Esci / Italeri vs Cunningham, 18th c. Indian foot

The photo above compares three metal sepoy figures from 20mm Nostalgic Revival to three Esci figures (one painted, and two in tan plastic) which could represent their local opponents. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci figures are from box 238 “Muslim Warriors.” They have been reissued by Italeri in box 6055 "Arab Warriors."

The Nostalgic Revival figures are from the “Wellington in India” range, from left to right they are: SW2 Madras sepoy advancing, SW4 Bombay grenadier loading, SW3 Bombay grenadier priming.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Esci / Italeri – 21mm.
Nostalgic Revival – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Esci / Italeri – C (average)
Nostalgic Revival – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

The Esci / Italeri figures work very well with the NR sepoys. The height and the sculpting style are very close. There should be no concern about mixing these types on the same table. Note that the painted figure (which was purchased from C Turnitsa), is mounted on a washer, so appears a bit taller than the rest.

This comparison was suggested by Conrad Kinch in an earlier comment on the new NR figures. Check out Conrad’s blog:

http://joyandforgetfulness.blogspot.com/

Early 18th century Infantry, part 2

Here are some further pictures from John Cunningham, looking at figures available for the early 18th century. In this case, the models are all from metal ranges. According to John, they can be identified as follows:

Top Picture, left to right:
Warrior 1680, LS 4 Officer (painted, red coat)
Douglas Miniatures, MB 8 Standard Bearer (unpainted metal)
Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
Douglas Miniatures, MB 2 Musketeer at ready (painted, red coat)
Warrior 1680, LS 3 line Infantry (painted, red coat)

Bottom Picture, left to right:
Douglas Miniature, MB 3 Grenadier firing (unpainted metal)
Warrior 1680, LS 2 Dismounted Dragoon x2 (painted, blue coats)
Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
Les Higgins, MP 12 Musketeer firing (painted, white coat)

Click on the images for larger versions.

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, 17th century Infantry

The photo above compares three metal English Civil War figures from Les Higgins, to two Thirty Years War figures from Zvezda. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8061 “Austrian Musketeers and Pikemen.”

The Les Higgens figures come from their English Civil War range. From left to right they are: EP 3 (pike), EP 1C (officer), EP 12 (drummer).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda – 24mm.
Les Higgins – most of the LH figures are 21mm, but the officer in the middle is only 19mm in height.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda – C (average)
Les Higgins – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

There are very few 17th century figures in plastic, so the release of the Zvezda set was highly anticipated. But while the figures are extremely nice to consider on their own, they are far too large to mix well with other 1/72 scale models. As can be seen in the picture, the plastic soldiers simply tower over their metal colleagues.

Cunningham releases Sepoys for Wellington

John Cunningham has launched a new range of figures called “Wellington in India.” At present the range consists of six figures, as seen in the pictures above. (Painted by John; click on the images for larger versions).

Since John hasn’t yet finalized a name for his company, I am indexing these under “Cunningham Miniatures” but I will update that once I have his formal name.

These sepoys can serve in the fourth Anglo-Mysore War and Second Anglo-Maratha War as a start, and more generally the last years of the 18th century, and opening of the 19th century in India.

John will be selling these figures at .80 euros each. At today’s exchange that works out to $1.09 (US), 75p (UK), $1.33 (CDN) or $1.54 (AUS). To order, contact him by email at CunnJoh@aol.com

Jacklex British Colonial Infantry and Artillery

These pictures provide a few more glimpses of the Jacklex British Colonial range. The top picture shows a some of the poses available (in various stages of painting). From left to right they are:

• C8 Colonial British army gun crew (1 of 4 poses in the set)
• B9 Highland officer marching
• B16 Highland infantry marching (back view)
• C9 Colonial Indian army gun crew (1 of 4 poses)
• B16 Highland infantry marching

The second picture shows more of the gunners, and compares them to some conversions of Airfix and Esci figures. In this image, the models are (left to right):

• An Esci ensign painted as an artillery officer (painted by C Turnitsa)
• 2 gunners from Jacklex, set C8
• A Maxim naval gun crew converted from an Esci ensign, and three Airfix ACW gunners
• 2 gunners from Jacklex, set C9

In both cases, click on the image for a larger version.

