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.

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.

More Wodensfeld ACW releases from Nostalgia Revival

John Cunningham, of 20mm Nostalgia Revival, has recently provided a full list for the revived Wodensfeld ACW range.

Infantry are available in packs of ten figures for £4.50 GBP. They are organized by position/action:

Marching at right shoulder shift
RSS 1 shell jacket, gaiters, kepi
RSS 2 shell jacket, gaiters, hat
RSS 3 shell jacket, kepi
RSS 4 shell jacket, hat
RSS 5 shell jacket, blanket roll, kepi
RSS 6 shell jacket, blanket roll, hat
RSS 7 sack coat, kepi
RSS 8 sack coat, hat

Charging
ADV 11 Louisiana Tigers
ADV 12 5th New York Zouaves

Skirmishing
SK 17 Berdan's US Sharpshooters

Command packs include 5 figures with, officers, flag bearers, drummers, NCOs and buglers as appropriate. They sell for £2.50, and include:

CP 1 shell jacket, gaiters
CP 2 shell jacket
CP 3 sack coat
CP 9 Louisiana Tigers
CP 10 5th New York
CP 11 Berdan’s USSS

Mounted figures are as follows:

CPM 1 Mounted officers 2 kepi, 2 hat with horses £ 4.00GBP
CWP 1 Lee & Major Taylor ADC £3.00 GBP
CWP 2 Jeb Stuart & Sweeney (banjo player) £3.00 GBP
CWP 3 Jackson & Longstreet £3.00

At present only some of these figures are available, but the rest of the range will be ready over next few weeks. To order, or for further information, contact John at CunnJoh@AOL.com

The image at the top of the page shows some test figures from this range. From left to right, they are RSS 4, RSS 1 and SK17 (two figures). Click on the picture for a larger version.

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.

ACW News from 20mm Nostalgia Revival

John Cunningham of 20mm Nostalgia Revival has announced the return of Wodensfeld's ACW generals to production. Castings now available include:

Robert E Lee
Major Taylor
Stonewall Jackson
James Longstreet
Officer in kepi, 2 variants
Officer in hat, 2 variants

The firm does not yet have a website, but orders can be sent to CunnJoh@AOL.com

Wodensfeld SYW vs Accurate/Revell AWI Infantry

The photo above compares three metal SYW French figures from Wodensfeld (A,C,E) with three plastic AWI figures from Accurate/Revell, as follows:

B: 7200 British Infantry
D: 7200 British Infantry
F: 7201 American Militia

Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Wodenfeld models are part of a small range of French SYW figures from this manufacturer. They are currently being produced by 20mm Nostalgic Revival.

The Wodensfeld SYW range includes a mounted officer and 34 foot poses. The latter include 24 fusilier poses as well as 8 officers and NCOs, and two drummers.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) to C (Average)

Availability and Cost:

The Wodensfeld figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. At this time the figures can be ordered as a full set of 36 models for £18, or individually for 50p each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Wodensfeld models are from recent test runs. They were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Accurate figures come from two sets. The British can be found in box 7200, “American Revolution, British Infantry," while the Americans come from box 7201 “American Revolution, American Militia.” Each box contains 50 figures, with 17 poses for the British, and 16 for the Americans.

Both sets have been released by Revell, catalogued as box 02560 “American War of Independence, British Infantry” and 02561 “American War of Independence, American Militia.”

Each set was also released by IMEX, with a few additional figures.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Although Revell is not currently producing these sets, Accurate still seems to have them in production. They can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops. For instance, Woodrow’s War Store is currently selling the American Militia box for $11.03 (Canadian).

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

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.

Wodensfeld SYW vs Airfix AWI, Infantry

The photo above compares three Seven Year’s War figures fromWodensfeld (A, C, E) with a similar number of American War of Independence troops from Airfix (B, D, F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Wodensfeld models are part of a small range of French SYW figures from this manufacturer. They are currently being produced by 20mm Nostalgic Revival.

The Wodensfeld SYW range includes a mounted officer and 34 foot poses. The latter include 24 fusilier poses as well as 8 officers and NCOs, and two drummers.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) to C (Average)

Availability and Cost:

The Wodensfeld figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. At this time the figures can only be ordered as a full set of 36 models; however if there is enough demand, the company will consider offering individual castings for sale. Price of the set is £18.

Notes on the Samples:

The Wodensfeld models are from recent test runs. They were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The first two Airfix figures (B and C) come from box A01739 “Washington’s Army” while the third one (F) is from A01740 “British Grenadiers.”

The British box includes 38 foot figures in 8 poses, as well as two mounted officers. The American box has 39 foot figures in 13 poses, in addition to one mounted officer.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
A01739 (American) 19mm
A01740 (British) 20mm
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Neither of these sets is currently in production, but unopened boxes can still be found. For instance, Always Models currently has boxes of Washington’s Army on sale for $5.95 (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.

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.

A New Brand - 20mm Nostalgic Revival

The work of John Cunningham and his collaborators – including Uwe Wild – has been highlighted many times in this blog. They have worked hard to revive and expand old ranges, and fill in some of the other gaps in the figures available.

