The photo above compares three plastic figures from Airfix (A,C,E) with a pair of metal soldiers from Qualiticast (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.
THE METAL FIGURES
Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:
The metal figures come from Qualiticast’s Napoleonic Range. They are listed as code NF40 “French Imperial Guard Fusilier/Grenadier Standing Firing” on the original packaging. Note that this does not match the codes given in other places, such as at Brookhurst Hobbies (which carried them at the time.)
Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.
Availability and Cost:
Qualiticast stopped producing figures around 2005 and it is now very hard to find remaining stock at hobby distributors. Used figures do show up on auction sites fairly regularly.
Notes on the Samples:
The samples were obtained from Mike Epting in a trade.
THE PLASTIC FIGURES
Manufacturer's Designation:
The plastic figures were originally released by Airfix in box 01744: “Waterloo French Infantry.” They were subsequently re-released by HaT in box 7008 “Waterloo French Line Infantry.”
Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.
Availability and Cost:
Airfix has brought these figures back into production recently, as part of the “Waterloo Battle Gift Set.” While they are not currently offering the set separately, boxes can be easily found at dealers.
THE METAL FIGURES
Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:
The metal figures come from Qualiticast’s Napoleonic Range. They are listed as code NF40 “French Imperial Guard Fusilier/Grenadier Standing Firing” on the original packaging. Note that this does not match the codes given in other places, such as at Brookhurst Hobbies (which carried them at the time.)
Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.
Availability and Cost:
Qualiticast stopped producing figures around 2005 and it is now very hard to find remaining stock at hobby distributors. Used figures do show up on auction sites fairly regularly.
Notes on the Samples:
The samples were obtained from Mike Epting in a trade.
THE PLASTIC FIGURES
Manufacturer's Designation:
The plastic figures were originally released by Airfix in box 01744: “Waterloo French Infantry.” They were subsequently re-released by HaT in box 7008 “Waterloo French Line Infantry.”
Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.
Availability and Cost:
Airfix has brought these figures back into production recently, as part of the “Waterloo Battle Gift Set.” While they are not currently offering the set separately, boxes can be easily found at dealers.
2 comments:
Hi
The French AIRFIX infantry was one of my first acquisitions in the 80's!
Regards
Rafa
Rafa,
Thanks for the note. I also have a soft spot for the Airfix figures, including the French infantry. Although I was never happy with the guy on one leg holding his musket on his shoulder.
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