Plastic toy soldiers have been a staple of childhood play and adult hobbyist collections for decades. These miniature figures, often referred to as “army men,” provide an affordable and durable way to recreate historical battles or engage in imaginative play. Whether you are a parent looking for a classic toy or a collector interested in historical accuracy, understanding the different types, scales, and materials of plastic toy soldiers is essential.
The History of Plastic Toy Soldiers
Before plastic became the primary material for toy soldiers, most miniature figures were made of lead or tin. These metal soldiers were heavy, expensive, and often contained toxic materials. Following World War II, the toy industry shifted toward plastic due to its low production cost and safety for children.
In the 1950s and 1960s, companies like Marx and Airfix revolutionized the market. They produced sets representing various historical eras, including the American Civil War, World War II, and the Wild West. These figures were usually sold in bags or large playsets, making them accessible to a wide audience. Today, while vintage sets are highly collectible, modern manufacturers continue to produce high-quality figures for both play and professional dioramas.
Understanding Scale and Size
When purchasing plastic toy soldiers, the “scale” refers to the size of the figure relative to a real human. Choosing the right scale is important if you plan to mix sets or build realistic scenery. The most common scales include:
- 1:32 Scale (54mm): This is the traditional size for most classic green army men. These figures are approximately 2.25 inches tall. They are large enough to show significant detail and are very durable for outdoor play.
- 1:72 Scale (25mm): These are much smaller figures, often used by tabletop wargamers and diorama builders. Because of their small size, you can fit hundreds of soldiers in a relatively small space.
- 1:35 Scale: This scale is primarily used by model builders who pair soldiers with plastic tank kits. They offer the highest level of detail but are often more fragile than standard toy soldiers.
Materials Used in Plastic Soldiers
Not all plastic soldiers are made from the same type of material. The type of plastic used affects how the soldier feels, how well it holds paint, and how easily it might break.
Soft Plastic (Polyethylene): Most inexpensive toy soldiers are made from soft plastic. This material is flexible, making it difficult to break during rough play. However, soft plastic is notoriously difficult to paint because the paint tends to flake off when the figure bends.
Hard Plastic (Polystyrene): These figures are usually found in model kits that require assembly. Hard plastic allows for much sharper detail and is the preferred material for hobbyists who enjoy painting. While they look better, they are more brittle and can snap if dropped or stepped on.
Popular Brands and Manufacturers
If you are looking for quality plastic soldiers, several brands have established a reputation for excellence. Knowing which brand to choose depends on whether you prioritize playability or historical accuracy.
- BMC Toys: Known for producing classic American-made soldiers and playsets. They often recreate historical battles like Iwo Jima or Gettysburg with a focus on durability.
- Airfix: A legendary British brand that specializes in 1:72 scale figures. Their sets are highly detailed and cover almost every major conflict in history.
- Tamiya: This brand is the gold standard for 1:35 scale military miniatures. Their figures are intended for serious modelers and require glue and paint for completion.
- Tim Mee Toy: Famous for the iconic “Bucket of Soldiers,” these are the quintessential green army men found in many toy stores.
How to Paint Plastic Toy Soldiers
Painting your soldiers can turn a simple toy into a detailed piece of art. Even if you are not an artist, you can achieve great results by following a few straightforward steps. This process works best on hard plastic or high-quality soft plastic figures.
1. Clean the Figures
New plastic figures often have a thin layer of “mold release” oil on them. Wash your soldiers in warm, soapy water and let them dry completely. This ensures that the paint will adhere to the surface.
2. Trim the Flash
“Flash” is the thin excess plastic left over from the molding process. Use a small hobby knife or a pair of nail clippers to carefully trim away these bits to give the soldier a cleaner look.
3. Apply a Primer
Never paint directly onto the plastic. Use a spray primer (matte grey, black, or white) to create a surface that the paint can grip. For soft plastic soldiers, look for specialized primers that remain flexible after drying.
4. Use Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are the best choice for toy soldiers because they are water-based, non-toxic, and dry quickly. Apply the base colors first, then add smaller details like belts, boots, and weapons.
5. Apply a Protective Sealant
Once the paint is dry, spray the figure with a matte clear coat. This protects the paint from chipping during handling or storage.
Educational and Developmental Benefits
Plastic toy soldiers are more than just toys; they offer several educational benefits for children. Engaging with these figures can help develop various skills in a low-tech environment.
Historical Interest: Playing with soldiers often leads children to ask questions about history. This can spark a lifelong interest in learning about different cultures and historical events.
Fine Motor Skills: Setting up small figures and building dioramas requires precision and hand-eye coordination. This is especially true for the smaller 1:72 scale figures.
Strategic Thinking: Many users engage in basic wargaming, which involves following rules and thinking several steps ahead to “win” a battle. This encourages logic and problem-solving.
Cleaning and Storing Your Collection
To keep your collection in good condition, proper storage and cleaning are necessary. Dust is the most common issue for figures kept on display. You can easily remove dust using a soft-bristled paintbrush or a can of compressed air.
For storage, avoid tossing all your soldiers into a single large bin, as this can lead to bent rifles and chipped paint. Instead, use plastic tackle boxes or partitioned storage containers. These allow you to organize your soldiers by era or unit while keeping them protected from physical damage.
Common Problems and Solutions
One common issue with plastic soldiers is “bent weapon syndrome,” where the soft plastic rifles or swords arrive curved. You can often fix this by dipping the affected part in very hot water for a few seconds, straightening it by hand, and then immediately dipping it into ice water to “set” the new shape.
Another issue is paint flaking. If you find your paint is falling off, it usually means the figure wasn’t cleaned properly or a primer wasn’t used. Unfortunately, the only fix is to strip the paint with a mild cleaner and start the process over with a proper primer.
Conclusion
Plastic toy soldiers remain a popular and versatile hobby for people of all ages. By understanding the differences in scale, material, and manufacturing, you can make informed decisions whether you are buying a gift or starting a new collection. Remember to take your time with preparation if you choose to paint your figures, and always store them properly to ensure they last for years to come.
If you found this guide helpful, explore our other articles on hobby collecting, DIY crafts, and historical model building to continue expanding your knowledge.