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Why Are IDF Figures SO Scarce?
long_tom
Joined: March 18, 2006
KitMaker: 2,362 posts
Armorama: 2,005 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 12:50 AM UTC
Unfortunately Meng's IDF figures are so badly done as to be unusable. While there are others, I was shocked by the fact that there are so few IDF figures available from anybody. You'd think they'd be commonplace.
BootsDMS
Joined: February 08, 2012
KitMaker: 978 posts
Armorama: 965 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 02:45 AM UTC
Sadly, ditto Cold War figures for the 60s/70s/80s; not that my comment adds much to the topic!
Brian
Brian
iowabrit
Joined: November 06, 2007
KitMaker: 585 posts
Armorama: 557 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 03:43 AM UTC
Hmm, because nobody makes any? 
Trisaw
Joined: December 24, 2002
KitMaker: 4,105 posts
Armorama: 2,492 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 04:33 AM UTC
Try Hobbyfan, DEF Models, and Valkyrie for the latest 1/35 ones.
You can probably also kitbash your own from spare IDF and U.S. soldier parts.
You can probably also kitbash your own from spare IDF and U.S. soldier parts.
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 06:29 AM UTC
As far as tank crew: a Google search showed up a pile of different resin sets and even an ancient Verlinden white metal set. Plenty if you want to go hunting.
But the thing is-- you got to go hunting. They don't grow on trees like German WW2 panzer crews seem to (especially SS guys pointing.)
I've seen people get good results with the Meng and even Academy sets.
But IDF infantry is really scarce. Best bet is to kitbash from other nationalities the best you can.
But the thing is-- you got to go hunting. They don't grow on trees like German WW2 panzer crews seem to (especially SS guys pointing.)
I've seen people get good results with the Meng and even Academy sets.
But IDF infantry is really scarce. Best bet is to kitbash from other nationalities the best you can.
Frenchy
Joined: December 02, 2002
KitMaker: 12,719 posts
Armorama: 12,507 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 07:58 AM UTC
If you're into the 1967 war, AC Models makes two paratroopers sets:
They've also released Centurion crew sets.
PS : neither of them is cheap (to say the least...)
Black Dog has released some IDF figures as well (set F35074) :
H.P.
They've also released Centurion crew sets.
PS : neither of them is cheap (to say the least...)
Black Dog has released some IDF figures as well (set F35074) :
H.P.
knewton
Joined: June 19, 2013
KitMaker: 1,217 posts
Armorama: 1,092 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 08:02 AM UTC
And, BlackDog do two sets of two grunts, too.
Frenchy
Joined: December 02, 2002
KitMaker: 12,719 posts
Armorama: 12,507 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 08:48 AM UTC
Quoted Text
And, BlackDog do two sets of two grunts, too.
...and some female soldiers as well
H.P.
knewton
Joined: June 19, 2013
KitMaker: 1,217 posts
Armorama: 1,092 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 09:35 AM UTC
Quoted Text
...and some female soldiers as well
H.P.
Yes, two tankers, two infantry figures. Thanks for reminding me, HP!
That’s 8 IDF figures from one manufacturer, Tom; how many are you looking for?
Also, Blast does a modern tank crew, too. And, I think, an Infantryman.
knewton
Joined: June 19, 2013
KitMaker: 1,217 posts
Armorama: 1,092 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 09:38 AM UTC
The beauty of the Meng set is that the figures are multi-pose; hence I brought two boxes with a view to mixing parts. Only thing is, you buy the set for the box art, but the figures are more like the painting guide...
