Rafm vs HaT, Ancient German foot

The photo above compares three metal Ancient Germans from Rafm (in blackwashed metal), with four plastic figures from HaT. The tan figures come from HaT’s set of Franks, while the grey ones are from the HaT Ancient German set. 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: 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 HaT figures come from two sets. Box 6007 “Franks” is a mini-box which includes 24 figures in 4 poses; box 8068 “Early Germans” is a full box with 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

6007 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
8068 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
6007 Body Build: Average.
8068 Body Build: Very slender.

Availability and Cost:

These sets are still in production and widely available. For instance, Harfields has the Ancient German set selling for £3.95

Notes on the Samples:

Most 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. More detail on the plastic figures can be found at the Plastic Soldier Review website.

Ehmke vs Revell, Napoleonic Cavalry

The photo above compares metal Prussian Dragoons from Ehmke-Art with plastic French Mounted Chasseurs from Revell, as follows:

A: Ehmke horse and rider;
B: Revell horse and rider;
C: Ehmke rider on Revell horse.

Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

Currently all Ehmke-Art figures are from the Napoleonic period. These particular models have been identified as Prussian Dragoons, but I do not have a catalogue number for them. I am also not aware of any other Prussian releases by this company.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Although some Ehmke figures can be ordered from CW Toys, these particular types are not included. The best way to obtain Ehmke figures is to contact Uwe Ehmke using the contact information on the Ehmke-Art website.

Notes on the Samples:

These figures were donated to the Plastic Pelisse by Conrad Kinch.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from box 02576, “French Mounted Guard Chasseurs, Napoleonic Wars." The box contains 17 riders in 8 poses, 17 horses in 6 poses, and one dismounted figure.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 29mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Revell is not currently producing this set, and it is getting hard to find at hobby shops and second hand dealers. At present, most of the comprehensive online figure retailers list the product as out of stock, although Ye Olde Toy Solders is offering a box on eBay for $12.99 US.

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. More detail on the plastic figures can be found at the Plastic Soldier Review.

Irregular Risorgimento vs Strelets French, foot

The photo above compares two metal Italians from Irregular (B,D) with three plastic French figures from Strelets (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their “Garibaldi” range. They are catalogued as follows:

B: NGAR2 Garibaldian Infantry Advancing
D: NGAR3 Garibaldian Infantry Firing

The “Garibaldi” range currently comprises 12 types, several of which include multiple variants. This includes 5 Garibaldian infantry poses, and one cavalry figure. For the Neapolitan forces, Irregular offers 4 infantry poses, 1 cavalry, and an artillery crew with gun.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, or in larger numbers at discounted prices. Where variants exist, they are delivered randomly. Cost for foot figures: 50p UK for a single figure, £10.00 for a pack of 24, and £40.00 for a large pack of 100.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Strelets figures come from box 0024 “Crimean War French Light Infantry.” The box includes 44 figures, each in a unique pose (one of which is actually a “bonus” figure having nothing to do with the subject of the box).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build: Somewhat Heavy

Availability and Cost:

Strelets is currently producing this set, and it can be found at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $10.99 US.

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.

Airfix vs SHQ & Kennington, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal figures from SHQ (A,C) with two plastic models from Airfix (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are sold by both SHQ and Kennington, and are catalogued as CWC 30 “Rush’s Lancers at rest.” The ACW range from these two firms is quite extensive, and includes 75 foot poses, 29 cavalry poses (about half of them dismounted), six artillery crew poses, and two guns.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures can be purchased directly from the two manufacturers. The cavalry featured here sell for £4.50 at SHQ. For that price, you get 3 horses with 3 riders.

Notes on the Samples:

The metal lancers were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Airfix figures come from box 01722 “U.S. Cavalry.” The box includes 11 riders, each in a unique pose, as well as 11 horses in 3 poses. There is also a casualty vignette in the set.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 32mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Although these figures are not being manufactured at the current time, they are easily found at second-hand dealers, and unopened boxes can still be located. For instance, Netmerchants is selling new boxes for £3.95.

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.

ECW Comparisons on Dux Homunculorum

Dux Homunculorum is a blog run by Alanus, an Australian devotee of 1/72nd scale wargaming (or as he says - "the One True Scale.")

