Maya Ellison
Plastic army men, those little green toy soldiers, have been a staple of childhood fun since the early 1940s. They are typically made from low-density polyethylene plastic, stand at around 2 inches tall, and are sold cheaply in plastic bags or buckets, often alongside plastic warfare accessories like tanks and vehicles. The origin story of these toys is fascinating, with plastic army men emerging after World War II due to a surplus of plastic, enabling companies to create safer and more affordable toys. Their popularity has endured, with appearances in movies and TV shows, and they have even inspired artistic projects and dedicated museums worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 cm or 2 inches |
| Scale | 54mm or 1/32 |
| Material | Low-density polyethylene plastic |
| Colours | Green, grey, tan, and multi-coloured |
| Accessories | Tanks, vehicles, barriers, cover, sandbags, rifles, machine guns, grenades, etc. |
| Price | Cheap |
| Availability | Sold in plastic bags or buckets in toy stores or general stores |
| Manufacturers | Timmee, BMC, Armies in Plastic, Lanard, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic army men are made from low-density polyethylene plastic, which is durable and flexible
- They are typically 5 cm tall, or 2 inches, and are sold in plastic bags or buckets
- The toys are very cheap and disposable, and are not considered scale models
- They are often used for creative play, including wargames, and have been featured in popular media
- Plastic army men are primarily made in Taiwan and Hong Kong, with knock-offs outnumbering the originals
Plastic army men are made from low-density polyethylene plastic, which is durable and flexible
Plastic army men, those iconic toys, have been a feature of play for nearly a century. They are typically made from low-density polyethylene plastic, which is a durable and flexible material. This type of plastic is ideal for creating the small, detailed figures that have become so popular. The plastic army men are usually around 5 cm (2 inches) tall, although they can vary in size, with some 'jumbo' figures reaching 12.1 cm (4.75 inches).
The use of low-density polyethylene plastic in their manufacture has several advantages. Firstly, it is a cost-effective material, which has allowed these toys to be produced and sold cheaply. This affordability has contributed to their widespread popularity, as most children could afford them. Secondly, the durability of the plastic has ensured that the figures can withstand rough play and being thrown or rolled during games. The flexibility of the plastic has also allowed for more dynamic poses and a greater range of motion in the figures, enhancing their play value.
The history of plastic army men dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, with companies like Bergen Toy & Novelty Company (also known as Beton) and Tim Mee Toys creating the first plastic figures. The switch from metal and lead toy soldiers to plastic was a significant development, improving safety and making these toys more accessible to children. After World War II, plastic manufacture was seen as an industry with growth potential, and many companies began producing plastic figures that were widely available in the United States.
The classic green colour of the army men is the most common, with other colours often representing enemy troops or "bad guys". These toys have been featured in media such as the ""Army Men" video game series and Pixar's "Toy Story", further cementing their iconic status. Today, plastic army men continue to be sold in grocery stores and toy aisles, with manufacturers like BMC Toys carrying on the tradition of these beloved toys.
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They are typically 5 cm tall, or 2 inches, and are sold in plastic bags or buckets
Plastic army men are typically 5 cm tall, or 2 inches, and are often sold in plastic bags or buckets. They are commonly made from low-density polyethylene plastic, which makes them durable and flexible. They are usually dressed in modern military uniforms and armed with 20th-century weapons. These toys are considered very affordable and are therefore widely accessible. Their low cost also makes them virtually disposable, and they encourage a range of creative types of play. They are especially well-suited for sandboxes and simple war games.
The plastic army men are often accompanied by plastic warfare accessories, such as tanks, vehicles, barriers, and rifles. These toys first emerged after World War II, when there was a surplus of plastic, enabling manufacturers to create cheaper toys. The toys have been around since the 1940s and have endured due to their popularity, even featuring in movies and TV shows.
The traditional colour for these toys is green, with other colours often representing the "enemy troops" or "bad guys". They are usually sold in plastic bags or buckets, with multiple colours included to distinguish between the opposing sides. The most well-known manufacturers of plastic army men include Timmee Toys, BMC Toys, and Armies in Plastic.
In addition to the standard plastic army men, there are also "Jumbo" army men, which are a less common secondary scale with 4.75-inch (12.1 cm) soldiers. These larger figures are produced using the same process as their smaller counterparts. Plastic army men have become a symbol of childhood fun and creativity, and their enduring popularity has led to their inclusion in various artistic projects and even museums dedicated to their history.
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The toys are very cheap and disposable, and are not considered scale models
Plastic army toys, or army men, are typically small plastic figurines of soldiers that are commonly sold as children's toys. They are usually sold in plastic bags or buckets, and in multiple colours to represent opposing sides. They are equipped with a variety of weapons, typically from World War II to the current era, including rifles, machine guns, pistols, grenades, and more. These toys are designed to be cheap and disposable, often purchased from discount stores and supermarkets. Their affordability makes them widely accessible and encourages creative types of play, as they can be set up in many different ways. For example, they are well-suited for sandboxes or simple wargames with rubber balls or marbles.
