Minifigs S Series Recasts in Production

The Minifigs S Series dates from the late 1960s, when they started to supplement and then replace the original 20mm Minifigs.


According to Vintage20Mil, the S Series is widely seen as the first “true 25mm” range (even though the firm described them as being 20mm in their initial release material). The range covered a wide range of conflicts, and featured a variety of poses that surpassed many contemporary competitors.

The period of S Series ascendency was brief. In the mid-1970s, Minifigs moved to a new style, featuring sculpts that were slightly taller and significantly bulkier than the S Series. As part of this transition, the S Series figures were pulled out of production.

But now many of those S Series lines are being made available as a recast range through John Cunningham’s operation: 20mm Nostalgia. John has already acquired the rights and is working for new moulds for all or part of the following lines: Marlburian; Jacobites; Seven Years’ War; American War of Independence; French Revolution and Egyptian Campaign; Crimean War; Franco-Prussian War. Below are some details on the two latter lines.

Franco-Prussian German (includes Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, Wurttemberg, Silesia): 10 infantry poses, 2 artillery poses, 5 cavalry poses, 1 mounted general.
Franco-Prussian French: 8 infantry poses, 2 artillery poses, 3 cavalry poses, 1 mounted general.
Crimean British: 18 infantry poses, 7 artillery poses, 5 cavalry poses.
Crimean Turkish: 5 infantry poses, 3 artillery poses, 2 cavalry poses.
Crimean French: 12 infantry poses, 3 artillery poses, 2 cavalry poses.
Crimean Sardinian: 3 infantry poses.
Crimean Russian: 12 infantry poses, 6 artillery poses, 5 cavalry poses.

The picture above shows some sample figures from the Franco-Prussian War range, with catalogue descriptions as follows:

PFP 7 Wurttemberg Line Infantry advance
PFP 10 Wurttemberg Line Gunner firing gun
PFP 11 Wurttemberg Line Gunner carrying shell
FFP 3 French Guard Grenadier a Pied advance
FPS 2 Prussian General

John is currently shipping figures for 50p, and horses for 65p. For more details and to place orders, please contact John at his email address CunnJoh(at)aol(dot)com.

Fritz Figures Turks vs Waterloo 1815 Italians

The photo above compares three metal figures from Uwe Wild (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Bersaglieri 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 are produced by Uwe Wild. He has released 13 different Turkish infantry poses to date, as well as some artillery figures. Another five foot figures are also in the pipeline. As a new venture, the figures are not yet branded or catalogued.

Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm with some variation.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm with some variation.

Availability and Cost:
These figures are currently available from Uwe Wild. Details on pricing may change, so those interested in purchasing any should contact him through his blog:

http://historyin172.blogspot.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:The plastic figures are from Waterloo 1815’s box AP 015 “Italian Bersaglieri, 1859.” This set includes 48 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:
These figures are currently in production, and can be obtained through hobby shops or online distributors.

HaT Napoleonic lancers vs Scruby HistoriFigs FPW

The photo above compares two metal Franco-Prussian War lancers from HistoriFigs (A,C) with a pair of plastic Napoleonic lancers from HaT (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 Jack Scruby, and now are available from HistoriFigs as part of the 25mm Franco-Prussian war range. The pose is catalogued as “9536C, Uhlan, lance erect.” The range comprises 45 different figures, with foot and mounted figures for France, Prussia and Bavaria.

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.

Rider Body Height (measured from foot to eyes): 23mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

The HistoriFigs miniatures can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually for $2.00 US, in a group of 6 for $11.75, or as a set of 12 for $21.75.

The HistoriFigs website is here:

http://www.historifigs.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from set 8011 “Napoleonic French Lancers.” The set includes 12 riders in 4 poses, and 12 horses in 2 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Body Height (measured to eyes): 23mm.
Rider Body Height (measured to top of head): 25mm

Rider Height above ground (measured to eyes): 33mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured to top of head): 35mm.

Availability and Cost:

Although this is one of the older sets from HaT, these boxes are currently available from and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Notes on the Samples:

These figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

HistoriFigs, Scruby vs Esci, Italeri 19th Century Lancers

The photo above compares two metal lancers from HistoriFigs, (A,C) with a pair of plastic troopers 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 Jack Scruby, and now are available from HistoriFigs as part of the 25mm Franco-Prussian war range. The pose is catalogued as “9536C, Uhlan, lance erect.” The range comprises 45 different figures, with foot and mounted figures for France, Prussia and Bavaria.

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.

