Falcon 25mm AWI vs 1/72 Revell SYW, foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the “Falcon AWI” range currently offered by Minifigs under the Matchlock brand. The figures in this line were originally sculpted and released under the Falcon Miniatures name (not to be confused with Falcon Figures).

The two models are catalogued as:

AW12 Continental on Guard
AW41 German Officer Walking

There are currently 30 codes available in this line, all of them foot figures. They represent British and American forces, as well as German troops allied with the British. There are no cavalry or artillery units represented in the range.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured to head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

This line can be found on the Minifigs website, by selecting the “Matchlock” label and then looking for the “Falcon AWI tab.”

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

Foot figures in this range are being sold individually for £1.10.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

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

02579 “Austrian Artillery, 7 Years’ War.” This box includes 24 figures in 17 poses as well as three guns and a team of 4 horses.
02574 “Austrian Infantry, 7 Years’ War.” This box includes 46 foot figures in 13 poses, plus a mounted officer.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Box 2574: 23mm.
Box 2579: 23mm

Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head):
Box 2574: 25mm.
Box 2579: 25mm.

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 donated by Liam Sullivan.

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.

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

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Zvezda (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Douglas, re-released by 20mm Nostalgic Revival (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 Zvezda figures are from box 8049 “"Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, 1698-1725.” The box contains 43 figures in 12 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 Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

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.

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, early 18th century foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Zvezda (A,C,E) with three metal figures from Les Higgins / Nostalgic Revival (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their Marlborough 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: MP 4 Grenadier at port arms
D: MP 14 Musketeer at ready
F: MP 35 Generic figure, no weapon

Note: the first two figures are from the original Les Higgins range, while the third is a recent addition.

The Marlborough range currently includes the following poses: 16 infantry other ranks; 8 officers, NCOs and drummers; 4 artillery crew; 11 mounted figures; 2 dismounted cavalry; and 2 artillery pieces.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 35p (UK) each.

Notes on the Samples:

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8049 “"Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, 1698-1725.” The box contains 43 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
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 instance, Hannants have it for £5.99.

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.

Marlburian Cavalry from Les Higgins, part 2

The images above show the final examples of mounted Les Higgins figures of the Marlburian period. These are s available from John Cunningham.

All of the models shown in the top image are recent additions to the range. They are (from left to right)

MP 30 Hussar
MP 31 Cuirassier in tricorne
MP 33 Cuirassier officer

The figure in the bottom picture is also a new sculpt:

MP 32 Mounted trumpeter

Click on an image for a larger version.

Marlburian Cavalry from Les Higgins, Part 1

The images above illustrate some of the mounted Marlburian figures available from the Les Higgins range, currently being produced by John Cunningham.

In the top image, the models are all from the original Les Higgins designs. They are (from left to right) :

MP 21 Mounted Dragoon with musket
MP 22 Trooper of Horse
MP 23 Trumpeter

The left most figure below is also an original sculpt:

MP 24 Horse Grenadier

In addition, there are two new figures (centre and right):

MP 28 Mounted Dragoon in cap
MP 29 Mounted Cuirassier in lobster pot helmet

Click on an image for a larger version.

More Comparisons on Will's Wargames Blog

Will of Will’s Wargames Blog has recently posted a few metal/plastic comparisons for the early eighteenth century.

On his July 8 post, he looked at the Les Higgins Marlburians, some of which have also been featured on this site lately. He compared the Les Higgins cavalry figures to some Strelets mounted troops, and the foot figures to Zvezda.

Something old, something new

On July 18, Will compared Douglas Miniatures sculpts for the War of Spanish Succession, against the same plastic sets.

Douglas Miniatures WSS figures

On the same day, he also took a look at some Wodensfeld figures for the Seven Years War. This time he compared them to Revell’s SYW Austrians, as well as the Zvezda Russian infantry from the Great Northern War.

Wodensfeld Miniatures SYW French

More Marlburian foot figures from Les Higgins

Carrying on through the Les Higgins 20mm Marlburian catalogue, these figures represent some specialist foot.

The top image are all newer additions to the range, and are (left to right):

MP 26 Dismounted Dragoon in cap, kneeling
MP 27 Dismounted Dragoon in tricorne, firing
MP 34 Drummer (alternate coat)
MP 35 Generic figure, no weapon
MP 36 Generic figure, musket on shoulder

The bottom photo includes more of the original Higgins sculpts, with the exception of the last figure. From left to right, the figures are:

MP 20 (three figures) Artillery Crew
MP 18b Grenadier drummer
MP 25 Imperial Grenadier

The range is sold as single figures; orders can be placed at CunnJoh@aol.com

Les Higgins Marlburian Infantry & Command

An earlier post introduced the reissued and extended line of 20mm Marlburian figures from Les Higgins. In that post, the Grenadiers from this range were featured. Now it is the turn of the regular infantry figures, as well as the command.

The bottom image shows the infantry sculpts, as follows:

MP 10 Musketeer loading
MP 11 Musketeer march attack
MP 12 Musketeer firing
MP 13 Musketeer kneeling firing
MP 14 Musketeer thrusting
MP 15 Musketeer at east

The top photo includes various command figures, including:

MP 17b Musketeer Officer with sword
MP 18a Musketeer drummer
MP 19a, b, c and d Officers and NCOs (4 figures)

Although most of these figures measure 20mm, from the sole of the foot to the eye, there are a couple of shorter figures in the upper picture.

