AIRFIX WATERLOO BATTLE SET/DIORAMA 1/72 Part 1

[@alexc8209]

God i love toy soldiers. My grandfather had the Napoleonic British infantry and highland infantry sets and let me play with them everytime i went to my grandparents house (i think he only had them to keep me happy) and really those soldiers inspired me to learn about history and to collect toy soldiers. I still have about 6000 1/72 scale plastics and i have given away another 6000 or so over the years because of moving houses and getting married etc. My mum always reminds me that my pocket money was three pounds and fifteen pence for several years because that was exactly the price of a box of soldiers from my local toy shop. Love those old days.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

That's sounds lovely, we never got pocket money but certainly got a few presents here and there (soldiers) I don't think I ever had as many as you but certainly a lot!!

[@alexc8209]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW I expect you are still young like me (im 46) so there is still time to collect a few thousand!! I had hundreds as a kid but i threw them all away when i grew up and went to university. then after uni i started to collect them again coz i missed them. lol. only took a few years to get thousands.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@alexc8209 They look good though!!

[@aamir-hk8px]

You have such confidence to lose them. I regret deeply parting with my fair collections from the childhood years. I think there is no credible reason to become careless with such marvelous artwork.

[@pauldavies9138]

I had the original kit as a kid growing up. Watching this immediately brings back the smell of humbrol enamel paints. I had a king sized green blanket that used to go over books on the bedroom floor for the battlefield! Many a weekend spent setting up and knocking down my toy soldiers!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

I must admit, the smell of those paints certainly stays with you!!

[@Deutschritter.]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW These colors are in the small pots and they smell like that, we also had these colors, only that they were from Revell, the smelling content or the size was the same today you tend to use water-based paints, but I still have quite a few of the old cans here

[@FieldMarshalYT]

I had this, sadly I dont have it out much because the figures were pretty poorly painted. I was new to it back then. It got me into the scale model hobby though.

[@andrewbolay1517]

I have been looking for this set for years. Found one this morning, good price, so I jumped on it. Hard to find.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

I added several Airfix Lancaster bombers for the British side and sorted out the French in double quick time even before the Prussians showed up!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

That should finish it!!

[@brianfoster1078]

Interesting, I’ve still got my set buried somewhere in the garage. It contained La Haye Saint (no base), British and French line infantry and artillery, French Imperial guard and the farmhouse accessories. Seem to remember that all the troops were yellowish / cream colour apart from the imperial guard, which were grey. I already had some Highland infantry (also yellow). Great memories that led to me researching the battle in depth for years afterwards.

[@rickrussell8382]

Airfix models and 1/72 scale soldiers kits were a big part of my hobby life. Learned so much from painting and building them. WW1 ,WW2. and Napoleonic kits. Nice to see them again. Thanks

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Yes the good old days!!

[@dawiddadun3044]

Most definitely. I've bought a few 1970s airfix catalogues that I had as a kid off eBay. I can browse and be 10 yrs old again and to add realism I watch 1970s match of the day on KZbin at the same time...or Starsky & Hutch. Oh for those days again.

[@SeasideWitcher]

Great toys back then... today is such trash by comparison.

[@marks.6480]

Nice one! I had all the Waterloo soldiers back in the 70's and the farm house. Hours of gameplay and weeks of painting ;)

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Good to hear from you Mark! I couldn't see much in the way of reviews for this one!

[@marks.6480]

One or two unboxings but no real review AFAIK. Certainly not as in depth as you produce them! BTW: you are right about the nightmarish horses. But frankly, all Airfix horses had the same problems. Over time, you lost the bases. I recently saw some horses that were cast with integral bases. A much better idea IMHO BTW2: i think the farm vehicles & figures were unique to this set. They were not included with the regular Farm House and I don't think they were a stand-alone release.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@marks.6480 Thank-you Mark, your right about the farm carts, i could not find any other kit they were with, so no image or box art!

[@Myke...]

I used to collect 1/72 napoleonics Airfix mainly Esci, painted up they looked great, but the soft bendable plastic peeled paint off, despite gloss varnishing first, Primed painted and finished with matt varnish demoralising on guns and bayonets la haye-sainte is the farm in centre Hougmont was on british right and was bigger

[@tonyyero7231]

I remember having this Waterloo set back in the 70's growing up in Boston, Massachusetts USA... THANKS for sharing!

[@mecongberlin]

But did you have Prussians? I had the set around 1975 or such and no Prussians.

