Ral Partha vs Redbox, Medieval Asia foot, Part 1

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from RedBox. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from RedBox’s box 72005 “"Japanese Warrior Monks (Sohei)".”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 20mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox– C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability:

The RedBox figures were introduced fairly recently, and are available through various plastic model distributors. The RedBox website is listed in the side panel.

As mentioned above, the metal figures are currently available from Iron Wind. They need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer: see the website also listed in the side panel.

Other notes:
The RedBox figures were provided by Eric Yin in a very helpful trade.

Readers: please post any comments on other considerations with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of historical periods.

Seven Years War samples from Outland

Among the samples kindly provided by Chris von Fahnnenstock of Outland Games were a number of 20mm Seven Years War figures. (Click on the images for larger pictures.)

Unfortunately, Chris did not provide catalogue numbers for them; since there are no comprehensive set of images on either the Outland site or the GFI site, I cannot positively identify the figures. However, I believe these are older sculpts, originally released under the Battalionfeuer banner.

The top image shows two mounted command figures, and a couple of artillery troops (possibly an officer with linstock, and a gunner with rammer). The lower picture includes three cavalry riders. Also in that picture are two horses. I am not sure if these horses are intended for use with the riders. In fact, the horses did work nicely with the Napoleonic samples provided, but did not fit well with these riders. To make these riders fit comfortably on these mounts would take some significant filing; hopefully Outland has horses more appropriate for these troops.

Overall, these are very nice models; I will be using them in comparisons with plastic ranges over the next few months.

Outland figures can be purchased through their distributor – GFI - at the following website:

GFI Online store

At the current date though, the figures shown above are not listed in GFI’s online catalogue.

I will ask GFI and Outland about the uncertainties described above, but if any reader has further information (such as the provenance and catalogue numbers of the figures) please post in the comments section below.

Marlburian Cavalry from Les Higgins, part 2

The images above show the final examples of mounted Les Higgins figures of the Marlburian period. These are s available from John Cunningham.

All of the models shown in the top image are recent additions to the range. They are (from left to right)

MP 30 Hussar
MP 31 Cuirassier in tricorne
MP 33 Cuirassier officer

The figure in the bottom picture is also a new sculpt:

MP 32 Mounted trumpeter

Click on an image for a larger version.

Looking for Feedback

This post is the 100th post in this blog, and I decided this was an opportunity to reflect, and ask for feedback from readers. First though, I would like to make a request for more participation. When I post the comparisons between plastic and metal ranges, I do so from only two dimensions: height and sculpting style. However, there are other ways to compare figures, such as whether they are uniformed and equipped for the same time period. I don’t have the expertise to make such comments, but I would be very happy if knowledgeable readers would. So if you see two figures compared which are clearly for very different campaigns, let me know (either by posting a response on the blog, or by emailing me.) I will add in these comments to the main postings as appropriate, and credit the authors.

Other than that, I would really like to get feedback on this site, as it is shaping up after 100 posts. Here are some questions, but feel free to comment on anything else that you wish:

Do you find the site useful as a resource (specifically, do you “look things up” here, or just check to see what’s new)?
Is there information missing from the comparison postings which you think should be there?
The blog also includes news about 20mm ranges, provided by manufacturers. Is that a good idea, or does it detract from the main point of the blog?
There are many gaps still in the coverage of this site. Which do you want to see addressed first?
I have made the choice to focus on foot figures first, and leave cavalry and artillery comparisons until later. Does this work for you?
Given the confines of the Blogger template, could the site be made more user-friendly?

I welcome your comments as responses to this post, or by email to plastic.hussar (at) yahoo (dot) com.

I will also start a thread on the “Blogs of War” board at TMP, here:

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=177350

Rafm vs Esci, American Civil War Infantry

The photo above compares three ACW figures from Rafm Miniatures (unpainted metal) with an equal number of troops from Esci (in light gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci troops come from box 223 "American Civil War Confederate Infantry."

The Rafm figures are catalogued as RAF6603 “Union Infantry, Advancing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Rafm – 24mm.
Esci – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Rafm – C (Average)
Esci – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions:
Although the Esci figures are a bit shorter and a bit more slender, these two ranges still work together. While the differences are obvious when mixed in a single unit, they disappear if the two types are formed in separate groups.

Ral Partha vs Caesar, Feudal Japanese Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from Caesar. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from Caesar’s box H003 “ Japan Samurai with Ninja.”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Caesar – 22mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Caesar – C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Overall conclusions:
With no height difference, these figures are generally well-matched, although where the Ral Partha sculptor has gone for a heavier style, the metal figures do look a little different from their plastic cousins. The left most metal figure provides an example of the difference. Despite that, the two ranges should work together in most situations.

Other notes:
The Caesar figures were also traded to me by Eric Yin.

Sample Russians from Outland

Chris von Fahnnenstock of Outland Games has sent over a number of samples from his growing line of 20mm miniatures. These include figures previously released under the Battalionfeuer banner, and new figures designed to work with them. Some of the samples are shown in the pictures above, and more will be posted soon. The samples will also be used in some comparisons with related plastic makes. (Click on the images for larger pictures.)

The top picture includes a range of poses from the 20mm Napoleonic Russian range. They include:

R-25 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14 1812 Russian Foot Artillery w/rammer, Kivier
R-13 1812 Russian Foot Artillery w/ball, Kivier
RC-03 1812 Russian Hussar Kivier
RC-01 Russian Cuirassier Trooper

The lower photo includes four sculpts from the new SYW release. These figures are included in the 8-piece set “Russian Infantry Command in Waistcoat.” The actual set includes two officers (shown on the extreme right and left) two standard bearers (the figure with his hand touching his head), two drummers, and two infantry in “march-attack” pose.

All these figures are sold through GFI, which is at the following website:

http://www.minifigs.com/catalog/

The Napoleonic soldiers are sold individually at 65 cents (US) each, while the pack of 8 SYW command figures is retailing for $4.95.

Marlburian Cavalry from Les Higgins, Part 1

The images above illustrate some of the mounted Marlburian figures available from the Les Higgins range, currently being produced by John Cunningham.

In the top image, the models are all from the original Les Higgins designs. They are (from left to right) :

MP 21 Mounted Dragoon with musket
MP 22 Trooper of Horse
MP 23 Trumpeter

The left most figure below is also an original sculpt:

MP 24 Horse Grenadier

In addition, there are two new figures (centre and right):

MP 28 Mounted Dragoon in cap
MP 29 Mounted Cuirassier in lobster pot helmet

Click on an image for a larger version.

SHQ & Kennington vs HaT, French Napoleonic Foot, Part 3

The photo above compares four HaT figures (in blue plastic) with three gunners from SHQ (unpainted metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Hat figures come from box 8171: “1805 French Grenadiers and Voltigeurs.”

The SHQ figures come from their Napoleonic range, and are designated “ART 2 Napoleonic French Guard Horse Artillery Crew.” The range is also available from Kennington.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
HaT – 21mm
SHQ/Kennington – 22mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
HaT – C (average)
SHQ – C (average)

Overall conclusions:
The 1mm difference in height can be seen when these figures are positioned side by side, but it disappears when the two types are marshaled in separate units. It would be very hard to find any objection on those grounds to having them on the same table. These particular samples may not be a good fit in terms of period, but they do illustrate once again that SHQ and HaT figures can be deployed together.

Other notes:
The HaT figures were kindly supplied by the manufacturer.