1980s US Infantry 1/72

[Martin06]

Hello, im planning on building a small diorama situated during the REFORGER exercise during 80s (82-85), but I did not find figures which would be specifically for that era.

I've been thinking about the italeri 6168 and Zvezda 7407. Which one would be more suitable for the Reforger 1982?

Or is there any other option which would be suitable for that era? Is there someone who makes the 80s us soldiers?

 

Thank you for any suggestions.

Edited October 21 by Martin06
Forgot to mention an option

[Richard E]

Preiser might be another option for you to consider .......

[Asmodai]

You’re on shaky ground there, as there were not a lot of figures being made in that era, so the end of the Cold War is kind of neglected. Also, at the time you are asking about, the US uniform underwent a major change with the introduction of the PAGST ‘Fritz’ helmet to replace the long serving M1 steel pot. Both types could be seen being worn in the 1983 Grenada invasion, but the PAGST helmet pretty rapidly took over after that. There is the lousy Airfix set of ‘NATO Troops’ that loosely model American soldiers of the mid 80s with the PAGST helmet. But there are only 7 poses, and the figures are kind of small, despite being stated as 1/72. The ESCI set is probably your best option, but it is post 1983, as everyone is in PAGST. The Zvezda figures are similar in wearing PAGST, but not very useful with only four poses. 

Edited October 22 by Asmodai

[Martin06]

Ok, thank you guys, looks like I will have to cut off the PASGT helmet and replace it with M1.

Probably i will go with Esci. 🙂

[Orso]

You can try this site: https://plasticsoldierreview.com/Index.aspx

 

[TheyJammedKenny!]

On 10/22/2025 at 1:24 AM, Martin06 said:

cut off the PASGT helmet and replace it with M1

Not so easy.  Our troops did not regularly wear body armor until much, much later.  The Italeri set has all the figures wearing flak vests.  Check photos from the time and see for yourself, but I almost think your best bet would be Vietnam War era troops.