What is a military figurine?
A military figurine is a highly sought-after accessory in a branch of modelling known as military modelling. These are plastic soldiers just a few centimetres high. They are not toys, but collectors' items. In general, they are used to recreate models of major battles, to play strategy games or to display in showcases.These licensed historical figurines faithfully reproduce the uniforms, weapons and equipment (aircraft, ships, cars, etc.) of a given army or period. They are appreciated by collectors, military history enthusiasts and railway modellers, whose hobby partly consists of recreating entire pages of railway history. Indeed, the steam trains of the 19th century can be associated with scenes from the American Civil War, while the trains of the Second World War era can depict military transports and troop movements.To find a military figure on the scale of a set of miniature trains, take a look at our dedicated section and sort the models produced by scale. The characters in our kits are available painted and unpainted. Discover our wide range of painted military figures.
What is the origin of the military figurine?
The origin of the military figurine dates back to the early 19th century. These miniature soldier figurines were made from cast lead or tin alloy. Their popularity was greatly influenced by the Napoleonic Wars between 1803 and 1815. The first toy lead soldiers were made in Germany, France and England. They were initially intended as children's toys, but soon became collector's items prized by adults. Production of the military figurine spread rapidly, with many European companies producing different models of lead soldiers. The details of the statuettes were often very precise, depicting the uniforms and weapons of different eras and countries. The little soldier has become a symbol of military history and a passion for armies and battles. They are also associated with folk tales and stories, notably Hans Christian Andersen's tale, The Tin Soldier.
Over the decades, the materials used to make a military figurine have evolved from lead to white metal, and then to plastic.
At the same time, the military figurine has become a symbol of the world's military history.
How to add a military figure à a model?
The rail has played an important role in many conflicts around the world. Indeed, the train éwas a widely used means of transport for moving troops and equipment. Military history therefore makes it possible to imagine many models of miniature trains.Here are some important points to consider when integrating military figurines into a diorama:
L'échelle
Check that the figures you choose are the right scale for your rail network. The scales commonly used for railway modelling are HO (1/87th), N (1/160th), O (1/48th), etc.
The positioning
Place your military figures, trying to recreate natural, cohesive scenery. You can arrange the soldiers along the railway lines, in a combat position or at rest, and represent a variety of different situations.
At the same time, you can place your soldiers in a variety of positions.
The documentary research
To recreate a beautiful military model, research history books to ensure that the uniforms, weapons and equipment of your miniatures match à the period and à the unit you want to represent.
Military Models.
Additional accessories
Add accessories to give a military feel. For example, military bâtiments, tanks, aeroplanes, warships, sandbags, barricades, flags, etc. These éléments will help à bring à your model train to life.
Painting
Most military figures are sold already painted. If you want to customise your soldiers, you can paint them yourselfêmes to personalise the colours. To do this, use Tamiya paint for models.
What are the different styles of military figures?
In model railroading, there are different styles of military figures that can be used to create realistic scenery in amodel train. Here are just a few of them:
The historical military figurine
These figurines depict soldiers and military equipment from specific historical periods, such as the Spanish Civil War or the Napoleonic Wars. They are generally manufactured with great historical accuracy and feature realistic details (uniforms, weapons, etc.).
The modern military figurine
This series of figurines depicts contemporary infantry soldiers and military equipment. They are often used to recreate realistic war scenes. Modern miniatures offer realistic details of the uniforms, weapons and equipment used by contemporary military forces (aircraft, tanks, cars, etc.), for example during the Second World War.
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The fantasy military figurine
Do you lovepop-culture? These officially licensed pop figurines feature soldiers and fantasy creatures, often used in fictional worlds or role-playing games. These include fantasy warriors (Avengers, Power Ranger, Goldorak, Dragon Ball, Végéta, etc.) medieval warriors (Dumbledore in The Lord of the Rings) or mythological creatures (Warhammer).
It is important to choose figures that match the scale of your railway bucket, usually indicated by a ratio (for example, 1/87 for HO scale).
Which brand of military figures to choose?
Military figurines are essential to recreate a realistic battle model. There are many manufacturers on the market. Here are four well-known brands:
Faller
Faller is a German brand whose military figurines are reacute;putées. The brand's range covers a number of different eras, offering a varied choice. Strong and durable, these figures are made from high-quality plastic.Faller also offers complementary accessories, such as military vehicles (planes, tanks, cars, etc.), making it easy to build complete dioramas.
Preiser
Preiser, an Austrian brand, is renowned for the quality and realism of itsmilitary figurinesà HO scale (1/87th). Each figure is carefully moulded and then hand-painted, giving a good level of detail. The attitude of the Preiser figures is so natural that they give a real impression of being in motion.
Bush
The Bush brand stands out for the quality of its military figurines. It is specialised in contemporary conflicts. Its models represent real armies, particularly American and NATO troops. Bush figures are renowned for their realistic uniforms, weapons and equipment (aircraft, tanks, cars, etc.).
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Artitec
Artitec is a Dutch brand that stands out for the quality of its military figures in 1:87 scale. These figures are exceptionally accurate. Artitec focuses mainly on historical periods, from the First World War to the Second World War. Artitec figures are highly detailed, with realistic facial expressions and carefully reproduced uniforms. They are much appreciated by military history enthusiasts and discerning collectors.
What accessories to add à a military figurine?
The addition of accessories to amilitary figurine can help improve its appearance and enhance its authenticity. Here are some ideas for accessory kits you can add:
Weapons
&Equip your military figure with an appropriate weapon for its role or speciality. This can include assault rifles, machine guns, pistols, grenade launchers, snipers, etc.
Tactical equipment
Add items such as body armour, helmets, binoculars, communications radios, night-vision goggles, grenades, knives, utility belts, water bottles, backpacks, etc.
Tactical equipmentTroop transport vehicles
If your miniature figure represents an infantry soldier on the move, you can combine it with war vehicles, such as a tank and its crew, cars, planes and tanks. Troop transport vehicles
If your miniature figure represents a soldier on the move, you can combine it with war vehicles, such as a tank and its crew, cars, planes and tanks.
Field elements
To make your military miniature more realistic, you can include terrain elements, such as sandbags, barricades, rocks, trenches, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, etc.
Field elements can also be included.
Flags and badges
Add flags or insignia representing the country or military unit to which your military figure belongs. This could include badges, pennants or flags of various sizes.
Specific accessoriesà the mission
Depending on the scenario you want to represent, you can add accessories specific to the mission. For example, explosives, deactivation devices, sabotage tools, medical bags, portable radios, etc.
The addition of accessories will depend on your personal preferences and the context in which you wish to place your military figure. The use of Tamiya paint and modelling techniques can also help improve the soldier's realistic appearance.
In résumé
Need amilitary figurine ? Jura Modélisme offers character kits to illustrate models depicting a war scene. To integrate these accessories, it is important to consider the scale of the railway network and to position the historical figures in a realistic way to represent different actions and situations. Documentary research is recommended to ensure that uniforms, weapons and equipment are accurate for the period and unit represented. Accessories such as aeroplanes, battle tanks, cars, a tank and its crew, etc. add to the military atmosphere. If you want to customise a military figure, remember to give it a coat of Tamiya paint for military models.