Recently Alanus decided to investigate the options available for English Civil War gaming in this scale. He ended up with several comprehensive posts, including some comparison photos, as well as several pictures of painted and based units. His posts are here:


Part 1, Infantry
Part 2, Cavalry
Part 3, Artillery

Alanus considers the following plastic makers: A Call to Arms, Revell, Zvezda, Mars, Strelets, and GerMan.

On the metal side, he looked at SHQ and Tumbling Dice.

Rafm vs Caesar, Ancient Germans

The photo above compares three ancient Germans from Rafm (in black washed metal) with three similar figures from Caesar (in gray 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 Caesar figures come from set H040 “Ancient German.” This box contains 39 figures in 11 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Caesar’s figures are currently in production and can be found in hobby stores and online dealers. For instance, Always Models sells the box for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Caesar samples were donated by Liam Sullivan, and others were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic.

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.

Ehmke vs HaT, Napoleonic Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal cavalry figures from Ehmke-Art (A,C) with two plastic figures from HaT (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

Currently all Ehmke-Art figures are from the Napoleonic period. These particular models have been identified as Prussian Dragoons, but I do not have a catalogue number for them. I am also not aware of any other Prussian releases by this company.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Although some Ehmke figures can be ordered from CW Toys, these particular types are not included. The best way to obtain Ehmke figures is to contact Uwe Ehmke using the contact information on the Ehmke-Art website.

Notes on the Samples:

These figures were donated to the Plastic Pelisse by Conrad Kinch.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from two sets:

B. 8016 “Russian Cuirassiers”
D. 8014 “KGL Light Dragoons”

Each set includes 12 riders in 4 poses, and 12 horses in 2 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

8014 Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.
8014 Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 22mm.

8016 Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.

Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

These boxes are currently available from HaT, and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Drum and Flag has box 8016 for sale at £4.25

Notes on the Samples:

These 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.

Irregular Risorgimento vs Emhar French, foot

The photo above compares two metal Italian figures from Irregular (B,D) with three plastic French infantry from Emhar (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their “Garibaldi” range. They are catalogued as follows:

B: NGAR2 Garibaldian Infantry Advancing
D: NGAR3 Garibaldian Infantry Firing

The “Garibaldi” range currently comprises 12 types, several of which include multiple variants. This includes 5 Garibaldian infantry poses, and one cavalry figure. For the Neapolitan forces, Irregular offers 4 infantry poses, 1 cavalry, and an artillery crew with gun.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, or in larger numbers at discounted prices. Where variants exist, they are delivered randomly. Cost for foot figures: 50p UK for a single figure, £10.00 for a pack of 24, and £40.00 for a large pack of 100.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Emhar models are from box EM 7211 “French Infantry, Crimean War 1854-56 & Franco-Prussian War 1870-71.” The box contains 50 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Emhar French are a fairly recent release (from 2007) and thus can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $11.99 (US).

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 Atlantic & W1815, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal cavalry troopers from SHQ (A,C) with two plastic cavalry figures (B,D) originally released by Atlantic. Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are sold by both SHQ and Kennington, and are catalogued as CWC 30 “Rush’s Lancers at rest.” The ACW range from these two firms is quite extensive, and includes 75 foot poses, 29 cavalry poses (about half of them dismounted), six artillery crew poses, and two guns.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures can be purchased directly from the two manufacturers. The cavalry featured here sell for £4.50 at SHQ. For that price, you get 3 horses with 3 riders.

Notes on the Samples:

The metal lancers were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures are originally from Atlantic’s box 1004 “Far-West Story, 7th Cavalry.” They were later re-released by Nexus as ATL- 03 “U.S. 7th Cavalry.” Finally, Waterloo 1815 used the same figures in two boxes: P004 “US Cavalry” and P005 “Confederate Cavalry.”

The Nexus version has 24 riders in six poses, and 24 horses also in six poses. The Waterloo 1815 boxes are larger, containing 32 riders and horses.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 26mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

Despite its age, this set is still in production, and can be found online and in hobby shops. For instance, Hannants has the Waterloo 1815 Confederate box on sale for £3.90.