World War Two comparisons at Wargaming.info

The site wargaming.info belongs to an individual who games in a variety of periods. Among the different resources he has posted is a comparison shot of a number of World War Two ranges. The posting can be found here:

http://wargaming.info/2005/20mm-176th-a-172nd-figure-comparison/

Included in his review are the following metal ranges:

Raventhorpe
Hinchliffe
Britannia
Hotspur/Combat Miniatures
AB
SHQ
Liberation

On the plastic side, he includes:
Esci/Italeri
Airfix
Matchbox

Revell Thirty Years War vs SHQ & Kennington ECW, mounted

The photo above compares a pair of metal miniatures from SHQ & Kennington (A,C) with a pair of plastic figures from Revell (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 ECWC 44 “Cavalry in Breast Plate and Soft Hat, Charging.” The ECW range from these two firms is quite extensive, and includes 67 foot poses, 15 cavalry poses, as well as artillery crew poses, and guns.
Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 32mm.
Rider Body Height (to eyes): 22mm.
Rider Body Height (to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures can be purchased directly from the two manufacturers. The cavalry featured here sell for €5.50 at MBM Models (Kennington). For that price, you get 3 horses with 3 riders.
Notes on the Samples:

The metal figures were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from box 2567, “Thirty Years’ War, Swedish Cavalry." The box contains 15 riders in 8 poses, as well as 15 horses in 8 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.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to top of head): 24mm.

Availability:

According to PSR, Revell first released this set in 1991. The set is not currently in production.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

Garrison, G&B vs HaT, Roman Infantry part 2

The photo above compares three metal miniatures from Garrison / Greenwood & Ball (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic figures from HaT (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

I believe that the metal figures come from Garrison’s “20mm Ancients” range, and were previously produced under the Greenwood & Ball name. Within the Ancients range, Garrison currently offers 23 different poses for 1st Century Imperial Romans. However, the poses shown in this image do not seem to be currently in production.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned, these figures are not available from the manufacturer at the present time. However, other Roman figures are in production, and can be purchased from Garrison directly. Foot figures are sold for £0.60 each, while mounted figures cost £1.50

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two sets:

B: 8017 “Republican Romans, Princeps and Triari”
D: 8018 “Republican Romans, Hastati and Velites”

Both of these boxes contain 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

8017 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
8018 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.

Availability:

These boxes are currently available from HaT, and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Notes on the Samples:

The HaT figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

News: Frontline purchases IT Miniatures

Earlier this month, Frontline Wargaming announced the completion of a deal to purchase IT Miniatures from the former owners. The IT brand includes a number of 20mm metal ranges for the first part of the twentieth century. They are:

Western Front
East Africa (WWI)
Middle East (WWI)
Russian Civil War

In addition to figures, IT offers terrain pieces (notably a trenchworks system), artillery and vehicles.

These figures and accessories will complement Frontline’s existing range of 20mm resin terrain and accessories.

Although there will be a period of adjustment, Frontline promises to be able to fulfill IT orders in the very near future.

UPDATE: As of June 29, Tim at Frontline tells us that they can now accept mail orders for any item in the catalogue. Show stocks may still take a while before they are completely comprehensive. They have also made a few changes to the website to better reflect the offerings.

Lancashire vs Revell, WW2 US Infantry part 1

The photo above compares three metal miniatures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic figures from Revell (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from box 02506 “WWII US Marines.” This box includes 50 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, this set was first released in 1993. It is currently in production at Revell, and can be found online and at local hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The Revell figures were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

New Feature: List of Manufacturers

I have decided to take advantage of some additional functionality from Blogger, and start adding some permanent pages with reference material. They can be accessed from the navigation bar above the posts on the home page.

So far I have only posted one page, and it is a very rough draft at this point. The intention is to have three lists of metal manufacturers, sorted by size. The list will include both present and past manufacturers, and give an overview of the ranges offered. The page will replace the link list on the sidebar, which will help make the blog easier to use.

Eventually, there should also be other pages showing which current manufacturers cover each historical period.

I will not bother doing the same work for the plastic ranges, as they are already fully covered by PSR.

As mentioned, the document is still an early draft, and will be updated over the next few weeks to make it more user friendly.

Newline Designs vs IMEX, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal troopers from Newline Designs (A,C) with a pair of plastic figures from IMEX (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come are from Newline Designs’ American Civil War range, and are catalogued as ACW 50 “Cavalry in Kepi, Carbines Slung.” Newline’s ACW range is quite extensive, and currently includes 101 different products.

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): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently in production, and can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. Cost is £3.00 for a set of three horses and riders (all in the same pose).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from set 503 “American Civil War, Union Cavalry.” This box includes 11 riders in 5 poses, along with 11 horses in 3 poses, and 15 dismounted figures in 6 poses. There are two variants of this box in release, one of which substitutes a “bonus” figure representing George Custer for one of the existing mounted poses.

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): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently in production, and can easily be found. For instance, Woodrow’s War Store is selling boxes for $11.03 (Canadian).

New Mexican Punitive Expedition figures from Jacklex

In 1916, General John “Black Jack” Pershing led an American punitive expedition into Mexico, following Pancho Villa’s attack on a town in New Mexico. Spencer Smith Miniatures now allows gamers to reproduce the drama of that campaign with a new line of 20mm figures under the Jacklex brand.

These miniatures have been sculpted by Jack Alexander, the founder of the Jacklex range. Click on the pictures for a larger version.

