Hello Figureteers!

I have in mind a scene that would need some figures in 1/48 depicting Australians in France 1918.
Is there any figures I can work with? I do believe they had very similar if not the same uniforms as the Brits?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

Hi Janne

At that scale British and Australian soldiers will look very similar. The major difference is that British soldiers have black boots and Australian soldiers have brown boots.

Janne: A suggestion... There are a number of photos, illustrations, etc., of Australian uniforms, equipment and weapons on the Forums. You can find them all the way at the bottom of Forums - Uniform References - WW1, Australia. But I agree with Tony - I believe by 1918 in France, Australian forces would have been using British equipment, weapons and uniforms - particularly in front line actions.

All the best,
Dan

With the tin hat, yes, Brits would work. If you want to depict any Aussies wearing the bush hat, some conversion work would be necessary.

That being said, I'm not sure I've seen any Tommies or Doughboys in 1/48, though. Is there anyone who makes them? I know that Tamiya has started to release some of its figures in 1/48, to go with its 1/48 armor range. But those are all from WW II.

Prost!
Brad

I agree with Tony that at that scale there wouldn't be much difference to the eye. However, the Australians wore their own style of uniform which was a different cut to the British style worn by the imperial and other dominion troops. Essentially it was looser cut with buttoned cuffs, large loose pockets and prominent pleats down the button line and the back of the jacket. They never wore the British style jacket.

I have a photo but I can't upload it for some reason.

But the problem still remains, that there aren't any such figures in 1/48 scale, whether Australians requiring no modification, or Brits, which would. Or does anyone know of any suitable 1/48 figures? I don't but that only means that I've never seen them, not that they don't exist.

Prost!
Brad

Photos of a late war Australian uniform coat. Hope this is helpful.

All the best,
Dan

Hi Janne,
I cannot find anything in 1:48 scale, could you do it in 1:35 scale instead? There are a few interesting sets in 1:35.
cheers
Richie

Thanks a million for all chipping in.

Pretty much what I thought regarding the uniforms and availability in 1/48.
I have decided to go 1/72 instead as an airplane is to be included in the scene. Emhar figures is my choice.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

We may see more offerings in 1/48 in the future. Tamiya's line of 1/48 armor kits seems to have generated some interest. If other manufacturers think they can sell, they may jump in.

Prost!
Brad

I would love to see more historical stuff in 1/48 or 30mm. Onira does an great job and seems to be popular. A market might be there besides we few.