When diving into WWII tabletop wargaming, players quickly discover there are two common types of miniature proportions: heroic scale and realistic scale. While both approaches have their strengths, understanding the differences can help you choose what works best for your table—and avoid surprises when mixing the two.
What Is Heroic Scale?
Heroic scale figures (often 15mm or 28mm infantry) are intentionally bulkier and feature exaggerated proportions. Heads, hands, and weapons are larger than they would be in real life. This is done on purpose—heroic scale is designed to make details pop at arm’s length and hold up better to paint jobs.
Why players like heroic scale:
- Easier to paint, as details like faces, helmets, and weapons stand out more.
- Sturdier on the table—bayonets, rifles, and limbs are less fragile.
- More expressive and “characterful,” which is appealing for skirmish games.
Heroic scale 15mm and 28mm soldier—notice the large head and oversized weapon for durability and visual clarity vs the measurement man in realistic 15mm scale.
What Is Realistic Scale?
Realistic scale aims to match actual proportions more closely. In 15mm and 28mm, this means soldiers, tanks, and weapons look closer to real-world sizes. While the details are finer and sometimes harder to paint, the figures look more natural, especially alongside properly scaled vehicles.
At Miniature Tanks Company, we focus on producing realistic scale WWII tanks and vehicles. This ensures that when you place a Sherman, Tiger, or Panzer next to your troops, it looks true to history.
A 15mm realistic scale Vezdekhod from Miniature Tanks Company—proportioned to match real-world dimensions. Notice the 15mm realistic scale measurement man vs the 15mm heroic scale soldier.
The Mix-and-Match Problem
Here’s the catch: when you place heroic scale infantry next to realistic scale vehicles, the soldiers can look oversized and a bit comical. A 28mm heroic figure might appear to tower over a realistically scaled tank, making the vehicle look too small.
This doesn’t mean you can’t mix them—but it’s something to be aware of before investing in a whole army.
Choosing What’s Best for You
- Go Heroic Scale if you want bold, durable minis that are easier to paint and handle.
- Go Realistic Scale if you want historical accuracy and tanks that look right next to your soldiers.
- Mix with care—but understand the proportions will clash.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you value more: painter-friendly details and sturdiness, or accuracy and realism.
At Miniature Tanks Company, our mission is to give wargamers historically accurate tanks and vehicles that bring WWII battlefields to life. Just remember: if you put heroic scale soldiers next to them, your troops may look extra large—but that’s the tradeoff for the heroic style many gamers enjoy.