Minifigures - 3d printed and/or injection molded? What brand?

Figures
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Hi folks,

As mentioned in my introduction, I’m new to the hobby. I started building a Tamiya Panther tank, which I’m hoping to continue this weekend. :slightly_smiling_face:

I’ve noticed that besides my spare time right now, I sometimes lack the drive to jump back into my Panther build. I sometimes wish I had something I could work on in between when I don’t have a lot of time. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I hope you understand what I’m trying to say.

Anyway, I watched some YouTube videos while I wasn’t at home and saw people painting and mastering these miniatures. That made me wonder if I could paint some figures on the side to get my feet wet with figure painting and painting in general (techniques etc.) - without always having to set up the airbrush.

My questions are:

  • Are there any recommendations for brands that make really good 1:35 WWII figures?
  • Does anyone have thoughts and/or preferences between 3D-printed and injection-molded figures?
  • What about 1:16 figures? Any thoughts on those? I could see them being easier to start with since they aren’t as tiny.
  • If allowed (I can’t remember if there’s a rule about not posting links or shop names), could you recommend stores or websites where I can find good 3D-printed figures? I’ve had a hard time finding reputable sources.

Thanks to everyone for reading and answering. Happy building and painting! :slight_smile:

Tobi

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Hi Tobi,

I recently came back to the hobby after 45 years, so basically new, too.

I have started about 6 months ago, so I have sample of successes and failures to pass on to you (lol).

I usually blend my time with the model and figures. And you’re right: you can improve your painting skills by doing that.

My first mistake was to buy a complex model to initiate - Italeri’s Tiger early phase 1:35. I haven’t finished yet.

So I picked simpler models to improve my skills and boost confidence.

I usually buy figures from China in chinese portals (AlyExpress, Temu, etc). But you can very nice ones from Tamiya, Gekko, and others.

Do you have an airbrush? I believe it will be a good purchase.

I hope it helps. It’s not much, but I’m available for exchange of ideas.

Nice modeling!

Marcio

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Welcome to the forum, Marcio!

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Hi, welcome!

There are many good 1:35 (or 1:16) figure brands like Alpine, Evolution, Bravo-6 and many others. Jeff Shiu has very nice 1:16 and other bigger scales resin figures.

I usually prefer resin/3D printed over plastic figures, but you can find good plastic ones also, they improved lately.

I also recommend not to buy figures from Aliexpress etc., because most probably they are recast or pirate figures and it will hurt the original creators.

Check Super-hobby.com , you can find resin, printed or plastic figures from reputable manufacturers. Also Hobbyeasy.com.

Cheers!

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One thing to note about big figures (1/12th, 1/16th, 1/18th) is they require much more subtle techniques if they are not to end up looking like a garden gnome; 1/32nd, 1/35th,1/48th, some 1/56th (28mm “Heroic”) will enable you to practice your basic techniques without being discouraged by initial results. Resin and 3D-printed figures are generally superior to plastic, but recent releases can be almost to the same standard. Don’t be afraid to stray from your primary interests at this early stage, you may wish to avoid WW2 initially, or at least those wearing camouflage items. Like many geriatrics I cut my teeth on Historex Napoleonics, cheaper alternatives in campaign dress might work for you, e.g.:

This was on offer at my usual purveyor of plastic, I grabbed a couple as potential conversions to fantasy figures! With a different head, weapons, shield and paint job he could be anybody…

HTH,

M

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