Armies in Plastic has posted on their web site that they have new sets ready.. It had been previously stated that they were coming out with Mexican Revolution, Alamo and Franco Prussian War. It was thought perhaps this would possible be new figures. From the information gleaned from their web site, the figures in these new sets are from previous sets. For example set 5811 which is for Mexican Revolution infantry is figures from Set 5613. That set is Japanese from the Russo- Japanese War.
If you are interested in the figures check out AIP website for further details and find out what sets they are from. As we get more details we will let you know.
What I figured… -sigh-
I am sure you are not the only one disappointed. This technique will work only so far.
I generally like AIP so I looked all of the new sets and was disappointed to find that all are previously issued figures, most of them in the same colors already issued. Only a couple of sets come in new colors such as Franco-Prussian War Zouaves, and WWI Germans, Austrians & Turks. Turks in Stalheim helmets in tan would be great for recreating those made-during-WWII Afrika Korps movies. I wonder if they come with a more Turkish looking officer figure from the Anglo-Egyptian Army? Confederates in Kepis do not work for me as Alamo New Orleans Greys. No new box art – really no art at all if those are the boxes pictured – with the exception of WWI. I already use many of the former sets for these ideas so in most cases I’d only be gaining boxes with new words on them. Are these in the new American-made plastic? As I said, I like AIP and hope for some genuine new releases to fill in some other historical gaps.
What a let down; I was getting excited. My only hoe is that they make some opponents for the Mexican regulars – sombreros or Americans in soft hats.
That is what I thought he would do.
…
I for one am excited that he is issuing the late war WWI German infantry in some other colors (particularly Grey and Dark Grey). In the past, my brother and I have used certain WWII Germans to flesh out the late war WWI German army but that really does not work well and I’ve never been happy doing that. From what Tony told us, these sets are just to help him build up capital so that he can finally issue the numerous other new molds that have not been issued. I know for a fact he has several other WWI sets that have never been issued that I would really like to see the light of day (particularly Austro-Hungarians). As such, we will try to support him where possible in the hopes that those sets get made. I know that is Tony’s goal but he spent a large amount of money getting his molds back from China and I think that hurt his ability to put out new sets. Perhaps I’m just being hopeful but Armies in Plastic figures have always been held in high regard on my end.
What AIP is unable to produce at the moment, Tony makes up for in honesty. He actually calls to answer questions. His deals are more than generous. Someone who hasn’t bought their figures before may very well buy these sets to fill their interests. For someone like me, this gives me ideas for how to use those figures in more creative ways. I will buy the figures coming out in new colors, BUT, like many of you, I long for authentically new sets for these wars that no one else wants to do.
new sets mean same old w new colors
no even new color.only changing are the boxes with illustration and name of army set.
colors are same used in most old production.
the huge amount overstock I last saw at his warehouse is humangus.He need move sold that to make more new if ever.
AIP really overproduce a lot set x a very short period time.More than any and actually did more sets than CTS,TSSD and paragon Austin combined.
only EXF had surpassed AIP.
Best
I am disappointed but I truly wish he can pull it out. I was thinking he was making a big investment in bringing his molds home, but considering what has happened to others who’ve had their production across the pond I believe it to be a wise investment in the long run. I just hope he can hang on long enough to make it pay.
At the same time, I was really excited about the direction some of his later new sets were taking in poses, sculpting, and subject matter. I really liked his French and Indian Wars and Afghan/Iraqi War figures among some others. Here’s wishing him the best and hoping for future new releases.
I actually like the figures of Armies in plastic .. although the figures look very static you could fill many gaps to represent battles .. many sets that no other manufacturer has brought to date. I was really looking forward to the new sets should come .. too bad it is about old sets .. very disappointed!
regards
detlef …
I went through every new AIP set and here are the ones that have been changed:
5825 Alamo & War for Texas Independence Mexican Infantry says they altered the plumes on set 5463 but that can’t be right because those are ACW American Militia.
5829 Alamo Defenders 1835-1836 has 2 new poses, probably substituting slouch hats for the kepis.
As for World War I, the 5402 Germans in Stahlheim helmets are in new colors:
5808 Turkish Assault Troops come in Tan
5809 German Sturbattalion Assault Troops are in Grey
5810 Austrian Sturbattalion Assault Troops are in Dark Grey
I also could be losing my mind, but I could swear the new Alamo sets listed the 5497 Prussian Militia Volunteers in White as Mexican Infantry in Shako covers. It is no longer there.
February sale is already up, but you have to click on “On Sale”.
I also could be losing my mind, but I could swear the new Alamo sets listed the 5497 Prussian Militia Volunteers in White as Mexican Infantry in Shako covers. It is no longer there.
Can anyone think of any AIP sets that have been discontinued? I can only remember the Highlanders in Glengarries in some different colors including magenta.
February sale is already up, but you have to click on “On Sale”.
For whatever it is worth I also thought I saw some Prussians as Mexicans.
There are several sets that he sold out of that you can no longer get. The WWI Germans in Grey and in the original Field Green are no longer available. The Arabs/Tauregs are mostly sold out in the original colors. I know many of the colors of the French Foreign Legion are not available any more (butternut, horizon blue). He no longer has the original set of U.S. Doughboys as he made another casting with different poses and that is what he currently carries. Those are just some that I can think of off the top of my head.
they are available still off many other dealers and Ebay store seller.