Army men are not considered scale models, and historical and chronological accuracy are generally not a priority in their design. They are typically about 5 cm (2.0 in) tall, or 54mm scale, and are most commonly moulded from low-density polyethylene plastic, which makes them durable and flexible. Their production was made possible due to the surplus of plastic after World War II, allowing toy companies to create safer toys at lower costs.
The origin of plastic army men can be traced back to the creation of tin toy soldiers in the 1730s in Germany. These early toy soldiers were produced by moulding metal between two pieces of slate. Over time, various cheap metals and alloys were used, including tin, lead, zinc, and antimony. Mass production of toy soldiers began in the late 18th century, and they became widespread during this period due to the military exploits of Frederick the Great. In 1893, the British company William Britain revolutionised toy soldier production by devising the method of hollow casting, making soldiers that were cheaper and lighter.
The first American plastic toy soldiers were introduced in 1938 by the Bergen Toy & Novelty Company (Beton). Since then, various companies have expanded the product line to include action figures from different eras and various types of combat figures, such as toy cowboys and Indians, spacemen, knights, and more. In 2019, BMC Toys announced the upcoming release of army women figures in response to requests from female veterans and toy fans.
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They are often used for creative play, including wargames, and have been featured in popular media
Plastic army men are commonly used for creative play, including wargames, due to their low cost, durability, and flexibility. They can be purchased in large quantities for a relatively low price, making them ideal for use in sandbox games or simple wargames with rubber balls or marbles. Their durability also makes them well-suited for outdoor play and rough handling by children. The variety of weapons and soldiers available, typically from World War II to the current era, allows for creative setups and imaginative play.
Wargames, such as Combat Storm, utilise plastic army men as game pieces on a large playing area, such as a table or floor, to simulate a battlefield. Players can use common household objects to represent buildings and obstacles, or create their own terrain with print-and-play papercraft. The game features rules for different classes of soldiers, vehicles, and weapons, as well as unique game modes like "Last Man Standing."
Plastic army men have also been featured in popular media, including video games and films. In the 1990s, 3DO introduced a popular series of video games called "Army Men," which capitalised on the cultural phenomenon of these toys. Disney Pixar's 1995 animated film, Toy Story, and its sequels featured green plastic army men as characters, further popularising them.
The popularity of plastic army men has led to the creation of similar inexpensive plastic toys, such as cowboys and Indians, farm sets, spacemen, knights, and dinosaurs. These toys are often sold alongside plastic army men and provide children with a range of creative play options. The expansion of this product category has been driven by consumer demand and the efforts of toy companies to include figures from different eras and themes.
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Plastic army men are primarily made in Taiwan and Hong Kong, with knock-offs outnumbering the originals
Plastic army men are small plastic toys designed to resemble soldiers. They are usually dressed in modern military uniforms and armed with 20th-century weapons. These toys are typically sold in plastic bags or buckets and are available in multiple colours to represent opposing sides. They are commonly about 5 cm (2.0 in) tall, although they can vary in size.
Plastic army men are primarily manufactured in Taiwan and Hong Kong. However, it is worth noting that knock-off versions significantly outnumber the originals. For every one original army man, there are approximately one thousand knock-off clones. This trend has persisted since the 1950s.
The production of plastic army men has an interesting history. The first American plastic toy soldiers were introduced by the Bergen Toy & Novelty Company (Beton) in 1938. Initially, these toys were painted and sold individually or in small boxed sets, resembling metal toy soldiers. However, after World War II, plastic army men began to be sold unpainted, typically in a green colour that matched the United States Army uniforms of that era.
Over time, various companies entered the market and expanded the product line to include figures from different eras and various types of combat and emergency personnel. Companies such as Louis Marx and Company and Multiple Plastics Corporation (MPC) sold boxed sets with figures and accessories, fueling the popularity of plastic army men.
Today, the most common plastic army men are Vietnam-era soldiers, typically produced by TimMee Toys. These figures usually come with an M16 rifle, although they may also include additional weapons such as bazookas, flamethrowers, or radios. These toys are widely available in grocery stores and other retail outlets, contributing to their popularity and accessibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic army guys, also known as army men, are toy soldiers made from plastic. They are typically sold in plastic bags or buckets and are equipped with a range of weapons.
Plastic army guys are typically around 5 cm (2 inches) tall, which is referred to as "Jumbo" size. The more common scale for plastic army guys is 54mm or 1/32 scale.
Plastic army guys are typically made from low-density polyethylene plastic, which makes them durable and flexible.
