Plastic Alternatives for Metal Models

[RedsandRoyals]

Okay guys, here's the deal:

There's been a lot of talk lately about the classic Imperial Guard metal ranges getting remade in plastic. Now, I personally want plastic Steel Legions so bad it almost hurts, but I don't think that's going to be happening anytime soon. That's why I've made this thread.

I figured we could pool the vast knowledge of the IGMB, and share any non GW miniatures that can be used to represent metal models.

I'll start us off with these:

First, the brave boys in pith helmets, the Praetorians!
www.thewarstore.com/product43048.html
Apparently, you can make 20 models with this box. If you kit them out with spare bits, then I think you'll be good to go!

Second, the famous Pig Iron Productions
www.pig-iron-productions.com/order.htm
I've seen people use the Kolony militia heads for both Krieg and Steel legions, and their Infantry squads look great for troops in Carapace, like Stormtroopers or Harakoni Warhawks

And finally, here are some Tamiya 1/48th products

US WWII infantry (old style Cadians)
www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTCC9&P=0
www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKSE0&P=0

Russians (Vahallans)
www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLKX6&P=0

And Germans (Krieg, possibly Steel Legions)
www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKAK5&P=0
www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLKR5&P=0

These guys produce a large range of 28mm figures and vehicles. They also sell seperate heads from almost any WWII army, including para helmets, caps, and bare heads (Thanks for the link, Dutch!)
www.westwindproductions.co.uk/

Apparently, those models do contain a bit of lead. Nothing lethal, but still, use caution (thanks Knight)

Do any of you guys have non GW models you use to represent metal races? Post 'em!

Does anybody have any particular requests? I know I'll swear allegiance to whoever can find 1/48th German Paratroopers! Go ahead an post your requests here, and we'll see if we can find something.

*NOTE* 1/48th scale is actuall a bit larger then 28mm, which is the scale for GW minis. More info on scale sizes can be found here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_figure_(gaming)
(thanks for pointing that out, Knight)

Happy Converting!

[rarves]

I pre-ordered some of those brits earlier this month, still haven't got em yet. Butwhen I do I'll give my opnion of them.

[knight (M.I.A)]

1/48 is too big. Heroic Scale GW uses is somewhere around 1/56 (which is no official sale)

And why do like so many people Pig Iron heads? They look quite good on their own minis but are so damn ugly on GW minis... (my oppinion)

[RedsandRoyals]

1/48th bits are the closest you can get to 28mm though, and the few bits I've used from them work well. Anyway, sharing that kind of info is the idea behind this thread! I'll add a note at the beginning mentioning that

Thanks

[knight (M.I.A)]

Bits work quite well, just the minis are too big

[Dutch]

www.westwindproductions.co.uk

Oh man these guys rock.

[RedsandRoyals]

YES! Thank you! I had seen these guys, but I couldn't remember what they were called. I've added it to the list

[knight (M.I.A)]

Perhaps as a little warning to Westwind Games: their minis contain lead. Nothing too bad, but not really healthy and not really good for the environment

[Removed]

SOTR is where I get my WWI helmets from...even though it's WW2 based