Trisaw
Joined: December 24, 2002
KitMaker: 4,105 posts
Armorama: 2,492 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 09:57 AM UTC
MENG also makes resin IDF backpacks, perhaps one of the weakest parts in the 1/35 IDF MENG figure kit. They're not cheap (about the cost of the MENG IDF figure kit), but should make the figures appear a lot better.
https://www.squadron.com/Meng-1-35-Modern-Individual-Load-Carrying-Equipmen-p/mmsps020.htm
https://www.squadron.com/Meng-1-35-Modern-Individual-Load-Carrying-Equipmen-p/mmsps020.htm
alanmac
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
Armorama: 2,953 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 10:07 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Unfortunately Meng's IDF figures are so badly done as to be unusable. While there are others, I was shocked by the fact that there are so few IDF figures available from anybody. You'd think they'd be commonplace.
Yes and you came out with a similar statement about DAK figures. It seems you just can't be bothered to look, the same as last time.
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/246778#2084943
plastic_slug
Joined: August 25, 2019
KitMaker: 3 posts
Armorama: 3 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 12:40 PM UTC
There's the Plamax/Max Factory IDF tankers as well. A little on the 'cheesy' side with the two women included, but the figures are pretty good and come with some accessories as well. Only real drawback - not widely available in the West. They have a modern Russian set as well. https://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/6392/PLAMAX+35+02+Israel+Defense+Forces+Tank+Crew+Set+1.html
MrCompletely
Joined: February 12, 2016
KitMaker: 128 posts
Armorama: 120 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 01:43 PM UTC
Honestly; the list of what ISN'T available in affordable plastic is endless. Expensive resin alternatives that cost more for one figure than a box of plastics aren't an option for me. Best I can do is buy replacement heads and use my old Military Modelling magazines for hints on how to modify the closest looking uniforms.
Now the 100th anniversary of W.W. 1 has passed, I doubt we'll see many new additions to that era either.
I understand that manufacturers are looking to make money and W.W. 2 is their safest bet.
I suspect also that our beloved hobby is NOT expanding and drawing in new converts. We may in fact be entering the twilight years of big company plastic models. The future, I think, may belong to home 3D printing.
Now the 100th anniversary of W.W. 1 has passed, I doubt we'll see many new additions to that era either.
I understand that manufacturers are looking to make money and W.W. 2 is their safest bet.
I suspect also that our beloved hobby is NOT expanding and drawing in new converts. We may in fact be entering the twilight years of big company plastic models. The future, I think, may belong to home 3D printing.
GregCopplin
Joined: September 06, 2011
KitMaker: 212 posts
Armorama: 201 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 02:00 PM UTC
You know I’ve thought the same thing, I’ve kinda figured it could be because Israel can be a touchy subject to a lot of people. Same reason why you don’t see a lot of Russian figures from the 90s , or at least it was to my understanding that 90s Russian figures weren’t in demand because of Grozny.
So it could be political ?
So it could be political ?
long_tom
Joined: March 18, 2006
KitMaker: 2,362 posts
Armorama: 2,005 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 03:01 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextUnfortunately Meng's IDF figures are so badly done as to be unusable. While there are others, I was shocked by the fact that there are so few IDF figures available from anybody. You'd think they'd be commonplace.
Yes and you came out with a similar statement about DAK figures. It seems you just can't be bothered to look, the same as last time.
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/246778#2084943
And I was right. Many of us would prefer to buy plastic kits instead of more expensive resin figures.
But despite all the figures of female IDF soldiers, in actual practice the IDF never had their women serve in frontline combat? Unless that's a myth or things changed recently.
ctkwok
Joined: May 21, 2018
KitMaker: 197 posts
Armorama: 183 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 06:22 PM UTC
Quoted Text
There's the Plamax/Max Factory IDF tankers as well. A little on the 'cheesy' side with the two women included, but the figures are pretty good and come with some accessories as well. Only real drawback - not widely available in the West. They have a modern Russian set as well. https://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/6392/PLAMAX+35+02+Israel+Defense+Forces+Tank+Crew+Set+1.html
I love this set and was really happy when they reissued it - Max Factory do very short runs so they run out quick. I'm not sure what you meant by "cheesy", the two male crew are really well-rendered unlike the Meng/Trumpeter disappointments, and the female are both instructors/drill sergents according to the box.
