The 6 best army men brands

Army Men Buying Guide

Toy soldiers have been a staple in almost every little boy's toy collection for centuries. From the metal knights of old to the plastic army men of today, kids love playing army and recreating battles in their bedrooms or backyards. Army men have been a popular toy for over 80 years and have become a cultural icon that transcends generations. In this buying guide, we will explore the different types of army men available, what to look for when purchasing them, and some fun ways to play with them.

Types of Army Men

When it comes to army men, there are several different types to choose from. We'll explore a few popular choices:

Classic Green Army Men

The most well-known type of army men are the classic green army men. They are typically made of plastic and are molded into a variety of poses. These army men come in different sets, including infantry, tanks, and jeeps, and can be found in many different sizes. They are perfect for recreating battles and making dioramas. These types of army men are relatively inexpensive and easy to find in toy stores or online.

WWII Army Men

WWII army men are another popular type of toy soldier. These soldiers are typically modeled after real-life soldiers from the Second World War and are often adorned in authentic uniforms from that period. They typically come in sets that depict battles and are excellent for creating dioramas or for historical reenactments. These types of army men are often more detailed and realistic than classic green army men but can be more expensive.

Fantasy Army Men

For those who like a little bit of imagination in their toy soldiers, fantasy army men are perfect. They come in sets that feature knights, dragons, wizards, and more. These types of army men are typically more whimsical and make for great additions to any fantasy playset or imaginative playtime.

Vehicle Army Men

Some army men sets come with vehicles included. These vehicles can range from tanks and planes to helicopters and boats. These sets are great for creating dynamic battles that involve multiple moving pieces. They are also great for building out large-scale dioramas.

What to Look for When Buying Army Men

When shopping for army men, there are some things to keep in mind to get the best experience possible:

Size

Army men come in a variety of sizes, from small and compact to large and imposing. The size of the army men you choose will ultimately depend on what you plan to use them for. Smaller army men are great for creating intricate dioramas, while larger ones are better for more robust battle reenactments.

Pose

Army men come in many different poses, from running to shooting to standing at attention. The pose will ultimately impact what kind of battle scenarios you can create. Many army men sets have soldiers in different poses, making it easy to recreate complex battle scenes.

Quality

The quality of your army men can greatly impact your play experience. Poorly made army men can break or bend easily, while more robust ones will last longer and stand up to rough play. The material used can also impact the quality of the toy soldiers. Cheap plastic can break quickly, while high-quality polymers will be more durable.

Authenticity

For fans of historical battles and wars, authenticity is essential. Look for army men that are modeled after real-life soldiers from that era, with accurate uniforms and gear. Fantasy army men, by design, are not meant to be authentic, so don't worry too much about the details with these sets.

Fun Ways to Play with Army Men

There are many ways to play with army men, whether you're creating dioramas, recreating battles, or just letting your imagination run wild. Here are some fun ideas:

Create a Diorama

Dioramas are a great way to create a static representation of a battle. You can use any material you like to create the landscape, such as sand, dirt, or even foam sheets. Create trenches, foxholes, and other defensive positions for your soldiers. You can also add in vehicles and other accessories to create a more dynamic scene.

Aerial Battles

If you have a variety of army men sets with planes and helicopters, you can recreate epic aerial battles. Create a sky scene with blue or white cloth, and have your planes and helicopters go head-to-head, flying through the air, and swooping in and out of danger zones.

Recreate Famous Battles

Recreating famous battles from history is a great way to learn about important historical events while still having fun. You can recreate famous battles from the Revolutionary War, World War I or II, or other notable conflicts. For added effect, research the famous battle, and try to mimic the terrain and position of the opposing armies in your diorama or playset.

Build a Fort or Base

Use materials such as building blocks, cardboard, or foam sheets to build a fort or base for your soldiers. Create barriers and defensive perimeters for your soldiers to defend against an opposing army. You can also use vehicles to move troops in and out of your base and conduct strategic maneuvers.

Conclusion

Army men have been a beloved toy for generations, and with so many different types and sets available, there are endless possibilities for imaginative play. When shopping for army men, keep in mind the size, pose, quality, and authenticity of the sets you're considering. Once you've got your army men in hand, let your imagination run wild and recreate epic battles, historical events, and imaginary scenarios.