Matchlock 25mm vs HaT 1/72, Colonial foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes 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 model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

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 HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses. HaT has committed to building a wide range of figures for colonial conflicts; they have a number of interesting sets which are under development, or have been recently released.

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:

This set is a recent release from HaT, and can be easily found.

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

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes 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 model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

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 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.

Matchlock 25mm vs Esci 1/72, Colonial foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes 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 model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

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 British Esci figure comes from box 212 “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and was also issued in box 232 “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.”

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.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured 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.

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.

Matchlock 25mm vs RedBox 1/72, Boxer Rebellion foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes 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 model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

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

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from RedBox sets 72017 “US Infantry (Boxer Rebellion 1900)” and 72021 “Sikhs (Boxer Rebellion 1900)” RedBox has made a commitment to covering this conflict in depth, and has released a number of boxes depicting participants. Each of these boxes contains 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

72017 Height (measured from to eyes): 19mm.
72017 Height (measured from to top of head): 21mm.
72021 Height (measured from to eyes): 18mm.
72021 Height (measured from to top of head): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

These sets were released about three years ago, and can easily be found at hobby shops and online dealers.

20mm Rose vs 1/72 RedBox, colonial foot

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses (4 copies of the same sprue). RedBox has also released several other sets covering colonial subjects, including a very deep range devoted to the Boxer Rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This was one of the first sets to be released by RedBox, appearing in 2006. These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

Matchlock 25mm vs Orion 1/72, Boxer foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes 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 model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

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 Orion figures are from box 72009 “Boxer Rebellion, 1900-1901.” The box contains 42 figures in 21 poses. Orion does not currently produce any other sets for this conflict, or for the period in general.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Orion introduced this set in 2004, and it can still be found at various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

20mm Rose vs 1/72 Waterloo 1815, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Waterloo1815 with a pair of metal figures from Rose Miniatures. Click on the image to see a larger version.


THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

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.

20mm Rose vs 1/72 A Call to Arms, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from A Call to Arms with two metal figures from Rose Miniatures. Click on the image to see a larger version.


THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

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. The company also offers a companion set of Zulus, but no other colonial-era releases.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

ACTA’s figures are currently available and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Rose 20mm vs Esci 1/72, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Esci with a pair of metal figures from Rose. Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The British Esci figure comes from box 212 “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and was also issued in box 232 “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.”

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.

The Zulu figures were released in box 213 “Zulu War, Zulu Warriors.” It was also 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 to eyes): 21mm.
213 Height (measured to eyes): 21mm.
212 Height (measured to top of head): 23mm.
212 Height (measured 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.

Rose 20mm vs HaT 1/72, Colonial foot

The photo above compares plastic figures from HaT (A,C,E) with a pair of metal soldiers from Rose (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 from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The figure on the left was featured in box 8208 “Hadendowa Camelry.” The box includes 3 foot figures in this pose, along with 12 camel riders in 3 poses, and 12 camels in 2 poses. The foot figure comes with a separate arm that can be positioned at any angle, and the riders have a choice of weaponry.

The other HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses.

HaT has committed to building a wide range of figures for colonial conflicts; they have a number of interesting sets which are under development, or have been recently released.

Figure Characteristics:

8023 Height (measured to eyes): 22mm.
8023 Height (measured to top of head): 24mm.
8208 Height (measured to eyes): 19mm.
8208 Height (measured to top of head): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Both sets are recent releases from HaT, and can be easily found.

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.

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/

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.

Hinchliffe vs HaT, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers 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 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 HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses. HaT has committed to building a wide range of figures for colonial conflicts; they have a number of interesting sets which are under development, or have been recently released.

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:

This set is a recent release from HaT, and can be easily found.

Great Endeavours expands Ral Partha Colonials

Once again Great Endeavours has added to the established line of Ral Partha colonial figures. Last year they added some Boxers, and now they have gone back to the line’s main strength, and added to the British infantry.

Only one pose has been added at this point. As seen in the picture above, it depicts a regular enlisted man in the act of reloading. The picture, which comes from the Great Endeavours website, also includes an older figure for comparison.

The new pose was modeled by Tom Meier, and can be purchased in sets of 10 for $9.99. The GE website is here:

http://www.greatendeavours.co.uk/colonials/

Click on the image for a larger version.

Hinchliffe vs RedBox, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from RedBox (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 RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses (4 copies of the same sprue).

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:

This was one of the first sets to be released by RedBox, appearing in 2006. These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

Falcon Colonial and AWI available from Minifigs

Falcon Miniatures was a small American-based range which went off the market a few years ago when the original owner passed away. The company produced two ranges, covering the Colonial period and American War of Independence in “true 25mm” scale.

This range should not be confused with “Falcon Figures” which makes 28mm figures.

The AWI figures were the first to return to production, under the Matchlock brand, which was then merged with Minifigs. In February of this year, the Falcon Colonials and Early 20th Century line also came back to life.

The two lines can be found on the Minifigs site, hidden away behind a “Matchlock” link in the sidebar.

The AWI range, which includes 30 poses (with British Regulars, Continentals, Frontiersmen and Hessians) can be found here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?ScaleID=3&CategoryID=30&SubCategoryID=178

The Colonial-early 20th century line, with French Foreign Legion, Turks, German Southwest Africa, Russians, Japanese, Boxers and various African forces can be accessed here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?ScaleID=3&CategoryID=30&SubCategoryID=203

Foot figures are sold for £1.10, with mounted figures retailing for £2.55

The image above shows FIN03C “Japanese Firing” and is taken from Minifig’s website.

Hinchliffe vs ACTA, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldier from A Call to Arms (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 A Call To Arms figures are from box 57, “British Infantry, Zulu War.” The box contains 32 figures in 8 poses. The company also offers a companion set of Zulus, but no other colonial-era releases.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.


Availability and Cost:

ACTA’s figures are currently available and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers.