Okay, folks, I'm looking for some input here, please. The more models I build, the more I notice certain manufacturers have certain flaw-tendencies. I know I'm not going to find perfect, but I don't really want to have to file and fill all the figures in a set, if you know what I mean.

So what I'd like is some opinions on who makes the overall best figures, and why you think so, and then I can go to my LHS with a knowledgeable request. Thanks in advance, peoples!

Can you give us a scale and historical period in which you're interested? That will help a lot.

Also resin or plastic?

Hello Lee-Enfield,
I can only speak about WWII plastic figures as that is all I build.
I am assuming you mean plastic figures when you talk about filing and filling. I think some of the best figures are any of the DMLGeneration II kits. They requre almost no work after they are built. The newer DML non-Generation II kits are also very good.
I've built the newest MiniArt kits and they are excellent... They go together well and they fill a niche in an almost totally overlooked area of the market....namely Russian tank and artillery crews. See Jimbrae's introduction to these kits in this Forum.
Go to the reviews section and see what other members think of various kits.

www.perthmilitarymodelling.com

The above-mentioned Perth Military Modelling Society Website also has many reviews of figure kits.

I hope this has helped you out a bit.

Jeff

Hi Lewis,

My suggestion would be to try find reviews of the figures/period/manufacturer you're interested in purchasing.

Armorama alone has over 90 figure reviews published ( Figure reviews), whereas Historicus Forma has over 239 figure reviews ( HF figure reviews).

As Jeff mentioned PMMS is also an excellent source for reviews.

As the folks above mentioned, it really depends on what you're looking for.

Rudi

Al, Rodger: 1/35 plastic WWII. So far all I've been able to get have been Tamiya, Trumpeter, and Italeri. If you fellows have any suggestions on using a different material, I'm game to read! (Still new enough to not know the differences, really. ) Thanks, guys!

Jeff: you nailed it! Thank you! Incidentally, Italeri produces figures to match some of their vehicles, including a T-26 with a Russian Tank Crew. The box shows the crew (in color) on and around the tank (in B&W.) But so far, I haven't been terribly impressed with the Italeri figure kits. I've built the T-26 and added one of the figures in the turret; I'll post a picture of it hopefully tonight. The decals aren't on the tank, yet, though.

Rudi: Many thanks! My next stop is there!

Ciao Lewis,
In my humble opinion, the best plastic figures on the market are DML without question. The range is broad and almost everyone of the kits are outstanding in detail and construction. Lots of variety and crisp molding. Masterbox is also really good, and I like the plastic (easy to carve.) Tamiya is good, but to me, expensive. DML (even the older kits) are the best. The one problem with all plastic is that all figures are about the same height (not very realistic.)
Ciao for now
Rob