Rider Body Height (measured from foot to eyes): 23mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

The HistoriFigs miniatures can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually for $2.00 US, in a group of 6 for $11.75, or as a set of 12 for $21.75.

The HistoriFigs website is here:

http://www.historifigs.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

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.

Availability and Cost:

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

HistoriFigs Scruby vs Strelets, 19th century lancers

The photo above compares two metal lancers from HistoriFigs, which were originally released by Jack Scrub, (A,C) with a pair of plastic troopers from Strelets-R (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 Jack Scruby, and now are available from HistoriFigs as part of the 25mm Franco-Prussian war range. The pose is catalogued as “9536C, Uhlan, lance erect.” The range comprises 45 different figures, with foot and mounted figures for France, Prussia and Bavaria.

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.

Rider Body Height (measured from foot to eyes): 23mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

The HistoriFigs miniatures can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually for $2.00 US, in a group of 6 for $11.75, or as a set of 12 for $21.75.

The HistoriFigs website is here:

http://www.historifigs.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two sets of Strelets Crimean War figures. The green figure comes from Set 061, “Russian Crimean Uhlans.” The other miniature is from Set 036, “Crimean War British Lancers.” Each box contains 12 riders in different poses. The Russian set includes 12 horses in six poses, while the British set has 12 unique horse poses.

Figure Characteristics (based on Set 061):

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 31mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 33mm.

Rider Body Height (measured from foot to eyes): 21mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

The British lancers were first released in 2005, while the Russian miniatures joined them in 2007. Both sets are still widely available.

Irregular Risorgimento vs Strelets French, foot

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their “Garibaldi” range. They are catalogued as follows:

B: NGAR2 Garibaldian Infantry Advancing
D: NGAR3 Garibaldian Infantry Firing

The “Garibaldi” range currently comprises 12 types, several of which include multiple variants. This includes 5 Garibaldian infantry poses, and one cavalry figure. For the Neapolitan forces, Irregular offers 4 infantry poses, 1 cavalry, and an artillery crew with gun.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, or in larger numbers at discounted prices. Where variants exist, they are delivered randomly. Cost for foot figures: 50p UK for a single figure, £10.00 for a pack of 24, and £40.00 for a large pack of 100.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Strelets figures come from box 0024 “Crimean War French Light Infantry.” The box includes 44 figures, each in a unique pose (one of which is actually a “bonus” figure having nothing to do with the subject of the box).

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Strelets is currently producing this set, and it can be found at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $10.99 US.

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.

Irregular Risorgimento vs Emhar French, foot

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their “Garibaldi” range. They are catalogued as follows:

B: NGAR2 Garibaldian Infantry Advancing
D: NGAR3 Garibaldian Infantry Firing

The “Garibaldi” range currently comprises 12 types, several of which include multiple variants. This includes 5 Garibaldian infantry poses, and one cavalry figure. For the Neapolitan forces, Irregular offers 4 infantry poses, 1 cavalry, and an artillery crew with gun.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, or in larger numbers at discounted prices. Where variants exist, they are delivered randomly. Cost for foot figures: 50p UK for a single figure, £10.00 for a pack of 24, and £40.00 for a large pack of 100.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Emhar models are from box EM 7211 “French Infantry, Crimean War 1854-56 & Franco-Prussian War 1870-71.” The box contains 50 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Emhar French are a fairly recent release (from 2007) and thus can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $11.99 (US).

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.

Irregular vs Waterloo 1815, Infantry of the Risorgimento

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Waterloo 1815 (A,C,E) with two metal Garibaldians from Irregular (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their “Garibaldi” range. They are catalogued as follows:

B: NGAR1 Garibaldian Infantry Running (to be confirmed)
D: NGAR3 Garibaldian Infantry Firing

The “Garibaldi” range currently comprises 12 types, several of which include multiple variants. This includes 5 Garibaldian infantry poses, and one cavalry figure. For the Neapolitan forces, Irregular offers 4 infantry poses, 1 cavalry, and an artillery crew with gun.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, or in larger numbers at discounted prices. Where variants exist, they are delivered randomly. Cost for foot figures: 50p UK for a single figure, £10.00 for a pack of 24, and £40.00 for a large pack of 100.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures are from Waterloo 1815’s box AP 015 “Italian Bersaglieri, 1859.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently in production, and can be obtained through hobby shops or online distributors. For instance, at Hannant’s a box of these figures costs £8.50.

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.