I wish they'd do more series of these.
ReluctantRenegade
Joined: March 09, 2016
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,300 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 11:35 PM UTC
Quoted Text
There's the Plamax/Max Factory IDF tankers as well. A little on the 'cheesy' side with the two women included, but the figures are pretty good and come with some accessories as well.
https://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/6392/PLAMAX+35+02+Israel+Defense+Forces+Tank+Crew+Set+1.html
Another badly researched set: they all seem to wear standard IDF fatigues not tanker's overalls; these are better suited as APC crew. Also, the only armor units using Tavors are the recon units; no tankers equipped with Tavors.
BootsDMS
Joined: February 08, 2012
KitMaker: 978 posts
Armorama: 965 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 11:57 PM UTC
Quoted Text
As far as tank crew: a Google search showed up a pile of different resin sets and even an ancient Verlinden white metal set. Plenty if you want to go hunting.
But the thing is-- you got to go hunting. They don't grow on trees like German WW2 panzer crews seem to (especially SS guys pointing.)
I've seen people get good results with the Meng and even Academy sets.
But IDF infantry is really scarce. Best bet is to kitbash from other nationalities the best you can.
I must admit, laborious process though it is, I do enjoy some satisfaction once I have wrestled a figure into submission. They'll never win any awards and God knows I'm no Jerry Rutman but with Milliput, plastic card, some armament from various weapon sets, and my rather basic sculpting skills (normally limited to some prodding here and there with a cocktail stick) I can, on a good day, end up with something respectable. Mr Dissolved Putty is your friend here.
As someone once pointed out, the more you do, the better (and easier) they get, which is probably right - apart from being obvious!
Anyway, this is a long way of saying have a go; you might surprise yourself.
Brian
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Sunday, August 25, 2019 - 01:23 AM UTC
What's wrong with Meng's IDF figures Tom?
Dan
Dan
ReluctantRenegade
Joined: March 09, 2016
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,300 posts
Posted: Sunday, August 25, 2019 - 02:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
If you're into the 1967 war, AC Models makes two paratroopers sets:
Ed Okun's build featuring this set: http://edokunscalemodelingpage.blogspot.com/2017/07/idf-m3-halftrack-with-soldiers-1967.html
long_tom
Joined: March 18, 2006
KitMaker: 2,362 posts
Armorama: 2,005 posts
Posted: Sunday, August 25, 2019 - 05:04 AM UTC
Quoted Text
What's wrong with Meng's IDF figures Tom?
Dan
Very bad faces and hands; they don't fit well together. So I guess resin figures it will be.
And Black Dog seems to have a good selection.
knewton
Joined: June 19, 2013
KitMaker: 1,217 posts
Armorama: 1,092 posts
Posted: Sunday, September 01, 2019 - 08:18 PM UTC
There is also CMK and Materclub, https://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/page/advance_search_result.html, I think that rounds out the IDF figures question. If you edit the search for ‘IDF’, as opposed to ‘Israeli’, there’s more again.
OLDDOG78
Joined: September 22, 2019
KitMaker: 38 posts
Armorama: 19 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 02, 2019 - 06:37 PM UTC
Just my 2c worth if it helps? Depending on what war/era you're planning on you can modify other nationalities soldiers. For example, I am trying to build a 1973 Centurion Sho't. America supplied Israel with a whole bunch of uniforms around this time which are reasonably similar to the uniforms and equipment issued to troops serving in Vietnam. During the 1967 6 Day War a lot of the uniforms were mix and match with things like US WW2 tanker helmets, British issue khakis etc. I'm planning on using US Vietnam troops on mine and modifying as needed
Striker
Joined: August 21, 2003
KitMaker: 94 posts
Armorama: 40 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 02, 2019 - 08:43 PM UTC
There was a Dragon set years ago.
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