[@tysonator5433]

I have all of the figures in the Waterloo kit I purchased when I was a child and spent hours painting them. This is a wonderful kit.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

It is, I think Italeria has probably usurped it now

[@pcojedi]

I still have some British Hussars and British Infantry from the 1970s, mine were originally yellow. Great video

[@mecongberlin]

This just came back up on my feed. Hence: Merry Xmas mate, hope all is well and you have a good time with your loved ones. 🎄 🎁 🎉 🎈 🎊

[@user-du6yr1qx5d]

Прекрасный набор...😮

[@vinnyganzano1930]

I had one of them when I was a kid. Used to love Airfix but haven't touched anything for years.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

understandable!

[@davidcassels7312]

Super 1979 Xmas present.

[@napoleonlempereur3021]

Das sind die Plastiksoldaten aus meiner Kindheit.Mit ihnen haben ein guter Freund und ich viele Stunden 'Schlacht' gespielt.Airfix war legendär für uns.👍🇩🇪 🇬🇧 🇨🇵

[@TheSilvercue]

When original kit came out I don’t recall it having both sets of cavalry.

[@philRminiatures]

Waterloo, what a subject! A battle to play and play again....great looking set, evovative and gorgeous...I'll come back, new sub!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Thankyou Phil, maybe Napoleon can win!

[@juniusvindex769]

I had the highlanders in 1 /32 scale in 1982. Had the same box art on the front. I wanted to build up the army for my local war games but found they were playing in 1 /72............ 🤦‍♂️ Still collect odd soldiers to this day 👍🏻

[@fasteddie406]

Got this in about 1978 with another dozen additional boxes(soon after) of Inf/Cav always a favourite.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Great kit!

[@billhuber2964]

In 1975 I was up Bremerton WA. On liberty in the navy went by a hobby shop. Saw this bought it took it back to the ship. My buddies thought I was bucking for a section 8. Mailed it home.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Your a brave man!!

[@andrewcharles459]

I wanted that kit so bad as a youngster.

[@sabinerensenbrink6896]

Ich sammle Airfix-Figuren seit 45 Jahren. Meine Top-Ten 1. Fremdenlegionäre 2. 7th Cavalry 3. Tarzan-Set 4. Deutsche WW I 5. Römer 6..US-Bürgerkrieg 7. Napoleons Garde 8. Japan WW II 9. Gurkhas 10. Australien WW II Atlantic kam in den 80ern dazu und war auch sehr gut.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

You have thrse?

[@sabinerensenbrink6896]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW And many more. I own 20.000 Airfix-Soldiers.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@sabinerensenbrink6896 you put me to shame sir!!

[@xray86delta]

Airfix did a retooling of several figures over the years. British 8th army figures come to mind.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Is that the kit form?

[@stevebrooks6144]

Seem to remember that the farmhouse was based on La Haye Sainte

[@flitsertheo]

Correct. Even the dirt road - today a busy "chaussée" - is in the right location.

[@paulpritty7914]

It is. Until recently I would have expected anyone over 50 to know that, especially someone reviewing the model,

[@davidwilkin1202]

Yes La Haye Saint! Who had the Airfix Wargame Rules! The red one! The green one, WW2 wargaming were my first set of rules. Many hours in my mates garage battling it out with our minis!

[@komissionkamen]

Super!!!

[@mark6310]

Wow that set is a treasure chest for sure.Well done find and review!!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Yes its lovely!!

[@mark6310]

Interesting that Airfix never reissued the Waterloo 1/32 figures.The originals command some crazy prices.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@mark6310 If they do't want to use them they could give me the original mold!

[@davidwilkin1202]

I had this for Christmas back in the 70’s! Dont remember the base , this is a modern inclusion I think. Airfix should re-release the Waterloo battle game they did, about the same era.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Yes i reckon, they could probably put on pc

[@xray86delta]

I loved Airfix 1/72 scale figures! I had hundreds, literally!

[@alancharlesworth5636]

Likewise, most of mine ended up in mum's hoover!!

[@9501599]

This is a good review. I enjoyed this because when I was wargaming starting intermediate school, waaaaay back in the day, I bought these sets individually and thought why can't Airfix make a set like the gun emplacement set? So I wrote to them suggesting they do this. The following year out it came. It didn't have all of the sets this one does, but it was good to see. I like to think I had a hand in this set but I'm sure they had this in mind before I suggested it.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Great story Guy.....I wonder...you never know!

