Newline vs Airfix, ACW infantry

This photo compares Newline Design's Zouaves ( the bare metal figures) with a selection of Airfix figures (in coloured plastic or painted). Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix figures come from three sets. The painted figure on the far left, and the gray figure third from left are from set 01713, “Confederate Infantry.” The blue figure second from right is from the Union Infantry set (01712), while the painted figure on the extreme right is a conversion from set 01710 “Foreign Legion” – 2nd version (also released by HaT as 7012 “Foreign Legion”).

The metal figures are from Newline’s American Civil War range. The officer (fourth from left) is from ACW 75 (Zouave command in kepi), while the standard bearer (second from left) is from ACW 79 (Zouave command in fez).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix Union and Confederate figures – 21mm.
Airfix French Foreign Legion – 22mm
Newline Zouaves – 20mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix – C (Average).
Newline – C (Average)

Notes and conclusions: The Airfix figures are some of the oldest on the market, and not very dynamic. The Newline sculpts are much more animated, but otherwise fit well with their plastic cousins. In fact using slightly thicker bases for the metal troops would make the fit almost perfect.

Ironically, the Newline figures match up better with the Airfix ACW models, than Airfix's own Foreign Legion figure does.

One final note, the figure on the right was converted about thirty years ago to represent a Louisiana Tiger. Some paint can be seen flaking off the weapon – a sign that recent techniques to maximize paint retention weren’t being used at the time.