Orion 1/72 Vikings vs Garrison 25mm Saxon, foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Orion (A,C) with a single metal warrior from Garrison (B). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure is from Garrison Wargames Figures and comes from their 25mm Medieval range. Garrison uses the code “HS 10” to describe this figure, which they call “Saxon fyrdman with throwing axe.”

The Medieval range from Garrison includes 12 Saxon poses, 11 Normans, and 14 Vikings (2 of them mounted).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 26mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal Medievals retail for £0.60 each, and can be ordered directly from the Garrison website:

http://www.garrisonminiatures.com/index.asp

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was kindly provided by Rob Young at Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72004 “Sea Warriors: Vikings, VIII-XI Century.” The box contains 46 figures in 23 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 Orion box is currently available, although it is not widely carried. However, it can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic and a donation from Liam Sullivan.

Strelets 1/72 vs Douglas 20mm, 18th Century foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Strelets-R (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Douglas Miniatures (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 Douglas Miniatures, as part of a Marlburian range. They are currently available from 20mm Nostalgic Revival and are catalogued as follows:

B) MB-1, Musketeer Firing
D) MB-4, Grenadier at Ready

The Marlburian range currently includes 6 foot poses. One original mounted figure is available and a second one (a new sculpt) is in the works.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Douglas figures were originally released in 1970, and were out of circulation for a long time. As mentioned, they are once again available from Nostalgic Revival. The firm does not have a website, but orders can be placed via email to [CunnJoh (at) aol (dot) com].

Notes on the Samples:

The Douglas samples were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Strelets set 043, “Artillery of Charles XII, the Great Northern War.” The box includes 24 figures in individual poses, as well as two cannon.

Strelets covers this conflict with infantry, cavalry and artillery sets for both Sweden and Russia.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This set was introduced in 2005, and is easily found in online and physical stores.

20mm and 1/72 Han Dynasty comparisons on "Miniatures in 1/72"

Tom P has posted an interesting comparison of some metal and plastic figures covering China in the Han Dynasty. The trigger for his investigation seems to be a new manufacturer, called “3D Model Studio.”

Besides 3D, Tom compares Caesar and Newline Designs. The Caesar figure comes from set H004 “Chinese Ch’in Dynasty Army.” The Newline figures are catalogued as ANHC02 (halberdier) and ANHC06 (archer), and are part of the 20mm Ancient range from this manufacturer.

See here for the comparison image:

http://miniaturen1-72.blogspot.com/2011/06/han-chinese-different-manufactures.html

As for 3D Model Studio, the Han line is their first, and so far only, offering in 1/72 scale. The company website is here:

http://www.dddhk.com/

Newline can be found here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

Hinchliffe 25mm vs Esci & Italeri 1/72 Colonial Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic warriors from Esci and 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 were originally released by Hinchliffe, and now are available from Hind Figures, who purchased the line in 2008, and are maintaining the brand.

These figures are included in Hinchliffe’s 25mm British Colonial range, and are cataloged as:

A: BC27, Officer at Rourke’s Drift
C: BC4, British Infantry Officer Advancing
E: BC30, Zulu Stabbing

The full range includes over 50 foot figures and 16 mounted figures, as well as guns and other equipment.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 24mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 27mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures can be ordered directly from Hind. The cost is 89 p (UK) for an individual figure.

The Hinchliffe page on the Hind website is here:

http://www.hinchliffe.co.uk/home.htm

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The lighter Esci figure on the left comes from box 212 “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and was also issued in box 232 “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.” The darker figure on the right was released in box 213 “Zulu War, Zulu Warriors.”

Box 212 included 50 figures in 15 poses. The set was later re-released by Italeri as box 6050, “British Infantry, Zulu Wars, 1879.” The Italeri version of the set included only 40 figures.

Box 232 added three new poses, bringing the total to 18, while keeping the number of figures steady at 50.

Box 213 was released by Italeri as set 6051, titled “Zulu Warriors, Zulu Wars, 1879.” Both versions included 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Esci no longer exists, and Italeri is not currently producing these sets. However, the figures can be found fairly easily in second-hand shops and online auction sites.

Airfix 1/72 vs Newline 1/72, Romans, Goths and Britons

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Designs figures come from one of their special 1/72nd scale range, and so are larger than the more numerous 20mm figures offered. These particular samples are cataloged as item 2G04, “Gothic Archers.” They are part of the “Dark Ages” line which also Franks, Huns and late period Romans.

Figures Characteristics

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

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 £2.00. In addition, the firm offers packs of 24 figures for £9.50.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two boxes: A01730 “Romans” (C,E) and A01734 “Ancient Britons” (A). Both boxes have also been re-issued by HaT, under the same names, as set 7010 and 7011 respectively.

The Roman box includes 26 foot figures in 11 poses, as well as a four-horse chariot with two crew. For the Britons, the box contains 25 foot figures in 11 poses, along with a pair of two-horse chariots with crews.

Figure Characteristics:

Roman Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Roman Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head) 23mm.
Briton Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Briton Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head) 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

After a period of dormancy, Airfix is once again producing these sets. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, or found at many other online stores.