The range is sold as individual figures, which can be ordered from CunnJoh@aol.com

Marlburian Grenadiers from Les Higgins

As discussed in earlier posts, John Cunningham is producing several of the old Les Higgins ranges. Besides making the original sculpts available again, he has added new figures to several of the ranges.

The most extensive range currently in production is the “Marlborough” series. It is a fully fleshed out range, with a variety of infantry, artillery, cavalry and command figures available.

The images above feature the Grenadiers. The lower image shows figures MP 2 to 6, as follows:

MP 2 Grenadier at ease
MP 3 Grenadier throwing grenade
MP 4 Grenadier at the ready
MP 5 Grenadier firing
MP6 Grenadier thrusting

The top photo includes MP 7 to 9 and MP 17a:

MP 7 Grenadier charging
MP 8 Grenadier loading
MP 9 Grenadier kneeling firing
MP 17a Grenadier officer with sword.

In addition to these figures, there is a further Grenadier, in pose MP 1(march attack).

The figures measure 20mm, from the sole of the foot to the eye, with a couple of exceptions. In this case MP7 is a bit taller than his peers.

Early 18th Century Infantry, Part 4

This is the last set of pictures sent in by John Cunningham, comparing plastic and metal figures of the early 18th century. In this case, the focus is on Zvezda. Click on the images for a larger version.

The figures are:

Top Picture
Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
Zvezdva, Russian Infantry of Peter the Great set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)

Zvezda, Swedish Inantry, Great Northern War set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)

Middle Picture
Zvezda, 2 x Swedish Infantry, Great Northern War set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)
Les Higgins, MP 14 Musketeer at ready (painted blue coat)
Strelets, 2 x Swedish Infantry of Charles XII, set 0021 (unpainted red plastic)

Bottom Picture
Warrior 1680, LS 9 Pikeman (painted, red coat)
Warrior 1680, LS 6 Gunner with linstock (unpainted metal)
Zvezda, 2 x Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)

Early 18th Century Infantry, part 3

These pictures show some more 18th century figures from the collection of John Cunningham.

This time the comparison is focused on Strelets. The green plastic figure in each image is from Strelet's set 31 (Guard of Peter I), while the red plastic figure comes from box 21 (Swedish Infantry of Charles XII).

The metal musketeer figure on the right in each image is from Irregular Miniatures; while remaining figures are from Warrior 1680. The Warrior figure in the top image (second from left, painted) is catalogued as "LS 9, Pikeman," while his counterpart in the bottom image (on the far left) is known as "LS 6, Gunner with Linstock."

As can be seen, the Warrior 1680 figures are nice matches with the Strelets sculpts, while the Irregular troops are a bit shorter. Click on the images for a larger version.

Early 18th century Infantry, part 2

Here are some further pictures from John Cunningham, looking at figures available for the early 18th century. In this case, the models are all from metal ranges. According to John, they can be identified as follows:

Top Picture, left to right:
Warrior 1680, LS 4 Officer (painted, red coat)
Douglas Miniatures, MB 8 Standard Bearer (unpainted metal)
Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
Douglas Miniatures, MB 2 Musketeer at ready (painted, red coat)
Warrior 1680, LS 3 line Infantry (painted, red coat)

Bottom Picture, left to right:
Douglas Miniature, MB 3 Grenadier firing (unpainted metal)
Warrior 1680, LS 2 Dismounted Dragoon x2 (painted, blue coats)
Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
Les Higgins, MP 12 Musketeer firing (painted, white coat)

Click on the images for larger versions.

Early 18th century Infantry, part 1

John Cunningham has generously provided some photos comparing plastic and metal infantry for the early 18th century. The period of course saw two major conflicts: the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

The image above shows all the figures arrayed. Click on the image for a larger version. More detailed shots will follow.

According to John, the figures are:

Top row, left to right

1. Warrior 1680, LS 4 Officer (painted, red coat)
2. Douglas Miniatures, MB 8 Standard Bearer (unpainted metal)
3. Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
4. Douglas Miniatures, MB 2 Musketeer at ready (painted, red coat)
5. Warrior 1680, LS 3 line Infantry (painted, red coat)
6. Douglas Miniatures, MB 3 Grenadier firing (unpainted metal)
7, 8. Warrior 1680, LS 2 Dismounted Dragoon x2 (painted, blue coats)
9. Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
10. Les Higgins, MP 12 Musketeer firing (painted, white coat)

Bottom Row, left to right

11. Warrior 1680, LS 9 Pikeman (painted, red coat)
12. Warrior 1680, LS 6 Gunner with linstock (unpainted metal)
13, 14. Zvezdva, 2 x Russians GNW set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)
15, 16. Zvezda, 2 x Swedes GNW set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)
17. Les Higgins, MP 14 Musketeer at ready (painted blue coat)
18, 19. Strelets, 2 x Swedes GNW set 0021 (unpainted red plastic)
20, 21. Strelets, 2 x Russians GNW set 0031 (unpainted dark green plastic)
22. Irregular Miniatures, musketeer marching (unpainted metal)