1:6 scale modeling
Encyclopedia
1:6 scale modeling, a.k.a. Playscale Miniaturism, is a hobby
focusing on the collecting and/or customization of commercially produced 1:6 scale action figure
s and accessories.
The term "Playscale" originally represented the domestic, urban or civilian expressions of the scale, especially when coed, and not, usually, exterior genres, like military and adventure themes. As such, it came to represent cross-genre miniaturism, as well, which routinely includes elements from the former. Miniaturists who focus exclusively on exterior themes tend to prefer the protologism sixthscale.
This scale is fairly new to the modeling world, having been standardized in the early 1960s through Barbie
and G.I. Joe
toys (it is not clear exactly when these figures were first used for mainstream modeling purposes). Most of this style of miniaturism is constructed around posable plastic
figures. The average 1:6 figure stands roughly 30 cm (12 in) tall, representing a 1.8 m (6 ft) tall human
. Figures can be outfitted in a wide variety of mass produced, limited production, and custom clothing
and items. Some people undertake vehicle
projects ranging from tank
s and helicopter
s to sand rails and jeep
s. Talented "customizers", miniaturists specializing in construction of one-off and limited production items or the extensive modification of stock products, are limited only by their imagination.
A significant focus of supporting manufacturers is military subjects of many different eras, but many crossover miniaturists will reassign them to science fiction
, fantasy
, pop culture, or civilian
themes. Further emphasis on the military genre can be found in the article, Military miniaturism.
introduced the first fully articulated action figure: G.I. Joe
. The figures originally represented American military men; as American involvement in the Vietnam War
continued, war toys and figures fell out of favor with parents, and G.I. Joe's sales declined. A change to a less martial Adventure Team
theme did not revive sales, and by 1976, GI Joe was no longer produced in 1:6 scale. The UK had two equivalents; Action Man
and Tommy Gunn
; the latter first appeared in 1966 while the former continued through various incarnations until 1993 in the "vintage" form and in a revised form to the current day.
In the early 1990s Hasbro began reproducing G.I. Joe in 1:6 scale again as a Classic Collection
marketed towards adults. The shift in focus towards collectibility rather than marketing the figures as a toy invited competition, and soon other companies began to market detailed 1:6 figures toward adult consumers.
In 1997 21st Century Toys began producing 1:6 scale accessory and uniform sets representing equipment used in the Vietnam War and soon expanded their product line to include World War II, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, and Modern Armed forces Accessories under the names "The Ultimate Soldier
" (TUS) and "America's Finest" respectively. The company offered more detailed and historically accurate products than Hasbro. 21st Century further expanded their line to include vehicles and a "Villains" series. Through 2000-present rumors have persisted of a resurgence of the TUS line, however production, mostly of RC vehicles and "lower quality" figures have been inconsistent in both areas of release and numbers produced, and a shift in emphasis to smaller scales has caused a lull in production.
In 1999 Dragon Models Limited (DML) entered the 1:6 scale figure market; their figures were held in high esteem by collectors due to their both high quality and accurate products. Their main focus became World War II figures, but they have released figures from the Vietnam War, the Falklands War
, Korean War
, both the first and second Gulf War
s, and the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan
. They have also released vehicles and crew-served heavy weapons in 1:6 scale.
Around 2001 Blue Box Toys (BBI) began producing modern era figures of the same quality as those manufactured by DML. These figures were notable for their die-cast accessories and quirky "Custom Expression Mechanism", by which facial expressions could be adjusted somewhat by turning a small screw in the back of the head, both of which were met with mixed results by collectors yet indisputably made headway in the evolution of accessory and headsculpt detail. BBI later produced WWII era figures as well, but the company has also recently shifted its focus to smaller scale figures.
Recently, companies associated with smaller scale figures such as Toy Soldier Workshop, ACE, Battle Gear Toys, DiD (Dragon in Dreams), Armoury, RMC (Realistic Miniatures), In The Past Toys, Toys City and New Line Miniatures have begun to provide extremely accurate gear made from good quality cloth and leather. This trend to move towards the 1990s mentality of cottage production and scratchbuilding has left a unique feel when combined with the mass-produced figures of today. Customizers also have started to produce custom kits for armored vehicles such as half-tracks and tanks. While these techniques have been developed in military arenas, they are increasingly being used in non-military genres.
is another component of playscale miniaturism. This involves the mixing and matching of clothing and accessories from different sources to achieve the desired look.
