Minifigs vs RedBox, Colonial British infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Minifigs (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from RedBox (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 the current Minifigs “Colonial Wars” range. That range includes 27 different foot poses for the British, as well as 12 mounted figures, and a pair of artillery limber riders.

The actual figures illustrated are:

(A) BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
(C) BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing
(E) BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The figures are currently available from Minifigs in the UK and US. They are sold individually: the other ranks sell for £1.00, while the officer is £1.10 on the British site. For American buyers, all the castings are priced at $1.50 each. The websites are here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Home.aspx

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses (4 copies of the same sprue).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

This was one of the first sets to be released by RedBox, appearing in 2006. These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

HistoriFigs to release 25mm Scruby Boers

The images above, taken from the HistoriFigs blog, show J-51 (Boer firing) and JC-55 (Boer rider). See below for details; click on the images for larger versions.

Mike Tabor at HistoriFigs has good news for those who have noticed a gap in HistoriFig’s 25mm colonial offerings. Jack Scruby designed and released a small set of Boer figures in the mid-1960s. Mike has now been able to find or re-create masters for all these figures, and has started to produce them. The range now includes:

J-50 Boer infantryman, standing on guard
J-51 Boer infantryman, standing, firing
J-52 Boer infantryman, walking, rifle at the trail
J-53 Boer soldier, to be used as an artilleryman (no weapon in hand)
JC-54 Boer rider, firing from saddle
JC-55 Boer rider, holding rifle on thigh

The foot figures are being sold for 75 cents each, $4.50 for a bag of 6, or $7.25 for a dozen. Cavalry figures, including mounts, sell for $2.00 each, $11.75 for 6 or $21.75 for 12. All figures are in US dollars.

The HistoriFigs website is here:

http://www.historifigs.com/index.htm

Strelets vs Irregular, Late Medieval foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Irregular Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Strelets (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their 20mm “Late Medieval” range. This line includes 22 codes, including both foot and mounted figures from a variety of campaigns. These particular samples are all Wars of the Roses subjects. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

A. NLM 8 Dismounted Knight
B. NLM2 Billman
C. NLM 1 Longbowman

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, and come with random variations. Cost: 50p UK per figure.

The Irregular website is here:

http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come Strelets’ box 006 “Army of Henry V.” The box contains 30 foot figures, each in a unique pose. There are also 6 riders and horses, again each in a different pose. Strelets has several other sets devoted to this era, including a box of French forces to oppose them.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

As one of the earlier Strelets sets, this box has been around since 2003. However it is still widely available.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic figures were obtained in a trade with Carlos Faro.

Musket Miniatures vs Italeri, American Civil War infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Musket Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Italeri (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 Musket Miniatures’ 22mm American Civil War range. They are from code CWH125 “Infantry standing loading” which comes with 8 figures in 4 poses, and includes several head variations.

Musket’s range is very large, and contains more than 300 different codes.

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:

Figures from Musket Miniatures can be found on the company’s website:

http://www.musketminiatures.com/

They are sold in several ways. Individual figures can be purchased for 75 cents (US), packages of 8 castings cost $5.25 US, while a regiment of 20 figures, including command, costs $12.95.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Italeri troops come from box 6012 "Union Infantry with Zouaves." The box contains 50 figures in 15 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Italeri figures are in production and available through various plastic model distributors.

New Boxer figures from Great Endeavours

The images above, from the Great Endeavours website, show two of their new releases: “Imperial Chinese infantryman” (above) and “Boxer with rifle” (below). Click on the images for larger versions.

Great Endeavours is the current manufacturer of the former Ral Partha 25mm colonial range. Besides making the old sculpts available, GE has taken some steps to expand the range. That included the start of a Boxer Rebellion line a couple of years ago.

Things have seemed very quiet on the GE front for a few years now. However, the company did make an addition to its Boxer line earlier this year, with three new figures. The newcomers are:

88-319 Imperial Chinese infantryman
88-320 Boxer with rifle
88-321 Manchu Ten nai (Tiger-man)

These new figures can be purchased in groups of 10, for $9.99 US. The website is here:

http://www.greatendeavours.co.uk/colonials/index.php

RSM vs A Call To Arms, Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from RSM (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from A Call to Arms (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 the former RSM 95 range, now produced by the Dayton Painting Consortium. The range includes foot and mounted figures representing Britain, France, Austria, Brunswick, Spain, Saxony and Bavaria, as well as some artillery pieces. There are about 75 Napoleonic codes in total in their catalogue.

I do not have the actual identification for these figures, although the one on the left is one of the Saxon models.

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:

The RSM figures are currently available from DPC. They are sold in bags of 24, including command figures, for $10.80 (US). The website is here:

http://www.dpcltdcom.org/

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was provided in a trade from Mike Epting.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The A Call To Arms figures are from box 50 “British Infantry 1815.” The box contains 32 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability:

ACTA’s figures are currently available and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic samples were donated by Liam Sullivan.

A Call to Arms vs Minifigs, British Colonial foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Minifigs (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from A Call to Arms (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 the current Minifigs “Colonial Wars” range. That range includes 27 different foot poses for the British, as well as 12 mounted figures, and a pair of artillery limber riders.

