Fritz Figures now online

As mentioned here and elsewhere, Uwe Wild is a passionate collector of 1/72nd scale figures. Uwe is particularly interested in creating massive dioramas with teams of colleagues. You can read about his work and exploits on his blog:


http://historyin172.blogspot.com/

Over the years, Uwe’s desire to present some of the more obscure units in his work has led him to commission unique figures from a number of sculptors. Uwe then has the figures cast in metal, and uses them in his production. Of course, as soon as other collectors notice the new models, Uwe gets a drove of requests for additional production.

Uwe has now taken the logical next step and established a web shop where his figures can be purchased. The site, which takes the name “Fritz Figures” can be found here:

http://www.fritz-figures.de/

The current offerings include:

Musketeers, 1680s
Arauebusiers de Grassin, War of Austrian Succession (1740s)
Indian troops, Wellington in India
Polish infantry, Napoleonic War
Horsemen from the Sokoto Caliphate (West Africa), 19th century
Ottoman army (Turkish and Egyptian), Crimean War
Bengal lancers, 2nd Afghan War
Anamites, 1880-1900

Foot figures are selling for €0.80 while mounted figures are €1.60.

The picture above shows a unit of Fritz Figures Sepoys painted by Krisztian Takacs. I have borrowed it from Uwe’s blog.

Garrison discontinuing 25mm Assyrians, English Civil War and American Civil War

Rob Young at Garrison is letting his customers know that he will probably be ending the production of 25mm Assyrians in his Ancient range, as well as all 25mm English Civil War and American Civil War figures. These figures have not been selling strongly, and keeping them in production distracts his attention from those that are in demand.

The Assyrian offerings include 12 foot and 5 mounted poses. In the ACW range, there are 4 guns, over 35 foot poses, including artillery crews, and a couple of mounted figures. For ECW fans, the range includes 20 foot poses and 9 mounted.

Garrison’s website can be found here:

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

The picture above is taken from the Garrison catalogue, and shows CCW2 “Confederate infantry advancing at high porte.” The figure comes from the threatened 25mm ACW line, and retails for £.80. It can also be purchased in a group of 10 for £7.50.

Revell Thirty Years War vs Les Higgins ECW, mounted

The photo above compares two metal ECW troopers from Les Higgins (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 Les Higgins models come from their English Civil War range, which has been extended under the brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as EP11 “Trooper of Horse with Sword.”

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

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.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. Most figures can be ordered individually, though these come with two riders in a pack (one of each pose). I believe the cost is 40p (UK) for each rider, and another 45p per horse – although you should confirm this when ordering.

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 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.

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.

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.

SHQ & Kennington vs Mars, ECW Infantry

The photo above compares three plastic Scots from Mars (A,C,E) with a pair of metal ECW miniatures released by SHQ and Kennington (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

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.

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.

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.

SHQ & Kennington vs ACTA, English Civil War foot

The photo above compares three English Civil War figures from A Call to Arms (tan plastic) with a similar number of metal troops from SHQ & Kennington (in black washed metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The A Call To Arms figures are from box 61 “Royalist Infantry.” The box contains 32 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

ACTA’s figures are currently available and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Hannants sells the box for £4.50.

SHQ & Kennington vs Revell, 17th Century foot

The photo above compares three Thirty Years' War figures from Revell (in various shades of gray) with three ECW figures from SHQ & Kennington (black washed metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from three boxes. From left to right they are:

02556 “Thirty Years’ War, Imperial Infantry.” This box includes 47 figures in 16 poses.
02557 “Thirty Years’ War, Swedish Infantry.” This box includes 47 figures in 15 poses.
02566 “Thirty Years' War, Imperial Artillery.” This box includes 28 figures in 23 poses as well as three guns and a team of horses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Box 2556: 22mm.
Box 2557: 22mm.
Box 2566: 24mm

Body Build (from 5 categories):
Box 2556: C (average).
Box 2557: C (average).
Box 2566: B (somewhat slender)

Availability and Cost:

These sets are not currently listed as being in production at Revell, but boxes and used figures can be found at online and local hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Revell figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

SHQ & Kennington vs Zvezda, Seventeenth Century Foot

The photo above compares three English Civil War infantry figures from SHQ & Kennington (black washed metal) with three Austrian infantry figures from Zvezda (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8061 “Austrian Musketeers and Pikemen.” The box contains 45 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 24mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For example, it can be found for $CDN 11.50 at UDISCO.

