@CWO:
Global 1940 2nd edition has more nation-specific sculpt designs than the 1st edition, including a full set of nation-specific ANZAC and Italian sculpts. That element is strictly speaking just cosmetic, if the only consideration of your conversion is playability. Each nation (except China) does, however, get actual anti-aircraft artillery sculpts in the 2nd edition, which were absent (as sculpts) in the 1st edition.
I have a copy of 2nd edition. I keep it at my father in law’s house. He loves the game, it is set up 80% of the time I go over. I have my 1st edition at my house. Yeah 2nd edition sculpts are better but just looking for playability when just me and son can play. We had 3 of his buddies playing 1914 last weekend and they loved it……more recruits.