Ral Partha vs HaT, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three metal colonial figures from Ral Partha / Great Endeavours (A,C,E) with a similar number of plastic figures from HaT (B,D, F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “Colonials” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, this range included 68 codes, in three groups (covering the Zulu war, the Northwest frontier and the Sudan). Some of the codes contained more than one pose. The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 88-103 “Northwest Frontier Indian Command Group”
C: 88-002 “Zulu War British Infantry Advancing”
E: 88-102 “Northwest Frontier Indian Infantry, Firing”

All the figures are now sold by Great Endeavours, using the same codes. The firm has also expanded the range with new complementary figures, including dismounted cavalry, figures for the Boer war, as well as others for the Boxer rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Somewhat heavy

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, Great Endeavours currently distributes this range. They can be purchased from the GE website; the firm sells foot figures in groups of 10 (same pose) for $8.50 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The second figure from the far right was painted by Chuck Turnitsa.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

This set is a recent release from HaT, and can be easily found. For instance, Dragon’s Cave sells the set for €6.95.

Minifigs British Colonial Infantry, or not?

I picked up these figures at the “Bring and Buy” at Hotlead a few years ago. They came in a mixed lot with a number of Ral Partha figures. I would like to identify them now, so that I can use them for comparisons on the blog.

Here is some information on these castings:

The figures are 22mm in height (measured to the eyes);
The officer with his arm in the air should probably be brandishing a sword (there seems to be a hilt surrounding his hand);
The castings have codes stamped on the bottom – from left to right they are BC1, BC3, BC6 and BC7

My guess is that these are Minifigs from the current range. As I understand it, Minifigs have gone through three generations. The first generation was smaller than these figures, and officially listed as “HO” scale. The second generation was the Minifig-S range (which was also smaller than these figures, but bigger than the first generation). Figures from that generation include the letter “S” in their catalogue codes. The third generation (which is currently produced) is said to be about the same size as these samples.

Although I have not found any pictures that match these castings, the following catalogue descriptions seem to fit:

BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)
BC06: British Colonial Infantry Officer attacking
BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing


So if anyone can absolutely confirm that these are the listed Minfigs, that would be great. Please post your comments here.

Update: Several readers here, and on TMP, have confirmed that these actually are the Minifigs listed above. Thanks to all.

Ehmke vs Esci / Italeri, Napoleonic Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal Prussian cavalry figures from Ehmke-Art (A,C) with a similar number of plastic figures from Esci / Italeri (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: 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

Figure Characteristics:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 218: "Napoleonic Wars Waterloo 1815, 'Polish Lancers' French Cavalry.” The box included 12 riders in 4 poses, and 12 horses in 3 poses.
The set has been reissued by Italeri as box 6039: "Dutch-Polish Lancers, Red Lancers, 1805-1815.”

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): 22mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Italeri continues to produce these figures, so they are easily obtained. For instance, Hannants has the set retailing for £6.50.

SHQ & Kennington vs Italeri, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal ACW cavalry figures from SHQ (A,C) with a similar number of plastic figures from Italeri (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 plastic figures come from Italeri set 6011 “American Civil War, Confederate Cavalry Riders.” The box includes 16 riders in 9 positions, with 16 horses in four poses, as well as a vignette of a dismounted rider and injured horse..

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

This box is fairly easy to find at stores and online dealers. For instance, Udisco is currently selling it for $6.00 (Canadian).

Newline vs Airfix, Napoleonic Highland Infantry

The photo above compares three metal Napoleonic Highlanders from Newline Designs (B,D,F), with a similar number of plastic Highlanders from Airfix (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Design figures come from their 20 mm Napoleonics range. They are from pack BR03 “Highland Command Advancing/Marching.” This pack includes four figures: the three shown above, plus a double of one of them, which varies by pack.

The Napoleonics range from Newline Design is extensive and covers all major participants. For the British, Newline has 89 different codes in their catalogue, some of which (such as the one illustrated here) have multiple poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £1.75.

Note: At the time of posting, Newline is having a 20% off sale across all its ranges.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Airfix Highland figures come from box 01735 “Waterloo Highland Infantry.” This box includes 45 foot soldiers in 11 poses, as well as one undersized mounted officer.

Figure Characteristics:

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

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.