Wodensfeld SYW French Infantry

Wodensfeld was a small range of 20mm metal figures started by John Weaver in the mid 1990s. Run as a one-man operation, the company only lasted a few years, with production ending before the millennium.

Wodensfeld’s main line was an American Civil War range, which will be described in future posts. However, the second era addressed by the firm was the Seven Years War / French and Indian War. John Weaver produced a set of French Infantry of this period before shutting down.

The Wodensfeld moulds have been acquired by John Cunningham, who has completed test runs. He expects to release the SYW French infantry in a limited run soon. They will be available in sets of 36 figures, with an expected run of 200 sets.

The image above shows three figures from the test run. They are posed with an Airfix AWI Grenadier for comparison (but as he is wearing the 1768 issue fur cap, he clearly is not a contemporary). Click on the image for a larger version.

Airfix vs B&B, Franco-Prussian German Infantry

The photo above compares three German infantry figures from B&B Miniatures (unpainted metal) with several World War One Airfix figures (re-released by HaT) painted as Prussian infantry of the Franco-Prussian war. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix figures are from box 01726: “WW1 German Infantry.” They were reissued by HaT as set 7001, with the same name.

The B & B figures come from their Franco-Prussian range, and are part of the “FPGI-7 Saxon Grenadiers” set.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix/HaT – 21mm.
B&B – 20mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix/HaT – as a whole, this box is rated C (average) although the pose at port arms falls more into the D (somewhat heavy) category.
B&B – E (exaggerated)

Overall conclusions: These two sets of figures go together quite well. The height is very close, and given that the B&B figures have thicker bases, almost unnoticeable. While the metal figures are sculpted in a very heavy style, some of the Airfix poses are compatible. (The standing firing pose on the other hand, are not a good match). The back view of the Airfix/HaT figures show the biggest compatibility problem. As First World War figures they are sculpted either with a “y” strap on their back, or a pack with the greatcoat wrapped around it. To be used for the period forty years earlier, they should have had the greatcoat slung over a shoulder, and be wearing cross belts.

SHQ French Napoleonic Guard Horse Artillery

SHQ is a British metal mini manufacturer, with ranges covering World War II, Vietnam and the Gulf War (1/72), the American Civil War, the English Civil War and the Napoleonic wars (20mm), and Ancient, Medieval Chinese and Gunfighters (25mm).

Their Napoleonic range is extensive, and also includes figures for the War of 1812. The figures in the photo are from that range, and are designated “ART 2 Napoleonic French Guard Horse Artillery Crew.” Click on the image for a larger version.

These gunners stand 22mm high (measured from sole of foot to eyes).

SHQ sells the gun crew as a set of four figures for £2.50 UK. That works out to 63p per figure. At today’s exchange, the single-figure cost is 89 cents (US), $1.13 (CDN), or $1.34 (AUS).

The SHQ website is here: SHQ miniatures

EDIT: these figures are a joint production, also available from Kennington.

Early 18th century Infantry, part 1

John Cunningham has generously provided some photos comparing plastic and metal infantry for the early 18th century. The period of course saw two major conflicts: the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

The image above shows all the figures arrayed. Click on the image for a larger version. More detailed shots will follow.

According to John, the figures are:

Top row, left to right

1. Warrior 1680, LS 4 Officer (painted, red coat)
2. Douglas Miniatures, MB 8 Standard Bearer (unpainted metal)
3. Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
4. Douglas Miniatures, MB 2 Musketeer at ready (painted, red coat)
5. Warrior 1680, LS 3 line Infantry (painted, red coat)
6. Douglas Miniatures, MB 3 Grenadier firing (unpainted metal)
7, 8. Warrior 1680, LS 2 Dismounted Dragoon x2 (painted, blue coats)
9. Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
10. Les Higgins, MP 12 Musketeer firing (painted, white coat)

Bottom Row, left to right

11. Warrior 1680, LS 9 Pikeman (painted, red coat)
12. Warrior 1680, LS 6 Gunner with linstock (unpainted metal)
13, 14. Zvezdva, 2 x Russians GNW set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)
15, 16. Zvezda, 2 x Swedes GNW set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)
17. Les Higgins, MP 14 Musketeer at ready (painted blue coat)
18, 19. Strelets, 2 x Swedes GNW set 0021 (unpainted red plastic)
20, 21. Strelets, 2 x Russians GNW set 0031 (unpainted dark green plastic)
22. Irregular Miniatures, musketeer marching (unpainted metal)

