Samurai and Mongols from Willers compared at the 1/72 Multiverse

Eric (EY) runs a fascinating blog under the name “1/72 Multiverse” that covers a lot of ground. He is interested in showing how figures from various manufacturers compare in scale, although his focus is often on fantasy types rather than historical.

A few days ago, he posted some comparisons using Willers Miniatures figures.

Eric compared the Willers Mongols to Zvezda and Giant. He also showed the camel from that set beside an Italeri camel from their Mongol Cavalry set.

He then compared the Willers Samurai to samples from Redbox, Caesar, and Zvezda.

His comparisons can be found here:

http://72-multiverse.blogspot.com/2011/10/willers-miniatures.html

Eric obtained the Willers figures from the CW Toys site, and they can be found in this listing (with thanks to Sir William the Aged, who pointed them out in the Comments below):

http://www.cw-toys.de/1-72-Hersteller-Zinn-Resin/Kleinserie

The sets included in Eric’s post include the following:

Zvezda 8003 “Mongols, 13th to 14th centuries”
Italeri 6124 “Mongol Cavalry, 13th century”
RedBox 72005 “Japanese Warrior Monks”
Caesar H003 “Japanese Samurai with Ninja”
Zvezda 8017 “Samurai Army Infantry, 16th to 17th centuries”

Caesar 1/72 Ancient Germans vs Newline 1/72 Goths, foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Caesar (A,C,E) with a pair of metal warriors from Newline Designs (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Designs figures come from one of their special 1/72nd scale range, and so are larger than the more numerous 20mm figures offered. These particular samples are cataloged as item 2G04, “Gothic Archers.” They are part of the “Dark Ages” line which also Franks, Huns and late period Romans.

Figures Characteristics

Height (from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm
Height (from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £2.00. In addition, the firm offers packs of 24 figures for £9.50.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Caesar figures come from set H040 “Ancient German.” This box contains 39 figures in 11 poses.

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:

Caesar’s figures are currently in production and can be found in hobby stores and online dealers.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Caesar samples were donated by Liam Sullivan.

20mm and 1/72 Han Dynasty comparisons on "Miniatures in 1/72"

Tom P has posted an interesting comparison of some metal and plastic figures covering China in the Han Dynasty. The trigger for his investigation seems to be a new manufacturer, called “3D Model Studio.”

Besides 3D, Tom compares Caesar and Newline Designs. The Caesar figure comes from set H004 “Chinese Ch’in Dynasty Army.” The Newline figures are catalogued as ANHC02 (halberdier) and ANHC06 (archer), and are part of the 20mm Ancient range from this manufacturer.

See here for the comparison image:

http://miniaturen1-72.blogspot.com/2011/06/han-chinese-different-manufactures.html

As for 3D Model Studio, the Han line is their first, and so far only, offering in 1/72 scale. The company website is here:

http://www.dddhk.com/

Newline can be found here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

25mm Rose Prestige and Garrison Comparisons

I will be posting more detailed comparisons of the figures shown above later in the year. However, since I have received a request to show some, I decided to put together this overview.

The images above feature the following:

Top Picture:
A. Orion 72004 Viking
B. Zvezda 8046 Viking
C. Garrison 25mm Saxon Fyrdman
D. Emhar 7205 Viking
E. Airfix 01734 Ancient Briton (also re-issued by HaT)

Middle Picture
A. Zvezda 8006 Persian Immortal
B. Garrison 25mm E03, Egyptian Trumpeter
C. Caesar HO14 Hebrew Warrior
D. Garrison 25mm A07, Assyrian Infantryman
E. HaT 8057 Persian Light Infantry

Bottom Picture
A. Zvezda 8006 Persian Immortal
B. Rose Prestige ES1 Syrian Bowman
C. Caesar HO14
D. Rose Prestige GP1 Persian Immortal
E. HaT 8057 Persian Light Infantry

Height of the metal figures:

Garrison 25mm figures:
Measured from sole of foot to eyes): 24mm
Measured from sole of foot to top of head): 27mm
Rose Prestige figures:
Measured from sole of foot to eyes): 25mm
Measured from sole of foot to top of head): 27mm

Garrison, Greenwood and Ball Romans vs Caesar Ancient Germans, foot

The photo above compares three metal Romans from Garrison / Greenwood & Ball (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Germans from Caesar (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

I believe that the metal figures come from Garrison’s “20mm Ancients” range, and were previously produced under the Greenwood & Ball name. Within the Ancients range, Garrison currently offers 23 different poses for 1st Century Imperial Romans. However, the poses shown in this image do not seem to be currently in production.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned, these figures are not available from the manufacturer at the present time. However, other Roman figures are in production, and can be purchased from Garrison directly. Foot figures are sold for £0.60 each, while mounted figures cost £1.50

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Caesar figures come from set H040 “Ancient German.” This box contains 39 figures in 11 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Caesar’s figures are currently in production and can be found in hobby stores and online dealers. For instance, Always Models sells the box for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Caesar samples were donated by Liam Sullivan, and others were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic.

Rafm vs Caesar, Ancient Germans

The photo above compares three ancient Germans from Rafm (in black washed metal) with three similar figures from Caesar (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Armies of the Caesars” range, and are catalogued as RAF7252 “Early German Infantry in Trousers.”

The “Armies of the Caesar” range currently includes 30 types. For the Romans, there are 14 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 command sets available. For their enemies, the choices include 7 infantry, 3 cavalry and 1 command set. Most of the codes consist of a single pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures (all in the same pose).

Notes on the Samples:

The figures require some assembly (separate heads, shields and spears).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Caesar figures come from set H040 “Ancient German.” This box contains 39 figures in 11 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Caesar’s figures are currently in production and can be found in hobby stores and online dealers. For instance, Always Models sells the box for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Caesar samples were donated by Liam Sullivan, and others were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic.

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.

Ral Partha vs Caesar, Feudal Japanese Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from Caesar. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from Caesar’s box H003 “ Japan Samurai with Ninja.”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Caesar – 22mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Caesar – C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Overall conclusions:
With no height difference, these figures are generally well-matched, although where the Ral Partha sculptor has gone for a heavier style, the metal figures do look a little different from their plastic cousins. The left most metal figure provides an example of the difference. Despite that, the two ranges should work together in most situations.

Other notes:
The Caesar figures were also traded to me by Eric Yin.