Newline vs HaT, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three metal Zulu War British regulars from Newline Designs (A,C,E) with a trio of plastic Indian regulars from HaT (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Design figures come from their Zulu War Range. The specific poses are

ZW6: British Infantry at Ready, (A,C)
ZW2A: British Advancing Firing (E)

The Zulu War range from Newline includes 25 different codes for the British side (some with multiple poses). Coverage include infantry, cavalry (mounted and dismounted), command and artillery.

Figures Characteristics

Height (from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £1.75. In addition, the firm offers larger volume deals, such as 24 packs for £9.50, or 100 figure packs for £29.50.

Note: At the time of posting, Newline is having a 20% off sale across all its ranges.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

This set is a recent release from HaT, and can be easily found. For instance, Dragon’s Cave sells the set for €6.95

ECW and Napoleonic comparisons "In the Grand Manner"

In my ongoing quest to aggregate as many plastic/metal comparisons here as possible, I want to point out some that reside on an excellent eye-candy blog called “In the Grand Manner.”

Napoleonic:

In January, Matt posted a comparison of Scruby’s Napoleonic cavalry with Airfix’s mounted RHA officer.

Scruby versus Airfix


He followed that up by comparing Kennington and Newline Design versions of French artillery crews:

Kennington versus Newline Designs

ECW:

Back in December, Matt posted an image comparing a Niblett ECW cavalry figure to an Airfix figure (the same RHA officer used above).

Niblett versus Airfix

Here’s hoping Matt continues to post comparisons of the different types he is using for his games.

Ehmke vs Airfix, Napoleonic Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal cavalry figures from Emhke (A,D) with a pair of plastic figures from Airfix / Accurate (B,C). 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: 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 Airfix figures come from box 01736 “Waterloo French Cavalry (Cuirassiers).” They were also reissued by Accurate as box 7212 “Waterloo French Cavalry.” The set includes 9 riders in 6 poses, mounted on 9 horses in two poses. There are also two vignettes: the man holding his horse, and a crouching trooper beside an injured horse.

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:

Although these figures are not currently in production, they can easily be obtained from dealers.

SHQ & Kennington vs Gulliver, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal cavalry figures from SHQ (A,C) with three plastic figures from Gulliver (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 plastic figures represent the only production to date from Gulliver (although there are rumours of a revival of the company). They come from set 3601 “American Civil War, South States Cavalry.” This box includes 15 riders in 10 poses, as well as 15 horses in six poses.

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): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, Gulliver went out of business years ago, so these figures are not currently in production. However, it is fairly easy to track down a set. For instance, Toy Soldiers HQ is selling boxes for $12.00 US.

Newline British vs HaT French, Napoleonic Foot

The photo above compares three metal Highlanders from Newline (B,D,F) with three plastic French figures from HaT (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Design figures come from their 20 mm Napoleonics range. They are from pack BR03 “Highland Command Advancing/Marching.” This pack includes four figures: the three shown above, plus a double of one of them, which varies by pack.

The Napoleonics range from Newline Design is extensive and covers all major participants. For the British, Newline has 89 different codes in their catalogue, some of which (such as the one illustrated here) have multiple poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £1.75.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two sets:

A: 8034 “French Young Guard”
C, E: 8095 “1808-1812 French Line Infantry.”

Box 8034 includes 48 figures in 8 poses. Set 8095 is larger, comprising 100 figures in 17 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

8034 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
8095 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.

Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

These boxes are currently available from HaT, and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Woodrow’s War Store has box 8034 for sale at $8.38 (CDN).

Notes on the Samples:

The HaT figures were donated by Mike Epting.

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.

HaT vs Jacklex, Colonial British & Indian Infantry

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The two Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Wars range. They are designated:

B: B18, “Indian Regular Officer firing pistol”
D: B16, “Highland Infantry Marching.”

The Colonial Wars range from Jacklex is primarily comprised of British troops and their enemies, but does have a small component of French Foreign Legion. They are probably best known for the accompanying equipment though, including wagons, a variety of artillery pieces with limbers, and teams of horses, oxen and mules.

Figure Characteristics:

Highlander Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Once an independent line, Jacklex figures are today produced and sold by Spencer Smith miniatures. The figures are sold individually, for 45p each or 85p mounted

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

This set is a recent release from HaT, and can be easily found. For instance, Dragon’s Cave sells the set for €6.95

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