ACTA vs Les Higgins, ECW Foot

The photo above compares four metal English Civil War figures from Les Higgins to three plastic figures from A Call to Arms (ACTA). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The ACTA figures are from box 61 “House of Campaign, Royalist Infantry.”

The Les Higgins figures come from their English Civil War range. From left to right they are: EP 14 (musketeer) EP 3 (pikeman), EP 1C (officer), EP 12 (drummer).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
A Call To Arms – 21mm.
Les Higgins – The LH figures are 21mm, except the officer in the middle who stands at just 19mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
A Call to Arms – C (average)
Les Higgins – C (average)

Overall conclusions:
A Call to Arms is the only plastic maker currently producing ECW figures. It is nice therefore to report that the Les Higgins figures are a perfect complement. Other than the one diminutive officer, the LH figures stand side by side with their plastic cousins, and share a similar sculpting style. This means it is entirely possible to mix figures in the same units if needed.

And finally, since the Les Higgins range does include other officers, it is possible to avoid the shorter sculpt if desired.

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, 17th century Infantry

The photo above compares three metal English Civil War figures from Les Higgins, to two Thirty Years War figures from Zvezda. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8061 “Austrian Musketeers and Pikemen.”

The Les Higgens figures come from their English Civil War range. From left to right they are: EP 3 (pike), EP 1C (officer), EP 12 (drummer).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda – 24mm.
Les Higgins – most of the LH figures are 21mm, but the officer in the middle is only 19mm in height.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda – C (average)
Les Higgins – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

There are very few 17th century figures in plastic, so the release of the Zvezda set was highly anticipated. But while the figures are extremely nice to consider on their own, they are far too large to mix well with other 1/72 scale models. As can be seen in the picture, the plastic soldiers simply tower over their metal colleagues.

Les Higgins ECW (part 2)

The pictures above show most of the remaining figures from the Les Higgins ECW range (the bulk of the infantry figures were posted on February 28). Click on the images for larger versions.

The figures are as follows (from left to right in each picture):

Top Image: gun crew (EP 13)

Middle Image: 3 cavalry troopers (EP11A and EP11B armed with swords, and EP15 with the firearm).
Bottom Image: drummer (EP12), mounted officer (EP10) and musketeer (EP14).

These figures can be purchased from John Cunningham, at cunnjoh@aol.com He expects to release a mounted cavalier (bare head) soon.

John is selling the foot figures for 40p, which is equivalent to 57 cents US, or 73 cents Canadian at today’s rates. Horses are separate and cost 45p.

Les Higgins English Civil War Infantry

The pictures above show most of the regular foot figures from the Les Higgins ECW range. In the top image, the figures from left to right are: EP2D, EP2B, EP2A, EP1C, EP1D, EP1B. In the lower picture, they are: EP4, EP8, EP7, EP3, EP6 and EP5 (the first, third and fourth figures should be holding pikes). Click on the images for larger versions.

The English Civil War range was the first release from Les Higgins, and established the firm as a maker of high quality 20mm figures. Released in the late 1960s, they still stand up today. Like many of the pioneer figure ranges in our hobby, the Les Higgins business was sold, merged and bought over the years. Eventually the ECW range went out of production, and stayed that way for more than a decade.

A couple of years ago, the range was revived by a group of enthusiasts. They are also associated with the Vintage 20mil site, which can be found on my list of links in the sidebar.

Figures can now be purchased from John Cunningham. He can be reached at cunnjoh@aol.com

The foot figures are being sold for 40p, which is equivalent to 57 cents US, or 73 cents Canadian at today’s rates.

The range also includes cavalry, mounted commanders, and artillery. Photos of those sculpts will appear in a later posting, as will some comparisons to plastic ranges.