[@cherchezlesoir7166]

Good old childhood

[@mikemodels928]

The number of figures is crazy. I got Italeri version of Waterloo battle. I personally think the quality is overall better since these figures are new. But Airfix version still impresses with numbers.

[@paulsaunders6536]

Pretty sure this was the first time you could get the Imperial guard from Airfix. The memories. I remember converting the British Infantry to the 95th Rifles back in 1973-4. I still have them....

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Time for a dust off 🤪

[@timcolder2789]

I have the 95th rifles that Revell issued back in the mid '90's. The Airfix line infantry were great when forming the old defensive squares that they used.

[@TheMiniArmyShow]

Oh no, now I want another project. Great video.

[@Spike-ey4bg]

weren't the originals yellow plastic....stilll have many hundreds all in SunPac peanut tins

[@JesterEric]

Yellow as I remember from early 80s. I don’t think the Waterloo set I had included the bases

[@capitanosteve6142]

I probably had this when it first came out. They were definitely grey, the farmhouse was white

[@painterforbeginners9613]

This is one of my favorite videos in KZbin.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Thankyou!!

[@JackOpulski]

Late Napoleonic Prussian uniforms looked fabulous. Those are just Landwehr.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Ironically airfixs best set!

[@ftumptch86]

Slowly painting my way through it for my 10 year old. It is taking a looooong time. Flaming kilts seriously.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Nightmare set to paint, I wish you good luck 👍

[@matjust5523]

You should get some tartan paint, it’s next to the striped paint ...

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@matjust5523 Too busy hunting for Haggis

[@georgeaitken2719]

Way back in the late 70s these figures were going for 40p a box I used to use my pocket money to get 2 a week

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Time machine at those prices!!!

[@mikegarcia6680]

40p Woolies

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@mikegarcia6680 crikey thas crazy 🤪

[@vinnyganzano1930]

Don't remember them being that cheap.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@vinnyganzano1930 trust me some of these are old..

[@johnsMOBA]

This kit made me flatten my nose on the local toy store back then.. never got or bought it.. seems today there is a version from italieri with a much better version of the farmhouse..

[@antonioromanoneto7054]

Pela mãe do guarda! Eu quero esta preciosidade. Bela peça!😄👍

[@HO-bndk]

They didn't resculpt figures to get them in a different scale, they actually mechanically pantographed them in 3D either up or down depending on the scale they wanted. It must have been a gruelling job. Nowadays you'd just type in the scale you want on your 3D printer.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

yes a lot easier these days!

[@pete7881]

Orded this set and it arrived yesterday.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

What do you think?

[@pete7881]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW It's really a great set & i enjoy it much. Looking forward to paint it.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@pete7881 Fantastic!

[@stephenhunt2806]

A very nice review and I agree about the white plastic. I agree that some of the sets are a little dated but the Imperial Guard, Prussians and the RHA are very good, especially the RHA. The others are not that bad and I enjoy gaming with them and not just out of nostalgia! Regarding the 1/32 French, I never had then in the 70s, although looking online now they are a 29 figure set of 7 poses and as far as I can see they are not 1/32 scale versions of the 1/72 scale set. The figures appear to be better anatomically and overall better poses that the smaller figures. Might keep an eye out for these on Ebay! Look forward to part 2!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Thanks Stephen, it's funny I can remember that soldier as clear as day, but your right, none of those 1/32 French look anything like what I saw. Plus he was charging open mouthed. A bizarre figure indeed....

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

He was a Timpo French infantry!! Mystery solved!!!

[@stephenhunt2806]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW Yes I remember Timpo now. I recall having one of their "Action Packs ", Prussians from the 1970s! Looking online now they dont look too bad.

[@mecongberlin]

The Prussian were part of the set only in the new edition right? Loved the farmhouse as well, especially when reenacting the movie with Rod Steiger as Napoleon 1970 - its all about the Farmhouse😀

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

That's correct, only on battleset releases after 1979!

[@gerhardswihla1099]

The shown Prussians look like they all belong to Prussian militia (Landwehr). uniformenportal.de/index.php?/category/106/start-40

[@mecongberlin]

@@gerhardswihla1099 Yes its the Landwehr indeed. They are actually well done figures. And the officers are done extremely well I think. Here the review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnSseXh9m856nac

[@gerhardswihla1099]

@@mecongberlin I only find it somewhat disturbing Airfix put them in the box and not regular infantry. I doupt a prussian commander would pick the Landwehr to attack french infantry if he had a choice.

