20mm Platoon 20 vs 1/72 Emhar, First World War

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Emhar with a pair of metal soldiers from Platoon 20. Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from Platoon 20, currently manufactured by East Riding Miniatures. These two figures are found in pack G-G1 “German Infantry Command (Pickelhaube).” This code includes 4 figures in 3 poses. Platoon 20’s First World War range covers Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, Germany and Russia. The German contingent includes 8 codes, 2 of which are mounted. Some of the figures in this range were previously manufactured by Lancashire Games

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

East Riding Miniatures sell most of the Platoon 20 figures in packages of 4, with multiples poses, for £2.50.

The website can be found here:

http://shop.eastridingminiatures.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Emhar models are from box EM 7203 “German WWI Infantry with Tank Crew.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses. Emhar has invested in bringing a varied line of First World War sets to market, including model tanks as well as figures.

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 Emhar Germans can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Emhar vs Garrison, Saxon warriors

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Emhar (A,C) with a single metal soldier from Garrison (B). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure is from Garrison Wargames Figures and comes from their 25mm Medieval range. Garrison uses the code “HS 10” to describe this figure, which they call “Saxon fyrdman with throwing axe.”

The Medieval range from Garrison includes 12 Saxon poses, 11 Normans, and 14 Vikings (2 of them mounted).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 26mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal Medievals retail for £0.60 each, and can be ordered directly from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was kindly provided by Rob Young at Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Emhar figures come from set 7206 “Saxon Warriors, 9th to 10th Century.” The set has 50 figures in 13 poses. Emhar has also released a complementary set of Vikings.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability:

The Emhar Saxons are a fairly recent release (from 2005) and thus can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures used were donated by Liam Sullivan or obtained in trade from Eric Yin.

Emhar vs Rose, First World War Germans

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Emhar (A,C) with a metal soldier from Rose Miniatures (B). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure is a Rose Miniature, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm Rose range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and colonial subjects. At present the range includes 5 figures representing First World War soldiers. Garrison uses the code “ROSEGWG1” to describe this figure.

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 Emhar models are from box EM 7203 “German WWI Infantry with Tank Crew.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses. Emhar has invested in bringing a varied line of First World War sets to market, including model tanks as well as figures.

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 Emhar Germans can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers.

Fritz Figures Turks vs Emhar French, Crimean War foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Uwe Wild (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Emhar (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. 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

Manufacturer’s 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.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

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.

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

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.

Rafm vs Emhar, Ancient / Early Middle Ages European Infantry

The photo above compares two Early Middle Ages figures from Emhar (a Viking in green plastic, and a Saxon in gray) with three Ancient German figures from Rafm (black washed metal). 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 Emhar figures come from two boxes: set 7205 “Viking Warriors, 9th to 10th Century” and set 7206 “Saxon Warriors, 9th to 10th Century.”

The Viking set includes 50 figures in 12 poses, while the Saxon set has 50 figures in 13 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
7205 Vikings 23mm.
7206 Saxons 21mm.

Body Build (from 5 categories):
7205 Vikings C (Average).
7206 Saxons C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Both sets of Emhar figures are currently available. For instance, Drum and Flag is currently selling the Viking box for £4.99.

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure has a broken weapon. The undamaged figure would be holding a large axe. The figures used were donated by Liam Sullivan or obtained in trade from Eric Yin.

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.

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.

Douglas vs Emhar, Crimean foot

The photo above shows British Crimean foot figures from Douglas (the painted ones) alongside unpainted samples of Emhar’s French figures. From left to right the Douglas models are: an artilleryman (partly painted) an infantry ranker, and an officer. The officer figure came with both the artillery set and the infantry, but here is painted as an infantry officer. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic Emhar models are from box EM 7211 “French Infantry, Crimean War & Franco-Prussian War.”

I don’t have the listing for the metal Douglas figures, but I expect to have it soon.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Emhar French figures – 21mm.
Douglas British models – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Emhar – C (Average)
Douglas – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions: A 2mm difference in height does not sound like much, but the image shows that it is in fact easy to spot. Perhaps it is exaggerated in this case by the taller headgear on the British figures. These two groups of figures are not going to be fighting in the same unit, but even as separate battalions, the height discrepancy will still be noticeable to some gamers.

Emhar vs Tumbling Dice, Crimean Foot

This photo compares Emhar French Crimean infantry ( the figures in blue plastic) with Crimean British Horse Artillery (painted figure on the left) and British Guard Infantry (in bare metal) from Tumbling Dice. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Emhar figures come from set EM 7211 – French Infantry, Crimean War & Franco-Prussian War.

The metal gunner is from Tumbling Dice set C1854 BR 13: British Horse Artillery Gun Crew. The other Tumbling Dice figures come from set C1854 BR 1: British Guards in Bearskin

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Emhar figures – 21mm.
Tumbling Dice models – 21mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Emhar – B (Slender).
Tumbling Dice – D (Somewhat heavy)

Compatibility of uniform, equipment, etc: Since the figures in this comparison represent units from different armies, there are no obvious incompatibilities. The British (metal) figures are wearing their winter overcoats, while the French (plastic) figures also have their greatcoats on.

Overall conclusions: There are only a few choices when it comes to plastic Crimean War figures, and Emhar don’t make any British troops at all. Given that shortage, it is encouraging that the Tumbling Dice troops match up with Emhar on height. The different sculpting styles mean the models are not very convincing when intermingled, but formed as separate units, they should be able to fight on the same games table.