Roco WW2 Leader Set

 I have been after the elusive Roco WW2 Leader set for decades, since the late 90s in fact when I started with 15mm WW2 as an alternative to 20mm and 6mm. I can't say it has been a particularly dedicated search, but when I mentioned it recently, one of my blog followers helpfully pointed me at a set for sale on eBay.

And here it is, still in the original packaging held together with very rusty staples. It is a very odd collection, being a mix of national leaders and some senior commanders. Hitler, Stalin, Churchill, Mussolini and De Gaulle, but then Eisenhower, Rommel and no less than two Goerings! How about Patton and Monty? In my head I'd convinced myself it it included a Montgomery, but clearly not.

Howls of pain from Roco collectors worldwide ensued as I prised the pack open. Here are the guys all stuck on their painting base sitting on top of the air fryer. They are such lovely slender sculpts and perfectly proportioned, just like small AB figures. No ugly metal blob dwarves here! Tbh, they are a wee bit big for 15mm, OTOH most of them are larger than life personalities, so why not be a bit bigger. 

I need to have a think about paint jobs for these guys - I've already got a Hitler and Rommel so I can do them in different uniforms. The big question mark is Goering, although I'm minded to do one of the Goerings as Kesselring. I'm very pleased to have a De Gaulle, I need to get him painted up before the next France 1940 game! Stalin will also come in very handy as I'm a bit short of senior Soviet officers, the same applies to Eisenhower. As for Churchill and Mussolini, well, I'm sure I'll find a use for them.

I'm thinking this is going to be a bit of a slow burn painting project, so batches of these figures will appear in the next few months.