Modern Times (after 1945)

Modern era after 1945 — From the Korean War to the Vietnam War (1950–1975)

Historical introduction

Modern era after 1945 — From the Korean War to the Vietnam War (1950–1975)

Historical introduction

After 1945, the world emerged exhausted from the Second World War, yet the hoped-for peace quickly gave way to new confrontations. The planet was divided into two opposing blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. This ideological, political and military rivalry gave rise to the Cold War, a global conflict rarely fought directly. Instead, fighting took place through regional wars, where modern armies confronted deeply rooted guerrilla forces.
The Korean War and the Vietnam War epitomise this new era. They marked profound changes in warfare: increased mobility, massive air power, intelligence gathering and clashes between regular forces and irregular fighters. For the toy soldier collector, this period is particularly compelling. Uniforms evolved rapidly, equipment modernised and poses became more dynamic. Each collector figure reflects a world in transition.

Soldiers of the Korean War — 1/72 scale figure

The Korean War erupted in 1950 on a divided peninsula. United Nations forces, mainly American, faced North Korean and later Chinese troops in extremely harsh conditions.
The 1/72 figure accurately depicts these soldiers with heavy uniforms, parkas, steel helmets, semi-automatic rifles and tense stances. These plastic figures show a modern army still influenced by the Second World War.
They are ideal for dioramas featuring mountainous terrain, frozen defensive lines or high-tension patrols.

American and Allied forces — PEGASUS figure

During the 1950s and 1960s, US forces became the symbol of Western military commitment. Their role in Korea and Vietnam was to contain communism and support allied governments.
The PEGASUS figure highlights this evolving army with functional uniforms, standardised equipment, automatic weapons and realistic poses.
Collectors can create dynamic scenes illustrating mobility, air assaults and modern firepower.

Vietnamese fighters and guerrilla warfare — figure to paint

The Vietnam War represented a major turning point. Vietnamese fighters relied on guerrilla tactics, concealment and deep knowledge of the terrain to wear down a technologically superior enemy.
These figures to paint offer great creative freedom, with simple clothing, conical hats, varied weapons and discreet or aggressive poses.
They bring jungle ambushes, villages and covert operations to life in dioramas.

Modern armies and mass mobilisation — REDBOX figure

The post-war era saw the large-scale use of conscript soldiers. Young men from diverse backgrounds fought far from home under immense psychological pressure.
The REDBOX figure stands out for its expressive, realistic poses. These plastic figures emphasise the human dimension of modern conflict.
They allow collectors to create emotionally powerful and believable scenes.

Rare and discontinued ranges — IMEX figure

IMEX figures hold a special place in post-war military collecting. Their distinctive style and dynamic poses made them highly popular.
These figures are no longer produced. This is the last opportunity to obtain them from Scientific MHD, enhancing their status as sought-after collector figures.
They are perfect for completing Korean War or Vietnam War displays.

Modern conflicts in miniature — plastic figure

Depicting post-1945 wars through the plastic figure allows a modern and human approach to history. Each 1/72 figure represents the military, social and cultural changes of the late twentieth century.
For fans of the figure to paint, this era offers exceptional creative scope.

Key dates

1950–1953: Korean War.
1954: Division of Vietnam.
1964–1973: Major US involvement in Vietnam.
1975: Fall of Saigon and end of the Vietnam War.

Collecting figures from the modern era after 1945 means exploring a period in which warfare fundamentally changed. Each collector figure from REDBOX, PEGASUS or IMEX conveys part of this complex history.
Carefully painted or integrated into immersive dioramas, these figures to paint and plastic figures combine historical accuracy with creative expression.