The actual figures illustrated are:

(A) BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
(C) BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing
(E) BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The figures are currently available from Minifigs in the UK and US. They are sold individually: the other ranks sell for £1.00, while the officer is £1.10 on the British site. For American buyers, all the castings are priced at $1.50 each. The websites are here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Home.aspx

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The A Call To Arms figures are from box 57, “British Infantry, Zulu War.” The box contains 32 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

ACTA’s figures are currently available and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Airfix vs Musket Miniatures, American Civil War foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Musket Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Airfix (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation:

The metal figures come from Musket Miniatures’ 22mm American Civil War range. They are from code CWH125 “Infantry standing loading” which comes with 8 figures in 4 poses, and includes several head variations.

Musket’s range is very large, and contains more than 300 different codes.

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:

Figures from Musket Miniatures can be found on the company’s website:

http://www.musketminiatures.com/

They are sold in several ways. Individual figures can be purchased for 75 cents (US), packages of 8 castings cost $5.25 US, while a regiment of 20 figures, including command, costs $12.95.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Airfix figures come from two boxes:

01713 “Confederate Infantry” (gray)
01714 “Civil War Artillery” (red-brown)

The infantry box contains 48 figures, with 11 poses. The artillery set includes 2 guns, 1 limber with horses, and 1 mounted officer. There are also two teams of four gunners (one in kepi and one in slouch hat) as well as six outriders and limber riders, also in a choice of head gear.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Airfix figures were introduced in the early 1960s and have been in and out of production ever since. They don’t seem to be in production currently, but old stock and second hand figures can be easily found.

Irregular adds 20mm Celts and Romans

Irregular recently expanded their 20mm Ancient range to include two popular forces: Celts and Romans.

The line now includes 10 foot poses for the Celts, along with a pair of mounted figures on a choice of steeds, and a chariot with crew. The Romans are represented by 5 foot figures, 3 mounted (one of them an auxiliary), and a ballista with crew.

The foot figures are priced at 50p, while mounted figures are £1.00. The chariot and ballista cost £4.35 and £2.00 respectively.

The range can be viewed on the Irregular website here:

http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/

The images above are taken from the Irregular website. Click on either one for a larger version.

Top image
TCRR1: Legionary advancing
TCRR5: Centurion advancing
TCRR4: Signifier Standard Bearer advancing
TCRR3: Horn player advancing

Bottom image
TCRC13: Celtic Chariot with 2 crew (shown with optional wicker sides).

Qualiticast vs Zvezda, French Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three plastic Guardsmen from Zvezda (A,C,E) with a pair of metal figures 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 and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8030 “French Imperial Old Guards (1804-1815) Grenadiers.” The box contains 41 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, Zvezda released this box in 2005. It is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic figures were donated by Mike Epting.

Minifigs vs Waterloo1815, Colonial British Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Minifigs (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Waterloo1815 (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 the current Minifigs “Colonial Wars” range. That range includes 27 different foot poses for the British, as well as 12 mounted figures, and a pair of artillery limber riders.

The actual figures illustrated are:

(A) BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
(C) BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing
(E) BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The figures are currently available from Minifigs in the UK and US. They are sold individually: the other ranks sell for £1.00, while the officer is £1.10 on the British site. For American buyers, all the castings are priced at $1.50 each. The websites are here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Home.aspx

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Waterloo 1815 figures are found in box AP-013 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.” The box contains 44 foot figures in 11 poses, as well as 4 mounted officers in the same pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

The set is a fairly recent release, and is easily found in hobby shops and at online retailers.

HaT Napoleonic lancers vs Scruby HistoriFigs FPW

The photo above compares two metal Franco-Prussian War lancers from HistoriFigs (A,C) with a pair of plastic Napoleonic lancers from HaT (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures were originally released by Jack Scruby, and now are available from HistoriFigs as part of the 25mm Franco-Prussian war range. The pose is catalogued as “9536C, Uhlan, lance erect.” The range comprises 45 different figures, with foot and mounted figures for France, Prussia and Bavaria.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 35mm.

Rider Body Height (measured from foot to eyes): 23mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

The HistoriFigs miniatures can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually for $2.00 US, in a group of 6 for $11.75, or as a set of 12 for $21.75.

The HistoriFigs website is here:

http://www.historifigs.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from set 8011 “Napoleonic French Lancers.” The set includes 12 riders in 4 poses, and 12 horses in 2 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Body Height (measured to eyes): 23mm.
Rider Body Height (measured to top of head): 25mm

Rider Height above ground (measured to eyes): 33mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured to top of head): 35mm.

Availability and Cost:

Although this is one of the older sets from HaT, these boxes are currently available from and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Notes on the Samples:

These figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

Strelets and Thomas ACW compared on TMP

The picture above was originally posted on TMP in December 2008, by “Neilad.” The figures are (from left to right):

Thomas: ACW General
Thomas: 16 Abraham Lincoln
Strelets-R: Abraham Lincoln

K and L currently offers figures from the Thomas 20mm range. However, the figures can only be ordered via regular mail.

The Strelets figures comes from box 0046 “Union General Staff (1).” The box contains 37 figures, each in a unique pose.