they would one of your fellow countrymen.[/quote]


The Cherrybums, (10th Hussars) and many many more.

The regimental histories of the British army are individually fascinating and although many have disappeared, tyhe museums around Britain are full of wonderful artifacts and helpful curators.
I sent a request to the curator of the Cherrybums a for a photograph of a particular soldier in India in 1935 the other day at 4.30pm and received the exact photo I wanted at 9.15 the following morning.



Paul.

Paul.[/quote]

Larry.
I think Paul has hit the wrong key with his sausage like fingers, Probably thinking of biscuits and cake at the time, but the cherrybums / cherrypickers
are /were the 11th Hussars Of The Charge of the Light Brigade fame,
Mick