[@mecongberlin]

@@gerhardswihla1099 agreed.

[@keithscholes6158]

I think you might be being a bit hard on the figure quality, I remember getting the Highland infantry and cuirassiers and being quite impressed with them. Of their time of course, but streets ahead of most of the earlier Airfix figures such as the ACW ones. I also recall that they were a sort of cream coloured plastic rather than grey and white.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Quite possible Keith!

[@timcolder2789]

Yes I remember that the line infantry, artillery and the cavalry from the '70's were all in yellow plastic. As someone previously commented the French Imperial Guard were in grey plastic.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@timcolder2789 that sounds better than the white!!

[@robertmoore7153]

Can you get any additional moulded terran sections anywhere, to make a bigger battlefield?

[@basicminiaturepainting]

Nice review

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Thanks mate!

[@ciaranmccann9965]

Part1, so part 2?

[@rainerbaecke572]

Hello, just some remarks, `nice-to-know`. In Minute 7.52 of your video, the diorama plate shows the "sand pit" in wich a battalion of the famous 95th Rifles hided. By the way, the farm house is the `La Hye Sainte`, which was defended by the 2. (light) Battallion of the KGL (Hannover) under the command of Major Baring. The light Battallion was equivalent dressed and equipped like the 95th Rifles. They held the farm several hours until they run out of ammunnition. I think only a handfull where able to escape after some handjobs against the french in the living room and the orchard of the farm. Major Baring was one of them. (Literatur hint: Bernard Cornwell: Waterloo). Thanks for the review. I got it to my 8th birthday 1980. But in the box the only figures where: British Artillery, French Artillery, French Line Infantry, Imperial Guard. That was it. Very disappointed!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Why so few figures? Thanks for the info though!

[@rainerbaecke572]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW So I don`t really know? Probably it was an export version to the continent? But in the end it was already ok. I bought some figures from (at that time) ESCI-REVELL. British Light Dragoons, Polish Lancers, your famous presented AIRFIX Highlander, AIRFIX French Curassiers and, at the age of 38 ( :)! ) New REVELL Prussian and `Green Jackets` (95th Rifles).

[@flitsertheo]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW They reduced the number of figures in other sets too. If I remember correctly an original box of 1/32 soldiers contained about 29 figures, later boxes only 13 or so.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

This is such a blast from the past. Happy memories.

[@theironleopard7445]

This video has convinced me to buy this thank you!!!!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Ah nice one!! Enjoy it!

[@williamhall667]

how do these compare to the Italieri brand of figures of the same scale?

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Italeri are better

[@salvatorewargames8017]

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

It is!

[@andrewbolay1517]

What is a good primer for 1/72, I have tried plastic primers but run into trouble. The cans clog and paint comes out in droplets. Auto paint sprays perfect but just rubs off. Thanks. Some of the HAT figures seem to be rubber not plastic.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Are you using acrylic paint? I think this is the best option

[@andrewbolay1517]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW I wash in warm dish soap scrubbing gently with tooth brush, complete dry then prime. So far I have tried Rustoleum, automotive NOGO, Rustoleum camo color (kahki) NOGO , Rustoleum plastic primer NOGO. Last night tried Rustoleum "clean metal" so far so good. When I say NOGO ,the test is to wait 24hrs to let dry then gently rubbing with finger tip. The NOGO paints just fall off, too easily , I will try another type of plastic primer today , see what they have at home depot. The figures are HAT 8042 light inf. It's a shame but the rustoleum auto primer works beautifully, dries fast and thin coat. Oh well that's life, I'll keep you posted. Thank's soldier. P.S. the clean metal primer is best so far and will work, but, it's thick and dries slow so coat lightly and dry between coats. It comes in light grey or gray .

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@andrewbolay1517 keep me posted on the results!!

[@andrewbolay1517]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW Only able to get 2 more types to try, Home DEpot not restocking shelves. !st up Rustoleum Flat protective enamel ( flat white ) works GOOD , won't rub off with finger tip ( not finger nail) and won't come off when bending bayonet or sword. Next was Rustoleum Ultra cover 2x primer flat white , rubbed right off, NO GOOD. So far Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer best then Rustoleum Flat Protective Enamel ( flat white ) works well also. If you choose the Clean Metal , be aware that it is a thick paint and will require several light coats and a 24 hr drying time. Be sure to shake cans thoroughly before and during painting, these clog easily. As for turning the can "upside down " and spraying until no paint comes out to keep tip clean. IDK ? I tried to use paint that any one could find at local store. Hope this saved some time and money guys, good luck and keep modeling.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@andrewbolay1517 Great info Andrew!!