B&B Franco-Prussian War, German forces

These pictures provide a few more views of B&B's German figures from the Franco-Prussian war. The top picture illustrates the poses provided in a typical bagged set. In this case, the poses come from set FPGI-7 “Saxon Grenadiers." The figures are sold in a group of 20 with variant heads.

The lower picture includes one figure from that set (second from left) as well as a general from set FPGS-1 "Prussian Staff mounted," and a gunner from set FPGA-11 “Bavarian 6 pdr gun & crew.” Also in the lower picture are some Emhar plastic troops (gray plastic) and painted Airfix figures.

These models are available from the B&B website: http://www.bandbminiatures.co.uk/ (note that the company changed to this URL fairly recently - so if you have bookmarked the old site it won't work any more). The new website has a lot more photos than used to be available.

I actually purchased my figures from Brookhurst Hobbies. Brookhurst is a good source for metal figures in the US. They have a online store here: http://brookhursthobbies.com/ This is also a recently redesigned site, but using the existing address. However, I can't currently find B&B listed at their site, so perhaps they no longer carry the line.

Airfix / HaT vs B&B, FPW Bavarian foot

The photo above compares three Bavarian artillery figures from B&B Miniatures (second, third, fifth and seventh from the left) with several World War One Airfix figures (re-released by HaT) converted to represent Bavarian infantry of the Franco-Prussian war. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix figures are conversions which started out as box 01726: “WW1 German Infantry.” They were reissued by HaT as set 7001, with the same name.

The B & B figures come from their Franco-Prussian range, and are listed as FPGA-11 “Bavarian 6 pdr gun & crew.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix/HaT – 21mm
B&B – 20mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix/HaT – C (average)
B&B – E (exaggerated)

Overall conclusions:

While some poses from the Airfix set do match tolerably well with the B&B figures, the examples illustrated are not very compatible. The metal figures are sculpted in a very heavy style, while the Airfix/HaT figures are more realistic. This means that the heads on the B&B figures, for instance, are twice the size of those on the plastic models. However, the close height does compensate somewhat, especially as the sculpting on the shorter metal figures makes them seem to be a bit taller than they really are.

Emhar vs B&B, FPW German Infantry

The photo above compares three Saxon infantry figures from B&B Miniatures (unpainted metal) with three Emhar Prussian infantry (gray plastic). Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Emhar figures are from box EM7213: “Prussian Infantry, Franco-Prussian War 1870-71.”

The B & B figures come from their Franco-Prussian range, and are part of set FPGI-7 “Saxon Grenadiers.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Emhar – 22mm
B&B – 20mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Emhar – B (slender)
B&B – E (exaggerated)

Overall conclusions:

Given the similar heights, it might be expected that these two sets of German soldiers could mix well. However, the very different sculpting styles undermines that. For instance, the head of a B&B sculpt is twice as high as that of an Emhar model, even though the metal figures is in fact shorter. While some wargamers might be comfortable using the two ranges to produce separate units, any closer mixing will be very obvious.

Airfix vs B&B, Franco-Prussian German Infantry

The photo above compares three German infantry figures from B&B Miniatures (unpainted metal) with several World War One Airfix figures (re-released by HaT) painted as Prussian infantry of the Franco-Prussian war. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix figures are from box 01726: “WW1 German Infantry.” They were reissued by HaT as set 7001, with the same name.

The B & B figures come from their Franco-Prussian range, and are part of the “FPGI-7 Saxon Grenadiers” set.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix/HaT – 21mm.
B&B – 20mm

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix/HaT – as a whole, this box is rated C (average) although the pose at port arms falls more into the D (somewhat heavy) category.
B&B – E (exaggerated)

Overall conclusions: These two sets of figures go together quite well. The height is very close, and given that the B&B figures have thicker bases, almost unnoticeable. While the metal figures are sculpted in a very heavy style, some of the Airfix poses are compatible. (The standing firing pose on the other hand, are not a good match). The back view of the Airfix/HaT figures show the biggest compatibility problem. As First World War figures they are sculpted either with a “y” strap on their back, or a pack with the greatcoat wrapped around it. To be used for the period forty years earlier, they should have had the greatcoat slung over a shoulder, and be wearing cross belts.

B&B Franco-Prussian, French Sailors

B&B Miniatures offers a complete range of 20mm figures for the Franco-Prussian conflict, many of which are also suitable for other wars of the period. Oddly, the firm currently maintains two distinct websites, with different information on each. The complete listing can be found here:

http://www.bandbminiatures.co.uk/

Look on the same site for a large number of photos of the range.

