SHQ & Kennington vs Revell, 17th Century foot

The photo above compares three Thirty Years' War figures from Revell (in various shades of gray) with three ECW figures from SHQ & Kennington (black washed metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from three boxes. From left to right they are:

02556 “Thirty Years’ War, Imperial Infantry.” This box includes 47 figures in 16 poses.
02557 “Thirty Years’ War, Swedish Infantry.” This box includes 47 figures in 15 poses.
02566 “Thirty Years' War, Imperial Artillery.” This box includes 28 figures in 23 poses as well as three guns and a team of horses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Box 2556: 22mm.
Box 2557: 22mm.
Box 2566: 24mm

Body Build (from 5 categories):
Box 2556: C (average).
Box 2557: C (average).
Box 2566: B (somewhat slender)

Availability and Cost:

These sets are not currently listed as being in production at Revell, but boxes and used figures can be found at online and local hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Revell figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

More Acknowledgements

A couple of packages made their way to the Plastic Pelisse this week, and I wanted to acknowledge the senders.

Eric Yin has once again provided a number of new plastic samples; they will address gaps in the collection that supports comparisons on this blog. In particular, readers can now expect to see more Revell and more modern period sets.

Get more Eric here:

1-72 Multiverse

Conrad Kinch meanwhile, donated a unit of Prussian dragoons, in metal. Conrad mentioned that they were the product of Uwe Ehmke. However, I have not been able to track down this name. Can anyone provide more information on Ehmke? Was he the sculpter, the manufacturer, both? When did he produce thse figures? What was his full catalogue like? Any suggestions or information will be appreciated.

Get more Conrad here:

Joy and Forgetfulness

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, early 18th century foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Zvezda (A,C,E) with three metal figures from Les Higgins / Nostalgic Revival (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their Marlborough range, which has been extended under the new brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as follows (referring to the letter blocks in the picture):

B: MP 4 Grenadier at port arms
D: MP 14 Musketeer at ready
F: MP 35 Generic figure, no weapon

Note: the first two figures are from the original Les Higgins range, while the third is a recent addition.

The Marlborough range currently includes the following poses: 16 infantry other ranks; 8 officers, NCOs and drummers; 4 artillery crew; 11 mounted figures; 2 dismounted cavalry; and 2 artillery pieces.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average)

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 35p (UK) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Les Higgins models were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8049 “"Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, 1698-1725.” The box contains 43 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For instance, Hannants have it for £5.99.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

Outland vs Zvezda, Napoleonic Russian foot

The photo above compares three Russian figures from Outland (black washed metal) with three Grenadier figures from Zvezda (in green plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

The Napoleonic Russian range currently includes 34 poses: 21 infantry, 6 cavalry and 7 artillery

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

Availability and Cost:

Outland’s metal figures are currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8020 “Russian Heavy Infantry – Grenadiers, 1812-1814.” The box contains 46 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For instance, Tracks & Troops have it for €5.95.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

WarModelling vs Esci / Italeri, WW2 German Infantry

The photo above compares three German paratroopers from WarModelling (black washed metal) with three German infantry figures from Esci / Italeri (in dark green plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from WarModelling’s World War Two range. They are part of set WW22, titled “German Fallschirmjägers (CRETE)”. This is a boxed set with 22 figures in unique poses, plus a small mortar.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The WarModelling figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: 19.50 EUR for the complete box.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were kindly supplied by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 201“World War Two German Soldiers.” The box included 50 figures in 15 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6033, “German Infantry, Panzergrenadiere.”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Italeri continues to produce these figures, and they can be found easily in hobby shops. For instance, Netmerchants sells them for £5.39.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the sample figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

Rafm vs Orion, Ancient European foot

The photo above compares three Ancient German figures from Rafm (black washed metal) with three Viking figures from Orion (in red plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Armies of the Caesars” range, and are catalogued as RAF7252 “Early German Infantry in Trousers.”

The “Armies of the Caesar” range currently includes 30 types. For the Romans, there are 14 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 command sets available. For their enemies, the choices include 7 infantry, 3 cavalry and 1 command set. Most of the codes consist of a single pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures (all in the same pose).

Notes on the Samples:

The figures require some assembly (separate heads, shields and spears).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72004 “Sea Warriors: Vikings, VIII-XI Century.” The box contains 46 figures in 23 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender).