But yes Tony run colors by 3000 sets .then reduce to 2000.Some sets were run twice.
best
He has some sets that can work with a bit of imagination; I bought a bunch of figures (I think they might have been his Prussian Militia – can’t remember right now as they’ve been tucked away awaiting painting) but with long trousers in advancing and marching poses that I thought with a little work could be converted to Alamo Mexicans. If you’re not too particular it might work. I would think French in long trousers would be a better match as that was the model for the Mexican uniform, if I remember correctly. I have used my CTS French in double duty in the past. Just a thought.
In my opinion…
Because AIP intentional made simple figures depicted in simple not deep detail uniforms. The use of many x other wars armies is a logic idea used by Tony and many collectors. With paint of course, you can cover and make them better suitable not doubt.
The AIP Napoleonic Prussian German Landwehr with flat field hat and visor it can certainly be used as regular US army for Texan/US-Mexico was 1836-1850.
Not as Mexican, as Mexican neither used the long field tunic or and flat hat in that period in most units while US regular and voluntary corps did used. /
Special x san Jacinto battles and others later in 1846/48 war.
“Pinwheel” tie forage cap introduced in 1825 that suffer variation till 1850 is very alike represented in the Germans AIP Landwehr of Napoleonic set for that purpose.
Same way I will with A Call to arms ACW with same coat and hat and many civil wars using same alike hat other makers. But in AIP as the figures carry almost not gear and ammo and muskets and rifles had not distinction in detail at all in most, they are more suitable that other brands where detail make them easier passable x either or.
this link shows some data about it
https://history.army.mil/html/museums/uniforms/survey_uwa.pdf
books such these show better sample as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Uniforms-Republic-Texas-That-1836-1846/dp/0764306820
The simple lancers ulans corps did not varied much from 1810 till 1900 and that is what can be used as either army as Tony had use then in Napoleonic, Crimea, colonial and WW1 wars.
Yet if historical strict, they will not of course.
But if want to use and add paint you can increase army with then.
The revolution late war early 20 century Mexico can well use Japanese of Russo Japanese war as Mexican federal troops and Spanish from American/Spanish war as other army in Mexico revolution with no deep detail or been too historical.
In the other hand
I’m opposite to the use of French Napoleonic line or light infantry as 1830 Mexican as three important obvious detail hard to pass differ both then at very simple view, even if try paint then over.
One-The Mexican shako/HAT was taller and simply made than early and later Bredin simple design French 1800s early one
The French use boots and very high gaiters while Mexican at alamo most had none minus officer. If French had trousers that can be partially accepted of course as was used over boots or shoes most time, but third point will made then looks odd still
The tunic/coat in Mexican army soldiers and NCO lack complete the large chest emblematic white/color lapels used by French from 1792-1816.
In fact, the French late 1820s uniforms were the one adapted and introduced as new republic Mexico regular army uniform and among the main difference from the one used in Napoleonic period was the lack or eradication of such large front vest/chest lapel adorn decoration with double button lines.
Adding to that the French uniform light and line infantry plus elite over coat summer type end short in front exposing the clear obvious Waistcoat (Undercoat). Not present in Mexican uniforms of 1830s.
So that made it a big distinction not simple to pass.
Some deep detail can be seeing here in this blog I always use as reference and I’m part of.
http://www.napolun.com/mirror/napoleonistyka.atspace.com/napoleonic_uniforms.html
Of course, if you want pass hat x kepis or Mexican sombreros x cowboy hats it does not matter. And paint can cover 50/70% detail I bet in most.
Last but no least …
The many films about Alamo till 1980s used many wrong depictions of incorrect Mexican uniform using pre-1826 New Mexico republic reformation army uniform era. It was corrected in last film in very good way.
This had added to confusing view in many collectors as well, I guess.
It had been mentioned in a book by Frank T Thompson / Alamo Movies Nice Copy 1991 that by the way show John Wayne in front of a big huge display of toy soldier alamo battle.
I like post picture of that part book to see if any can recognize the figures used that may had been metal.
My thoughts.
Best
A correction has been made 5453 Young Guard Foot Artillery French Infantry with altered plumes are the new Dark Blue Alamo Mexicans.
I should note the figures I used had covered shakos, not the soft hats; so I really don’t know which sets they came from (I’m not an expert on AIP sets). I just saw the pics on the auction and they were the poses I liked best from the sets, thought the uniforms might work for Alamo Mexicans.
At the same time, I HAVE painted Italeri Prussian officer poses and some ChinToys Prussian officers as NO Grays. Of course I’ve built a great Santa Ana Staff with ChinToys’ Napoleonic officers from various armies. I bought two sets of those figures so I could use one for Mexican officers and the other for the original purpose. I think I’ve posted some pics somewhere. Eventually, I’ll get my guys out and take some new ones.
Received my WWI Germans, Austrians, and Turks today. Excellent colors. They go well with other German figure sets, plus the Turks are a nice mustard tan.
I hope one day that armies in plasic can make aztec and mongols they come from kinda popular wars
Then they can completely forget about medieval times, and go and make modern iraq forces
They still need WW1 Soft cap British,Top hat Belgians,Serbs,Italians.WW2 1939 Poles,1940 Dutch,Present day Israeli,Iranians,Iraqis,etc,various NATO countries.There’s always hope.