[@norman1646]

Thanks for taking my request man!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Got there eventually Norman, not finished yet though!

[@johnphillips2908]

‘74 set didn’t have prussians as far as I recall...

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Yes they came later John

[@timcolder2789]

Yes I had all the figures in separate boxes other than the Prussian infantry. I think they came out about 1979 after I had stopped collecting figures. Took up the hobby again in the early '90's and thought they were a set I had not bought before.

[@Sgt-lott10]

Nice

[@robbleeker4777]

Where the hell is part two? And it would be nice to have a video where you are putting it together.. 😒

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Hi Rob there are a few videos I did on this one, take a look in playlist

[@robbleeker4777]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW Found it, thanks

[@toddsmith6681]

Where can I purchase this set?

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

eBay my man

[@timcolder2789]

I managed to get the set off Amazon UK about 10 years ago. Maybe sold out by now I would think. There is a second hand set on ebay today but not cheap!

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@timcolder2789 ebay only now tim

[@Sgt-lott10]

Since youtube won’t let me reply to ya, you can either make a video or send voice audition via discord

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Thats odd, what are they playing at?

[@Sgt-lott10]

TOY SOLDIER REVIEW soo how you going to send voice audition

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@Sgt-lott10 I'll find a way!!

[@markcollins1390]

I've got trouble with my italaleri French artillery

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Size issue or glue? Don't use the trendy clear stuff you need traditional tube!

[@willdabeast9561]

I’m not really that big of a fan of airfix. Maybe it’s me because I don’t have the skill to paint the Minnatured

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Join the club!

[@willdabeast9561]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW congrats on the new sub - me

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@willdabeast9561 thanks my friend!!!

[@willdabeast9561]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW anytime pal what i think is nice is that you’ll reply to a comment on a video a year old

[@TheSteveRobinson]

The quality of Airfix ranged from damn good to awful. Things did improve in 1973-74 when they did re-design some of their sets, but companies like Atlantic and ESCI spurred the movement towards really well detailed figures.

[@antonybullock2240]

I really wish Airfix would just retire these kits. They weren't particularly good back in the 60s and 70s. The fact that these kits were designed to be pocket money kits and they're now expecting people to pay £30 for them I think it's comical and a little bit disrespectful.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

I agree with you, very dated but some kits do grab the attention

[@davidcramb5793]

I've never understood why some of the kits were such poor quality, in particular the 1/72 figures, yet the 1/32 ones were beautiful. It's as if they were made in different factories, with different equipment and designers.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@davidcramb5793 Think airfix were the forerunner in this size so they were taking all the risks at that point in time, caught between play figures and the capture of wargaming

[@BowWowProductionsLTD]

Great set. Presenter much too fond of his own voice though. Tony Costa.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

That made me laugh!!

[@DrCreamFilms]

In the seventies toys were based on real historical people and events today’s children are prepared for their future with superhero nonsense

[@markcollins1390]

Cannons won't stick

[@roguefish66]

I personally found the set to be of poor quality. Not at all as I remembered it from the 1970's.

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

it was probably a crisper mould back then and the packaging was far superior to this edition

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW They are poorer quality plastic. The originals were not brilliant, but they are better quality than these - even after decades in the loft. The farm house was originally sold as La Haye Sainte, to which it bears a passing resemblance, and was originally much better quality and in grey plastic. The Prussians were a later addition and not in the original set. Brings back a lot of happy memories.

[@airfixer9461]

Better preparation & more documented info could have given this review a higher standard...still..nice try..but Airfix collectors will zzzzzap away I'm afraid

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

Not so sure, it's on 69 likes and I have not seen a better review yet, also the inbox reviews are not finished and very comprehensive

[@Bathin1944]

Scheiße.

[@markcollins1390]

Cannons won't stick

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

You have to use the old style glue in the tube!

[@markcollins1390]

Yea I left it over night then I touched it then it fell apart

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@markcollins1390 sounds bad!

[@markcollins1390]

@@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW on my hat French infantry. Ive used tamya lids for diorama 172

[@TOYSOLDIERREVIEW]

@@markcollins1390 sounds interesting any pics?