Other modifications to basic collectibles include the sculpting
and painting
of new heads for figures; altering bodies to achieve a specific look: more human
, or even alien
; as well as weathering
. Some miniaturists also construct and paint custom accessories from scratch using materials like styrene, Sculpey, or Aves Apoxie.
Diorama
work is fairly common despite the large size of the scale, and custom- or scratch-building buildings, furniture, vehicles and armor all complement basic figure work.
Hobby
A hobby is a regular activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure, typically done during one's leisure time.- Etymology :A hobby horse is a wooden or wickerwork toy made to be ridden just like a real horse...
focusing on the collecting and/or customization of commercially produced 1:6 scale action figure
Action figure
An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and male collectors...
s and accessories.
The term "Playscale" originally represented the domestic, urban or civilian expressions of the scale, especially when coed, and not, usually, exterior genres, like military and adventure themes. As such, it came to represent cross-genre miniaturism, as well, which routinely includes elements from the former. Miniaturists who focus exclusively on exterior themes tend to prefer the protologism sixthscale.
This scale is fairly new to the modeling world, having been standardized in the early 1960s through Barbie
Barbie
Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration....
and G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
toys (it is not clear exactly when these figures were first used for mainstream modeling purposes). Most of this style of miniaturism is constructed around posable plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
figures. The average 1:6 figure stands roughly 30 cm (12 in) tall, representing a 1.8 m (6 ft) tall human
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
. Figures can be outfitted in a wide variety of mass produced, limited production, and custom clothing
Clothing
Clothing refers to any covering for the human body that is worn. The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic and is a feature of nearly all human societies...
and items. Some people undertake vehicle
Vehicle
A vehicle is a device that is designed or used to transport people or cargo. Most often vehicles are manufactured, such as bicycles, cars, motorcycles, trains, ships, boats, and aircraft....
projects ranging from tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
s and helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
s to sand rails and jeep
Jeep
Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...
s. Talented "customizers", miniaturists specializing in construction of one-off and limited production items or the extensive modification of stock products, are limited only by their imagination.
A significant focus of supporting manufacturers is military subjects of many different eras, but many crossover miniaturists will reassign them to science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
, fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
, pop culture, or civilian
Civilian
A civilian under international humanitarian law is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or other militia. Civilians are distinct from combatants. They are afforded a degree of legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation...
themes. Further emphasis on the military genre can be found in the article, Military miniaturism.
History of modern 1:6 Miniaturism
Playscale miniaturism (with emphasis on articulated figures) emerged as a hobby in 1964 when the toy company HasbroHasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
introduced the first fully articulated action figure: G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
. The figures originally represented American military men; as American involvement in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
continued, war toys and figures fell out of favor with parents, and G.I. Joe's sales declined. A change to a less martial Adventure Team
G.I. Joe Adventure Team
G.I. Joe Adventure Team is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The line is well remembered by the inclusion of features such as "Kung-Fu Grip", "Life-Like Hair" and "Eagle Eyes".-Vintage Adventure Team:...
theme did not revive sales, and by 1976, GI Joe was no longer produced in 1:6 scale. The UK had two equivalents; Action Man
Action Man
Action Man is an action figure boys' toy launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "moveable fighting man": G.I...
and Tommy Gunn
Tommy Gunn (Action Figure)
Tommy Gunn was an Action figure or boys' doll produced by Pedigree Toys Ltd from 1966 until 1968. The basic doll depicted a British infantry soldier of the time complete with Sterling submachine gun but was also available in World War II dress carrying a Sten gun...
; the latter first appeared in 1966 while the former continued through various incarnations until 1993 in the "vintage" form and in a revised form to the current day.