Availability and Cost:

The Orion box is currently available, although it is not widely carried. However, it can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For example, Michigan Toy Soldiers has the set listed for $12.99 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic and a donation from Liam Sullivan.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

SHQ & Kennington vs Zvezda, Seventeenth Century Foot

The photo above compares three English Civil War infantry figures from SHQ & Kennington (black washed metal) with three Austrian infantry figures from Zvezda (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8061 “Austrian Musketeers and Pikemen.” The box contains 45 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 24mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For example, it can be found for $CDN 11.50 at UDISCO.

Outland vs Waterloo 1815, Napoleonic Infantry

The photo above compares three Russian infantry figures from Outland (unpainted metal) with three Polish infantry figures from Waterloo 1815 (in tan plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

The Napoleonic Russian range currently includes 34 poses: 21 infantry, 6 cavalry and 7 artillery.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

Availability and Cost:

Outland’s metal figures are currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Waterloo 1815 figures come from box AP008 “Polish Infantry 1812/14.” The box includes 36 figures in 9 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

This set is currently in production and available through hobby distributors. Price at a sample online store: $11.42 (Canadian) at Woodrow’s War Store.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

A New Brand - 20mm Nostalgic Revival

The work of John Cunningham and his collaborators – including Uwe Wild – has been highlighted many times in this blog. They have worked hard to revive and expand old ranges, and fill in some of the other gaps in the figures available.

Up to now, I have described the figures either under their legacy brand names, or by using “Cunningham Miniatures.” However, the team has decided on a new brand name – “20mm Nostalgic Revival.”

Here is the background from a message that John sent recently:

"The idea behind this project is to again make available to 20 mm collectors and wargamers some of the old 20mm ranges that have over the years disappeared or gone out of production and to introduce to the younger generation of gamers the appeal of these ranges, an added intention is produce ranges of 20 mm figures that the major makers of 20 mm figures, both metal and plastic, are unlikely to ever produce. The main periods covered will be 1600 to 1900

"A few years ago a small group of us managed to buy the Les Higgins 20 mm Marlburian and ECW masters and moulds and we got the Marlburian range back into production with added variants in the same style and I have since added others that came into my possession, I have now had the Les Higgins 20 mm ECW range remoulded and cast, both ranges are fully in production and are available

"In the last couple of years I was fortunate in being able to buy the original moulds for the Douglas Miniatures 20 mm ranges and have put back into circulation the Marlburian range and hope to get the DM 20mm Crimean range available shortly as well as a few others from the moulds

"I have also been able to buy the Wodensfeld moulds for French Seven Years War and ACW, again the SYW French are in full production and the ACW range will soon follow

"As for new ranges, several are now available, these have been done in conjunction with friends across the world who found the sculptors, supplied the uniform information, suggested ranges and poses for these and I have had them moulded and cast

Revived Ranges

Les Higgins Marlburian & ECW
Douglas Miniatures Marlburian (Crimean coming soon)
Wodensfeld SYW French (ACW coming soon)
Niblett ECW (I have the masters)

New Ranges

Sepoys for Wellington in India
Akalis Sikh Fanatics 19th Century
Arqubusiers de Grassin 1740s ( more being sculpted)
Irish Piquets 1740s/Culloden
Polish Troops 17th Century"


I will be updating older posts to reflect this new brand.

WarModelling vs Airfix, WW2 German Infantry

The photo above compares four metal figures from WarModelling (black washed metal) with three plastic figures from Airfix (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from WarModelling’s World War Two range. They are part of set WW22, titled “German Fallschirmjägers (CRETE)”. This is a boxed set with 22 figures in unique poses, plus a small mortar.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The WarModelling figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: 19.50 EUR for the complete box.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were kindly supplied by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The two paratroop figures (on the left and in the middle) come from box A01753 “WWII German Paratroops.” This set was also released by Heller as 79653 “German Paratroops”

The box includes 46 figures in 14 poses.

The infantry figure (on the right) comes from box A01705 “WWII German Infantry.” Specifically, the figure comes from the later version of this set. This set was also released by Heller as 79605 “German Infantry”

The box includes 48 figures in 15 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Paratroops: Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Infantry: Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Both sets: Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Set A01705 (Infantry) is currently in production at Airfix. New boxes can be purchased directly on the manufacturer’s website at a cost of £4.69.

Set A01753 (Paratroops) is not currently being produced by Airfix. While it is easy to find second hand boxes on the web, they are priced much higher than current production, due to the scarcity.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.