The image provided above illustrates what the buyer will get in a typical infantry pack. In this case, the figures are from set FPFI-14 "French Marines Advancing." The set included four figures of each of the three poses on the left (with head varieties) plus one each of the command figures on the right - officer, petty officer, standard bearer, bugler.

The set currently retails for 8.80 (UK Pounds), which is 55p per figure. At today's exchange rate that is 80 cents (US) or 98 cents (Canadian).

Click on the picture for a larger version.

Strelets vs B&B, Franco-Prussian French infantry

The photo shows 5 Strelets-R figures in blue plastic, compared with two B&B Miniatures models, in bare metal. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations: The plastic figures come from Strelets’ set 024 – Crimean War French Light Infantry. The B&B figures are from set FPFI-14 in the Franco-Prussian range – French Marines Advancing.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
The Strelets figures measure 21mm, while the B&B models are 20mm high.

Sculpting style compatibility (on 5 pt scale):
Strelets: C (average).
B&B: E (exaggerated)

Compatibility of uniform, equipment, etc: Since the two figures represent different units, there are no obvious incompatibilities.

Overall conclusions:
Given the similar heights, the two manufacturers can work reasonably well together on a games table. However, B&B’s sculpting style will always stand out on close examination.

Airfix vs B&B, Franco-Prussian French Infantry

Figures in the image (left to right) are:

• 2 unpainted figures from Airfix/HaT
• 1 painted figure from Airfix/HaT
• 2 unpainted metal figures from B&B
• 3 painted figures from Airfix/HaT.
  

Manufacturers’ designations: The Airfix/Hat figures were originally released by Airfix as set 01710 “Foreign Legion.” This is the 2nd version of that set. They were reissued by HaT as set 7012 “Foreign Legion.” The B&B figures are from set FPFI-14 “French Marines Advancing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix/HaT 21mm
B & B: 20mm

Sculpting style compatibility (on 5 pt scale):
Airfix/Hat: C (average).
B&B: E (exaggerated).

Compatibility of uniform, equipment, etc: The plastic figures are intended for service in North Africa and so are wearing the neck cloth. (For use in the Franco Prussian war, this should be carved off.)

Overall compatibility: With the very strong height correlation, but distinct sculpting styles, these figures are reasonably compatible. Since there are no plastic French Marines, the B&B figures do fill a hole in available troop types.

Figure availability: The plastic figures are currently available from HaT through all their normal distribution channels. The B&B figures are also in production and available from the manufacturer and select distributors.

About the image. The painted figures in the image were originally finished in the late 70s or early 80s, and show the biggest problem with painted figures from that era – flaking. These days, techniques for keeping paint on figures have improved remarkably, and some manufactures are using plastic which holds the paint much more easily. Check out some of the links on the sidebar to find out more.

Click on the image for a larger version.

HaT vs B&B, Franco-Prussian French Infantry

The HaT figures (in grey above) come from HaT's set 8004 - ACW Union Zouaves. Although clearly envisioned as an American Civil War set originally, HaT tweaked this set so that it included several packs as separate items. This made it even more useful as a way to depict French Zouaves or Tirailleurs.

The metal B&B figures interspersed with them are again from set FPFI-14 (French Marines Advancing).

In this case, the two types of figures match very closely on height, but almost look like two different species otherwise. The HaT poses are remarkable slender - they look slight beside other plastic figures as well.

Click on the image for a larger version.

B&B Franco-Prussian French Marines

B&B Miniatures is a British firm that offers 20mm ranges covering several interesting conflicts, including the Franco-Prussian War. Their coverage of that war is extensive, and figures are sold in packs with a variety of poses, some of which include head variants. The B&B website can be found here:

B&B Miniatures

The B&B troops do fit in well with some common plastic ranges, as far as height goes. However, the sculpting style is an exaggerated one, similar to what can be seen in many metal ranges in other scales. It does give the B&B troops character, but will cause some wargamers to resist mixing them into plastic armies. (I think it can be seen most clearly in the figure third from the left above.)

The image above compares some figures from B&B's "French Marines advancing" (FPFI-14) with a number of other sources for figures. More detailed comparisons will follow for the plastic figures included. The figures in the picture are (from left to right):

• Two figures from Airfix's French Foreign Legion (reissued by HaT)
• One of the B&B figures
• A HaT Zouave (nominally for the ACW, but useful for French forces as well)
• The officer from the B&B pack
• A Guard figure from Scruby
• A French Light Infantry figure from Strelets
• Another marine from B&B

As always, click on the picture for a larger version.