Peter Johnstone of Spencer Smith points out that supplementary figures can be taken from the Boer War range to represent more Americans. In addition he is exploring other ways of extending the Jacklex range.

The figures are not yet listed on the Spence Smith website, but can be ordered by email. The full list of figures is shown below.

JACKLEX: PUNITIVE EXPEDITION IN MEXICO

AMERICANS

INFANTRY

PEA1 ADVANCING
PEA2 (a) STANDING FIRING
PEA2 (b) KNEELING FIRING
PEA3 STANDARD BEARER
PEA4 BUGLER, PLUS SEPARATE RIFLE
PEA5 OFFICER FIRING PISTOL
PEA5(a) OFFICER STANDING WITH BINOCULARS

CAVALRY

PEA6 OFFICER WITH PISTOL
PEA7 TROOPER WITH PISTOL
PEA8 TROOPER WITH BUGLE
PEA9 TROOPER, STANDARD BEARER
PEA10 HORSE AT TROT WITH SWORD AND CARBINE TO ATTACH

(All figures cost 45p each except PEA10 which costs 50p)


ARTILLERY

PEA101 ERHARDT GUN £2.50
PEA102 CREW (4 figs) £1.80
PEA103 COLT MACHINE GUN £1.25
PEA 104 MG CREW (3 FIGS) £1.35
PEA 105 US MOTOR CYCLE PLUS RIDER £1.25
PEA 106 LIMBER WITH RIDERS £7.95

MEXICANS

INFANTRY

PEM1 ADVANCING
PEM2 STANDING FIRING
PEM3 KNEELING FIRING
PEM4 FLAG BEARER
PEM5 OFFICER

CAVALRY

PEM6 CAVALRY FIRING FROM SADDLE
PEM7 CAVALRY WITH RIFLE
PEM8 FLAG BEARER
PEM9 (a) RURALE (MEXICAN POLICE) WITH SABRE
(b) RURALE OFFICER
(c) RURALE BUGLER
(d) RURALE GUIDON
PEM10 CAVALRY OFFICER WITH PISTOL
PEM11 HORSE (CHARGING)
PEM12 HORSE (TROTTING)

(All figures cost 45p each)

ARTILLERY

PEM101 75MM GUN £2.50
PEM102 CREW (4) £1.80
PEM103 COLT MG £1.25
PEM104 MG CREW (3) £1.35
PEM105 LIMBER PLUS RIDERS £7.80

Les Higgins vs Mars, English Civil War foot

The photo above compares three plastic miniatures from Mars (A,C,E) with three metal figures from Les Higgins, currently available from 20mm Nostalgia Revival (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their English Civil War range, which has been extended under the new brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as follows (referring to the letter blocks in the picture):

B: EP 3 (pikeman)
D: EP 14 (musketeer)
F: EP 12 (drummer)

The ECW range currently comprises 16 codes, some of which have multiple poses. Coverage includes officers, pikemen, musketeers, cavalry and artillery.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 40p (UK) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Les Higgins models were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures have been recently released by Mars as set 72034 “Scots Mercenaries (Thirty Years War).” The box includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, this is a very recent issue, which can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Harfields is selling the box for £7.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The Mars figures were obtained via a trade with Alan Dearn.

Garrison, G&B vs HaT, Roman Infantry part 1

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

I believe that the metal figures come from Garrison’s “20mm Ancients” range, and were previously produced under the Greenwood & Ball name. Within the Ancients range, Garrison currently offers 23 different poses for 1st Century Imperial Romans. However, the poses shown in this image do not seem to be currently in production.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned, these figures are not available from the manufacturer at the present time. However, other Roman figures are in production, and can be purchased from Garrison directly. Foot figures are sold for £0.60 each, while mounted figures cost £1.50

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from box 8087 “Late Roman Heavy Infantry.” This box includes 40 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This set is currently in production at HaT, and available through online and local hobby shops. Sample cost: $7.50 (US) at Toy Soldier HQ.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were kindly provided by the manufacturer.

ACTA vs Ral Partha, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three plastic figures from A Call to Arms (A,C,E) with a trio of metal colonials originally from Ral Partha (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s 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.

B: 88-003 “British Command Group”
D: 88-002 “Zulu War British Infantry Advancing”
F: 88-103 “Northwest Frontier Indian Command Group”

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.

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.

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. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $13.99.

Odemars vs Lancashire, WW2 Infantry

The photo above compares three American soldiers from Lancashire Games black-washed metal) with a pair of plastic Germans from Odemars (tan plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Odemars set PF17 “The Last Defenders of Berlin.” The set contains 42 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Although Odemars shut down production in 2009, their figures are still available in hobby shops and online stores. For instance, Drum and Flag is currently selling the set for £6.95.

Notes on the Samples:

The Odemars figures were obtained in a trade from Eric Yin.

IMEX vs SHQ & Kennington, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal miniatures from SHQ & Kennington (A,C) with a pair of plastic figures from IMEX (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

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from set 503 “American Civil War, Union Cavalry.” This box includes 11 riders in 5 poses, along with 11 horses in 3 poses, and 15 dismounted figures in 6 poses. There are two variants of this box in release, one of which substitutes a “bonus” figure representing George Custer for one of the existing mounted poses.

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): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently in production, and can easily be found. For instance, Woodrow’s War Store is selling boxes for $11.03 (Canadian).