Esci / Italeri vs Jacklex, British Colonial foot

The photo above compares several Jacklex metal colonial figures with a few plastic Esci models (reissued by Italeri). From left to right the figures are: Jacklex Highlander, Esci infantry, Jacklex artillery, Esci infantry, partly painted Jacklex Highlander, unpainted Esci infantry. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci figures are used in two boxes: 212, “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and 232, “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.” The first box was reissued by Italeri as 6050 "Zulu War British Infantry."

The Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Range. The Highlanders are designated B16, “Highland Infantry Marching,” while the gunner is from set C8, “Colonial British army gun crew.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Esci / Italeri – 21mm
Jacklex Highlanders – 23mm
Jacklex artillery – 21mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Esci / Italeri – B (Slender)
Jacklex Highlander – C (Average)
Jacklex Artillery – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions:

This is another case where figures from the same range are actually less well matched than figures from different ranges. Here, the Jacklex gunner is a close match for the Esci / Italeri troops. The height and body style are identical, although the animation and detail on the plastic figures are a bit better. The Highlanders end up looking like the giants in the line-up, even with only a couple of millimeters difference in height.

Les Higgins ECW (part 2)

The pictures above show most of the remaining figures from the Les Higgins ECW range (the bulk of the infantry figures were posted on February 28). Click on the images for larger versions.

The figures are as follows (from left to right in each picture):

Top Image: gun crew (EP 13)

Middle Image: 3 cavalry troopers (EP11A and EP11B armed with swords, and EP15 with the firearm).
Bottom Image: drummer (EP12), mounted officer (EP10) and musketeer (EP14).

These figures can be purchased from John Cunningham, at cunnjoh@aol.com He expects to release a mounted cavalier (bare head) soon.

John is selling the foot figures for 40p, which is equivalent to 57 cents US, or 73 cents Canadian at today’s rates. Horses are separate and cost 45p.

Airfix vs Douglas Miniatures, British Crimean Infantry

The photo above compares several Airfix Highland infantry figures with British Crimean artillery and infantry by Douglas Miniatures. From left to right the models are: Douglas infantry; Airfix Highlander (unpainted plastic); Douglas infantry; painted Airfix Highlander; Douglas infantry officer; another Airfix Highlander. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix Highland figures come from box 01735 “Waterloo Highland Infantry.”

The Douglas infantry and gunner are from their Crimean War range, but I don’t have the set information.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix – 21mm.
Douglas – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix – C (Average)
Douglas – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions:

As noted earlier, Airfix did not intend to produce Crimean infantry, but their Highland figures could be pressed into service when Esci put out their Russian set. The Douglas figures were around at the same time, and allowed gamers to put a more complete British army in the field. As the picture reveals, the match isn’t perfect. The Douglas figures are tall and a bit skinny compared to their kilted cousins. Still, they don’t look odd serving on the same table.

Plastic on Plastic at PSR

As readers will no doubt have noticed, this blog does not contain any comparisons between plastic ranges. Most of the postings here are straight metal vs plastic comparisons, with a few comparisons between metal ranges.

The reason for this is simple. There already exists a wonderful resource for comparing plastic sets.

I have assumed that most of the readers here are aware of Plastic Soldier Review, and therefore will know about their comparisons. However it is possible to browse PSR without tripping across the comparison pages, which are found in the "features" section of the site, so here is a direct link for those who haven't visited.

PSR plastic size comparisons

Like the rest of PSR, it's worth exploring.

Jacklex vs RedBox, Colonial British Infantry

The photo above compares a pair of Jacklex Highland colonial infantry (one painted and one partly painted) with three RedBox figures (brown plastic). Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.”

The two Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Range, and are designated B16, “Highland Infantry Marching.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 21mm.
Jacklex Highlanders – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox – C (Average)
Jacklex – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:

The RedBox figures are visibly shorter than the Jacklex troops, and will not work in mixed units. With some extra basing under the plastic figures though, the two types should be a reasonable match when organized in different units. The sculpting styles are similar enough to minimize contrast from that source.