Gap in the WWII market: Partisans / Maquis etc.

[Babelfish]

The thought randomly popped into my head earlier that there's next to nothing available. The only ones I can think of are some Evolution Soviet partisans and the ancient injection-moulded Esci Partisans - all of which are 1/35 scale.

I remember converting some Airfix 'Multipose' British Infantry into partisans back in the 1980s and was rather proud of them at the time, but they are long gone.

Given the contribution that they made to the Allied victory and their widespread presence right across Europe, it surprises me that they've been almost totally ignored by figure producers ("let's play it safe and do another Eastern Front German machine gunner instead"). So many options for some very cool subjects.

- Steve

 

[Nap]

Hi Steve

Good point and a definate gap in the market

All I could see after a google was these small scale options



Perhaps a manufacturer will take the plunge

Nap

PS Theres this bust ( Legion Miniatures I think )



And a STL file

 

[arj]

I also had the Italeri set on my mind, together with one from ICM:-

For a larger scale, there's one in 1/6 scale, but I suspect that's not likely to be in your sights:-

Dragon 1/6 Scale WW2 French Resistance Weathered Customized Dressed Figure FFI CB786W - CB Toys & Collectables

Dragon 1/6th Scale WW2 French Resistance Weathered Customized Dressed Figure French Forces of the Interior, The arm band is made of paper CB786W in Very good condition. Most items are dragon some small bits are other. Used – Ex-Display looks like it has been put together and then put in filling...

cbtoycollectables.co.uk

With regard to the Italeri and ICM sets, these were early releases and probably did not sell as well as the traditional offerings.

You may well find better pickings on the 3D route, but my quick search only found wargame size items.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[Babelfish]

The Italeri set is the 1970s-vintage Esci set reboxed.

Not seen the ICM set before but again, it's 1/35. The bust just looks like a scruffy regular Red Army guy. I was thinking more berets, bandoliers and big moustaches, wearing civilian clothing and toting various mixes of allied and captured German weapons. And in larger scales (75mm and up).

- Steve

 

[Briggsy]

There is a Miniart set of three partisans and a uniformed SAS fella. I think the best ones to do would be the Greek, those from Crete and Titos merry men & women.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours

 

[valiant]

I did this one a while back...

Partisan, Crete, 1941

Hi guys, All finished on this one. My conversion of MDP's " Old Sailor" bust into a Cretan partisan c.1941. Sten gun is scratchbuilt, as is the bandolier. I have replaced the pipe in the kit with a cigarette, just to ring the changes. All painted in acrylics with plinth by yours truly. I have...

www.planetfigure.com

 

[arj]

Materbox issued a set of French Maquis a while back:-

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[Babelfish]

Materbox issued a set of French Maquis a while back:-

View attachment 702109

Cheers,
Andrew

But again ..... 1/35!!

- Steve

 

[Babelfish]

I did this one a while back...

Partisan, Crete, 1941

Hi guys, All finished on this one. My conversion of MDP's " Old Sailor" bust into a Cretan partisan c.1941. Sten gun is scratchbuilt, as is the bandolier. I have replaced the pipe in the kit with a cigarette, just to ring the changes. All painted in acrylics with plinth by yours truly. I have...

www.planetfigure.com

Yup, that's the kind of thing I had in mind, i.e. larger scale than 1/35, which let's face it are (for the most part) little more than accessory figures for dioramas.

- Steve

 

[razor]

These guys make some nice figures. Sorry they are also 1/35.

Paul

 

[William Gibbs]

I have this set on order, in 1/35……either Soviet Partisans or possibly OMSBON. Can’t wait to start on it and mate it to 1/35 track section.

 

[Richie]

Hi Steve,
Working with a lot of 1/35 stuff recently I have have noticed a few distinct areas that are lacking even in that scale.
There are some figures in these areas but as usual they are boring and static or just don't exist.

The secret underground armies, resistance movements or partisans were right across Europe so I agree with you scope for some larger scale figures. Denmark, Norway, Poland, Greece, France, Holland, Yugoslavia, Czechoslavakia, Italy, Albania ect. Then there's the far East.

It's getting something that's not boring and static.
cheers
Richie