Introduction
If you’re a wargaming enthusiast, chances are you've encountered various figure scales, each offering its own advantages. But when it comes to creating immersive, strategic battles, 1/72 scale figures stand out as the best choice. This scale, roughly translating to 1 inch equaling 6 feet, has become a favorite for both beginners and seasoned veterans in the wargaming world.
In this article, we’ll explore why 1/72 figures are the ultimate go-to for wargamers, from their perfect blend of detail and practicality to their rich availability across different eras and manufacturers.
What Are 1/72 Scale Figures?
1/72 scale figures represent a size where one inch of the figure corresponds to six feet in real life. This scale is small enough to allow for large armies and battlefield setups, but detailed enough to give each figure unique characteristics. This balance of size and detail makes them ideal for wargaming, where both space and aesthetics are critical.
Perfect Balance of Size and Detail
One of the main reasons 1/72 scale figures are so popular is their perfect balance between size and detail. The figures are large enough to show intricate uniforms, weapons, and facial features, but small enough to create entire armies and detailed battlefields without taking up too much space. For example, manufacturers like Miniart, ICM, and Master Box produce highly detailed soldiers from various historical periods, giving you a range of options for your wargaming scenarios.
Detail: At 1/72 scale, you can still paint individual uniform details, facial expressions, and equipment like rifles, swords, and backpacks. This level of detail allows for more immersive gameplay, as each unit feels like part of a real-world army.
Size: The smaller size means you can set up large battlefields with hundreds of troops in a relatively small area. Whether you’re playing in a garage or on a dining room table, 1/72 scale figures won’t overwhelm the space.
Cost-Effective Option for Large Armies
Building a large army of figures can get expensive, but 1/72 scale figures offer an affordable way to collect and field substantial forces. Compared to larger scales like 1/35 or 28mm, 1/72 figures are typically cheaper per figure, allowing you to buy more units for your battles without breaking the bank. Brands like Roden and Amodel offer packs with multiple soldiers, vehicles, and accessories at reasonable prices.
Cost per unit: Because 1/72 figures are smaller, they are generally cheaper to produce. You can get entire sets of infantry, cavalry, or artillery for much less than you would pay for larger scale figures.
Bulk buying: Wargaming often requires large armies, and buying in bulk at this scale allows you to simulate historical battles more accurately with numerous troops.
Historical Variety Across Manufacturers
Wargamers often focus on historical battles, and 1/72 scale figures provide a vast range of options when it comes to historical accuracy. Whether you're re-enacting World War II, Napoleonic Wars, or ancient Roman battles, there’s no shortage of high-quality 1/72 figures available.
World War II Figures: Companies like ICM and Miniart are well-known for producing highly detailed World War II figures, offering German, Soviet, American, and British troops along with vehicles and artillery to complete your battlefield.
Ancient and Medieval Wars: For those interested in earlier periods, Master Box and Micro-Mir provide excellent kits depicting soldiers from ancient and medieval times, allowing for a wide range of wargaming scenarios.
Easy to Transport and Store
When you’re a wargaming enthusiast, having a portable setup is key. 1/72 scale figures are small enough to be easily transported in storage boxes or cases. This means you can pack up an entire army, complete with vehicles and terrain, and take it with you to wargaming events, competitions, or just a friend’s house for an epic battle.
Storage convenience: Because these figures are smaller, they take up less space. You won’t need massive storage containers to house your army, and you can easily transport multiple units for games on the go.
Compatibility with Terrain and Vehicles
Terrain and vehicles play a crucial role in wargaming, and 1/72 figures scale perfectly with a wide range of available terrain pieces and vehicle kits. Whether you're building a WWII diorama or setting up a medieval battlefield, there are countless options available for terrain and vehicles.
Vehicles: Brands like AMP and Amodel produce vehicles such as tanks, trucks, and aircraft that are perfectly scaled to match 1/72 figures. This adds a new layer of realism and strategy to your wargaming sessions.
Terrain: You can find terrain kits for 1/72 scale figures, ranging from ruins and buildings to forests and rivers. This allows you to create immersive battlefields that enhance the gameplay experience.
Ideal for Large-Scale Battles
One of the most exciting aspects of wargaming is recreating massive battles with hundreds, if not thousands, of figures. At 1/72 scale, you can achieve this with relative ease, as the figures are small enough to fit numerous troops onto a battlefield without cluttering the space. Whether you’re re-enacting the Battle of Stalingrad or a medieval siege, 1/72 figures make large-scale battles both practical and visually stunning.
Mass formations: The smaller scale allows you to field entire divisions, giving a more authentic representation of historical battles.
Multiple units: With the reduced footprint of each figure, you can deploy infantry, cavalry, artillery, and vehicles all at once, creating a dynamic and diverse battlefield.
Ease of Painting and Customization
One of the joys of wargaming is personalizing your army. At the 1/72 scale, figures are small enough to paint quickly, yet large enough to add plenty of detail. This scale strikes a nice balance, allowing you to paint intricate uniforms and markings without spending hours on a single figure. Additionally, the smaller size means you can paint entire units in a fraction of the time it would take at larger scales.
Custom color schemes: Wargamers often like to create their own armies with unique color schemes or customize their units to represent specific regiments. 1/72 figures are easy to modify, whether you’re changing the paint job or adding custom accessories.
Time-saving: Since the figures are smaller, you can paint an entire squad or platoon relatively quickly, which is a major advantage for wargamers who want to get their armies on the battlefield without spending months painting.
Conclusion
For wargaming enthusiasts, 1/72 scale figures offer the perfect blend of detail, affordability, and practicality. Their manageable size allows for large armies and expansive battlefields, while still providing enough detail to satisfy even the most dedicated modeler. With a wide range of historical periods available from top brands like Miniart, Roden, and Master Box, the 1/72 scale remains the best choice for anyone looking to create realistic and engaging wargaming experiences. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, 1/72 scale figures open up a world of possibilities on the battlefield.
FAQs
Why is 1/72 the best scale for wargaming?
The 1/72 scale offers a great balance of size and detail, allowing for large armies and realistic battlefields without taking up too much space or costing too much.Can I find 1/72 figures for different historical periods?
Yes, you can find 1/72 figures for a wide range of historical periods, from ancient Rome to World War II, offered by top manufacturers like Miniart and Master Box.How much space do I need for a 1/72 scale battlefield?
You can create an impressive battlefield on a standard dining table. The small size of the figures allows for expansive battlefields without requiring a large area.Are 1/72 figures difficult to paint?
While they are small, 1/72 figures are easy to paint once you get the hang of it. They offer enough detail for customization but are manageable enough to paint large units quickly.Where can I find 1/72 scale vehicles for wargaming?
Brands like AMP and Amodel offer a wide range of vehicles such as tanks, trucks, and aircraft, all in 1/72 scale to complement your figures.
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