Small Scale Operations looks at 20mm modern African forces

Sgt Scream recently published a comparison of 20mm offerings covering recent conflicts in Africa. The actual image is a re-post of something that had appeared at The Guild.

The image compares figures from these ranges:

Elhiem
Liberation
Mutineer
Flashing Blade

Check it out yourself here:

http://smallscaleoperations.blogspot.com/2011/06/wargaming-africa-some-miniature.html

Garrison 25mm vs HaT 1/72, Saxon warriors, foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from HaT (A,C) with a single metal warrior from Garrison (B). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure is from Garrison Wargames Figures and comes from their 25mm Medieval range. Garrison uses the code “HS 10” to describe this figure, which they call “Saxon fyrdman with throwing axe.”

The Medieval range from Garrison includes 12 Saxon poses, 11 Normans, and 14 Vikings (2 of them mounted).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 26mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal Medievals retail for £0.60 each, and can be ordered directly from the Garrison website:

http://www.garrisonminiatures.com/index.asp

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was kindly provided by Rob Young at Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from set 6006 “Saxons.” HaT experimented with a reduced size set when this was released, so the box contains just 24 figures in 4 poses. They are part of a substantial commitment to the early middle age on the part of HaT.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability:

Although this is one of the earlier releases from HaT, figures and boxes can still be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Notes on the Samples:

The HaT samples were kindly donated by Liam Sullivan.

Hinchliffe 25mm vs Waterloo 1815 1/72, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Waterloo 1815 (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 Hinchliffe, and now are available from Hind Figures, who purchased the line in 2008, and are maintaining the brand.

These figures are included in Hinchliffe’s 25mm British Colonial range, and are cataloged as:

A: BC27, Officer at Rourke’s Drift
C: BC4, British Infantry Officer Advancing
E: BC30, Zulu Stabbing

The full range includes over 50 foot figures and 16 mounted figures, as well as guns and other equipment.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 24mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 27mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures can be ordered directly from Hind. The cost is 89 p (UK) for an individual figure.

The Hinchliffe page on the Hind website is here:

http://www.hinchliffe.co.uk/home.htm

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 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.

Newline Designs expanding 20mm Colonial range

Newline Designs have been steadily adding to their 20mm colonial offerings over the past weeks. In April the firm expanded the offering of regular British infantry to include new command poses. In May the range was extended to include mounted Boers. And recently, Newline announced seven new sets of figures to be released featuring British infantry in Glengarry caps.

The picture above, taken from the Newline website, shows BOE02 “Boer Cavalry.” Click on the image for a larger version.

These mounted figures are sold in a set of three, which retails for £3.30.

The Newline website can be found here.

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

HaT vs Newline, Roman and Goths, foot

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Designs figures come from one of their special 1/72nd scale range, and so are larger than the more numerous 20mm figures offered. These particular samples are cataloged as item 2G04, “Gothic Archers.” They are part of the “Dark Ages” line which also Franks, Huns and late period Romans.

Figures Characteristics:

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

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 £2.00. In addition, the firm offers packs of 24 figures for £9.50.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from three sets:

A: 6008 “Visigoths”
C: 8017 “Republican Romans, Princeps and Triari”
E: 8087 “Late Roman Heavy Infantry.”

8017 contains 48 figures in 8 poses, while 8087 includes 40 figures in 8 poses. 6008 is about half the size of the other sets, and contains just 24 figures in 4 poses. They give a good sense of the wide range of Ancient subjects covered by HaT.

Figure Characteristics:

6008 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
8017 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
8087 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.

6008 Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.
8017 Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.
8087 Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The samples from 6008 and 8017 figure were donated by Liam Sullivan, while the 8087 figure was kindly provided by the manufacturer.

Strelets 1/72 vs Minifigs, Matchlock, Falcon 25mm, French Colonial mounted

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Strelets-R (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Falcon (currently available from Miniature Figurines) (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 “Late 19th/Early 20th Century & Boxer Rebellion” range currently offered by Minifigs under the Matchlock brand. The figures were originally sculpted and released under the Falcon Miniatures name (not to be confused with Falcon Figures).

The models are catalogued as:
B: BEAUX 08 French Foreign Legion Mounted Spahi
D: BEAUX 06 French Foreign Legion Mounted Officer

The full line covers French Foreign Legion, Turks, German Southwest Africa, Russians, Japanese, Boxers and various African forces.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 34mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 37mm.

Availability and Cost:

This line was reintroduced in February 2011. It can be found on the Minifigs website, by selecting the “Matchlock” label.

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

Foot figures in this range are being sold for £1.10, with mounted figures retailing for £2.55

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Strelets set 049: “French African Chasseurs.” This box contains 12 riders in different poses, as well as 12 horses in six poses. While the Chasseurs d’Afrique served in many locations, Strelets have released them as part of a wide and deep focus on the Crimean War.

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.

Availability and Cost:

The Chasseurs were released in 2008, and have already started to become scarce in the market.