Up to now, I have described the figures either under their legacy brand names, or by using “Cunningham Miniatures.” However, the team has decided on a new brand name – “20mm Nostalgic Revival.”

Here is the background from a message that John sent recently:

"The idea behind this project is to again make available to 20 mm collectors and wargamers some of the old 20mm ranges that have over the years disappeared or gone out of production and to introduce to the younger generation of gamers the appeal of these ranges, an added intention is produce ranges of 20 mm figures that the major makers of 20 mm figures, both metal and plastic, are unlikely to ever produce. The main periods covered will be 1600 to 1900

"A few years ago a small group of us managed to buy the Les Higgins 20 mm Marlburian and ECW masters and moulds and we got the Marlburian range back into production with added variants in the same style and I have since added others that came into my possession, I have now had the Les Higgins 20 mm ECW range remoulded and cast, both ranges are fully in production and are available

"In the last couple of years I was fortunate in being able to buy the original moulds for the Douglas Miniatures 20 mm ranges and have put back into circulation the Marlburian range and hope to get the DM 20mm Crimean range available shortly as well as a few others from the moulds

"I have also been able to buy the Wodensfeld moulds for French Seven Years War and ACW, again the SYW French are in full production and the ACW range will soon follow

"As for new ranges, several are now available, these have been done in conjunction with friends across the world who found the sculptors, supplied the uniform information, suggested ranges and poses for these and I have had them moulded and cast

Revived Ranges

Les Higgins Marlburian & ECW
Douglas Miniatures Marlburian (Crimean coming soon)
Wodensfeld SYW French (ACW coming soon)
Niblett ECW (I have the masters)

New Ranges

Sepoys for Wellington in India
Akalis Sikh Fanatics 19th Century
Arqubusiers de Grassin 1740s ( more being sculpted)
Irish Piquets 1740s/Culloden
Polish Troops 17th Century"


I will be updating older posts to reflect this new brand.

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.

Vintage 20 mm lines Continue to Grow

John Cunningham has provided an update on the various vintage lines he is manufacturing. He is making progress on all fronts.

Les Higgins

Two new Marlburian poses are now available:

MP 38 charging musketeer
MP 39 charging officer

They are joined by one mounted figure from the English Civil War:

EP 16 mounted cavalier bare headed waving sword

Wodensfeld

The Seven Years War French foot figures are now in full production.

Douglas Miniatures

John reports that new variants are in development. In addition, one new Marlburian mounted figure is now available:

MB 5 Horse Grenadier

Cunningham Miniatures

The Wellington in India Sepoy range has now reached 24 variants, which are available for purchase.

In addition there are several brand new offerings for the 1740s, including:

Irish Piquets (Irish troops in French service, who fought in Scotland)
a marching Grenadier
British officers
Arquebusiers de Grassin, (a specially raised force of French light infantry)

Most of these additions will be out in early August, while two poses for the arquebusiers are already available.

Finally, John also promises some Polish troops for the 17th century will be out soon.

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.

Nostalgic Revival vs RedBox, 18th Century India, Foot

The photo above compares three metal sepoy figures from Cunningham (now 20mm Nostalgic Revival) to three Afghan fighters (in brown plastic) from RedBox. Click on the images for a larger version.
Manufacturers’ designations:

The RedBox figures are from box RB72004 “Afghan Warriors.”

The Nostalgic Revival figures are from the “Wellington in India” range. From left to right they are: SW2 Madras sepoy advancing, SW4 Bombay grenadier loading, SW3 Bombay grenadier priming.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 20mm.
Nostalgic Revival – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox – C (average)
Nostalgic Revival – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

The Cunningham sepoys are noticeably taller than the RedBox Afghans. The sculpting styles are also a bit different (with the Cunningham sculpts being a bit more slender, and more realistic in terms of animation). However, with some attention paid to modifying the base height, it should be possible to use them on the same table.

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.

Esci / Italeri vs Cunningham, 18th c. Indian foot

The photo above compares three metal sepoy figures from 20mm Nostalgic Revival to three Esci figures (one painted, and two in tan plastic) which could represent their local opponents. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci figures are from box 238 “Muslim Warriors.” They have been reissued by Italeri in box 6055 "Arab Warriors."

The Nostalgic Revival figures are from the “Wellington in India” range, from left to right they are: SW2 Madras sepoy advancing, SW4 Bombay grenadier loading, SW3 Bombay grenadier priming.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Esci / Italeri – 21mm.
Nostalgic Revival – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Esci / Italeri – C (average)
Nostalgic Revival – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

The Esci / Italeri figures work very well with the NR sepoys. The height and the sculpting style are very close. There should be no concern about mixing these types on the same table. Note that the painted figure (which was purchased from C Turnitsa), is mounted on a washer, so appears a bit taller than the rest.

This comparison was suggested by Conrad Kinch in an earlier comment on the new NR figures. Check out Conrad’s blog:

http://joyandforgetfulness.blogspot.com/

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.