Figure Review: New WW2 Russian Infantry from 2D6 Wargaming

Robert Fellows of 2D6 Wargaming has kindly provided me with samples of his new 1/285 scale Russian infantry due for imminent release. As readers of the blog will know, I am seriously impressed by the new Panther tanks produced by this company so looked forward to getting my hands on their new infantry range.

Before I launch into the review I should mention that I have added new label "Figure Reviews" where you will find this, my previous reviews of 2D6 Wargaming's Panthers, and any future reviews.

I have broken this review down into 2 parts. Part 1 is the review of the figures with Part 2 being how they compare for size and quality of other figure producers.

Part 1:

From left to right top row:

R11 Soviet Riflemen

R02 Soviet Signals 

R01 Soviet Command (Officers and a 37mm mortar)

Bottom row:

R20 Soviet Sub-machine gun PPSH41

R30 Soviet Light machinegun DP28

R44 Soviet 82mm Mortar and crew

Continued -

Top row:
R47 Soviet 120mm Mortar and crew
R50 Soviet AT Rifle
R54 Soviet Bazooka
Bottom row:
R57 Soviet Panzerfaust
R92 Soviet Flamethrower
R100 Soviet Innertube Kommando

Overall I am impressed by these new figures by 2D6. They have clean and crisp detail with kit such as webbing clearly defined. There was no flash to deal with although a few figures did have minor mould lines but these could easily be removed. I particularly liked the figure poses with a few stand-outs. The figures actively loading mortars and the two figures carrying an anti-tank rifle between them are unusual in this scale which I found appealing. 

Even more unusual are the Innertube Kommandos. I am not an expert in the Russian Army and needed Robert to clarify what they were. These are 4 riflemen using a rubber tyre innertube as a flotation device and if you have not guessed already, they are waterline versions. Again detailing is excellent and I can foresee all manner of fun scenarios where they could be used.

Anatomically they are well proportioned, weapons are instantly recognisable as what they are supposed to be, and importantly for me, the helmets look the correct Russian shape. Some of the figures I own in this scale could be wearing anything with just an indiscernible round shape representing a helmet.   

Finally I would mention the quality of the metal used. These are sturdy figures and should stand up to a considerable amount of handling.

The above 4 strips are from the existing Soviet women infantry.

From left to right:

Female sniper

Female medic

Female signals

Female 82mm mortar

These figures are listed on the 2D6 Wargaming website (link on the right hand column) complete with more clear photos than I have been able to take. That said, it is very difficult to determine how good a 6mm figure is when displayed unpainted in a photo. I was not sure of these when I first saw their images, they looked to me a little 'basic'. Having now seen them in the flesh I can confirm they do look better in the raw. Detailing is just as good as the latest Russians although there is flash on a couple of the figures. The base of the medic strip is a little on the thick side but not a major issue. This is a little nitpicking as these will again prove to be a useful addition to any inventory and they are great looking little lasses.

From their scenics range are two wooden road blocks on the left and two concrete/steel roadblocks on the right. The wooden roadblocks can be configured open or closed. The concrete/steel version are one open and one closed. 

There is little to be said about these other than as with the figures, detailing is crisp with no flash and minimal mould lines. I have to applaud 2D6 for producing figures and scenics that no others do which for us wargamers can only be good news. More shiny things to buy!

Part 2:

For comparison with other figure manufacturers I have lined up the Soviet Riflemen with other figures in my collection. Unfortunately I have no other Russians to compare with but will give you an idea of scaling and quality. 

Here from left to right: Old H&R Germans; 2D6 Russians; New H&R Brit Paras; GHQ Italians; Adler Italians; Baccus Brit Paras.

Measurements from top of base to top of head:

Old H&R - 6mm (fractionally under)

2D6 - 6mm

New H&R - 6.5mm

GHQ - 7mm

Adler - 7mm

Baccus - 8mm

A closer look (apologise for some of the photos being a little out of focus but hopefully you will get the idea).

2D6 v Old H&R. The 2D6 figures are a little bulkier but what is not shown in the photo is detail which is very much better on the Russians. 

2D6 v new H&R. The size comparison is a little deceptive as the H&R are stockier with the Para smocks giving the impression they are much larger. The new H&R SS troops are more comparable in girth and hence look more similar in size. In terms of quality there is little to choose between them. In fact I would say that the new H&R are the most comparable in size and quality with the new 2D6 figures.

2D6 v GHQ. GHQ are taller but thinner and very bendy! It would probably not be advisable to mix on the same base but should be ok on the same tabletop. 

2D6 v Adler. Adler are clearly bigger and personally it would be unlikely that I would mix them together. Not only for size reasons but those heads really would look out of place next to figures with more normal sized craniums. 

2D6 v Baccus. For me the size difference is simply too big to entertain the possibility of mixing them. As readers of the blog will know, Baccus is my go-to company for all other periods. For WW2 though the choice of going for something that is in the realms of 1/230th scale rules me out when you have H&R and now 2D6 turning out such high quality figures.

In terms of pricing, the female Russians are currently priced at 50p per strip and assuming the new Russians will be similar, this places them broadly in line with the new H&R figures. Very reasonable with the ability to order only what you need.

To sum up, I decided to go with the new H&R figures some time ago being impressed with their figures in particular. With 2D6 now producing matching quality and size in figures (not to mention the outstanding armoured vehicles) I have no hesitation in adding them to my collection nor recommending them to anybody else. 

It is great to see 2D6 expanding their range giving us gamers more options in the 6mm world. There is however, just one more process to go through. I have decided to paint up several strips (riflemen, SMG's, AT Rifle strip, 82mm mortar + a couple of female snipers) which will provide the ultimate test and enable them hopefully to be seen at their best. I aim to have these completed in the next few days and before they go on sale which will be 1st December at the latest. You will see the results!