In the early 1990s Hasbro began reproducing G.I. Joe in 1:6 scale again as a Classic Collection
G. I. Joe Classic Collection
G.I. Joe: Classic Collection is an action-figure-and-accessories set produced by Hasbro US in a style initially influenced by the Hasbro G.I. Joe products of the 60s.-Introduction:...
marketed towards adults. The shift in focus towards collectibility rather than marketing the figures as a toy invited competition, and soon other companies began to market detailed 1:6 figures toward adult consumers.
In 1997 21st Century Toys began producing 1:6 scale accessory and uniform sets representing equipment used in the Vietnam War and soon expanded their product line to include World War II, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, and Modern Armed forces Accessories under the names "The Ultimate Soldier
Ultimate Soldier
Ultimate Soldier is a toy, produced by the company known as 21st Century Toys. It makes 1/6, 1/18, and 1/32 scale figures and vehicles. It was founded in 1997, and began making 1/6 scale figures and uniforms, and now mostly makes 1/6 scale weapon sets as well as 1/18 and 1/32 scale toys...
" (TUS) and "America's Finest" respectively. The company offered more detailed and historically accurate products than Hasbro. 21st Century further expanded their line to include vehicles and a "Villains" series. Through 2000-present rumors have persisted of a resurgence of the TUS line, however production, mostly of RC vehicles and "lower quality" figures have been inconsistent in both areas of release and numbers produced, and a shift in emphasis to smaller scales has caused a lull in production.
In 1999 Dragon Models Limited (DML) entered the 1:6 scale figure market; their figures were held in high esteem by collectors due to their both high quality and accurate products. Their main focus became World War II figures, but they have released figures from the Vietnam War, the Falklands War
Falklands War
The Falklands War , also called the Falklands Conflict or Falklands Crisis, was fought in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the disputed Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands...
, Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, both the first and second Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
s, and the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
. They have also released vehicles and crew-served heavy weapons in 1:6 scale.
Around 2001 Blue Box Toys (BBI) began producing modern era figures of the same quality as those manufactured by DML. These figures were notable for their die-cast accessories and quirky "Custom Expression Mechanism", by which facial expressions could be adjusted somewhat by turning a small screw in the back of the head, both of which were met with mixed results by collectors yet indisputably made headway in the evolution of accessory and headsculpt detail. BBI later produced WWII era figures as well, but the company has also recently shifted its focus to smaller scale figures.
Recently, companies associated with smaller scale figures such as Toy Soldier Workshop, ACE, Battle Gear Toys, DiD (Dragon in Dreams), Armoury, RMC (Realistic Miniatures), In The Past Toys, Toys City and New Line Miniatures have begun to provide extremely accurate gear made from good quality cloth and leather. This trend to move towards the 1990s mentality of cottage production and scratchbuilding has left a unique feel when combined with the mass-produced figures of today. Customizers also have started to produce custom kits for armored vehicles such as half-tracks and tanks. While these techniques have been developed in military arenas, they are increasingly being used in non-military genres.
Collecting vs. Miniaturism
There is a distinction between 1:6 scale collectors who choose to simply display their figures in the original box, and playscale miniaturists. Consistent with other forms of miniaturism, many enthusiasts make their own custom uniforms, weapons, helmets, and equipment. KitbashingKitbashing
Kitbashing or model bashing is a practice whereby a new scale model is created by taking pieces out of commercial kits. These pieces may be added to a custom project or to another kit. For professional modelmakers, kitbashing is popular to create concept models for detailing movie special effects...
is another component of playscale miniaturism. This involves the mixing and matching of clothing and accessories from different sources to achieve the desired look.
Other modifications to basic collectibles include the sculpting
Sculpture
Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...
and painting
Painting
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
of new heads for figures; altering bodies to achieve a specific look: more human
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
, or even alien
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
; as well as weathering
Weathering
Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soils and minerals as well as artificial materials through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, biota and waters...
. Some miniaturists also construct and paint custom accessories from scratch using materials like styrene, Sculpey, or Aves Apoxie.
Diorama
Diorama
The word diorama can either refer to a nineteenth century mobile theatre device, or, in modern usage, a three-dimensional full-size or miniature model, sometimes enclosed in a glass showcase for a museum...
work is fairly common despite the large size of the scale, and custom- or scratch-building buildings, furniture, vehicles and armor all complement basic figure work.