Esci 1/72 vs Britannia 20mm, Second World War

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Britannia is well known for its 20mm Second World War range.  The company covers all the major participants in great depth.  Besides figures, Britannia has a range of vehicles and also offers artillery pieces and various other useful items.

These particular models come from Britannia’s British range, but the actual model codes are unclear.  Because Britannia does not publish a complete illustrated catalogue, it is not feasible to determine exactly which models they are.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 19mm.

Height (measured to head): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

The complete Britannia line is available on their website:  

http://www.britannia-miniatures.com/

Foot figures in this range are being sold individually for £0.65.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figure on the right comes from box 200 “World War Two, British Soldiers.”  The box included 50 figures in 15 poses. The set was later re-released by Italeri as box 6056, “British Infantry: The King’s Regiment.”

The Esci figure on the left is taken from Set 210 “World War Two, British Commandos.” It also contains 50 figures in 15 poses, and was reissued by Italeri.  Italeri numbered it as 6064 and named it “British Commandos: No. 2 Commando.”

Figure Characteristics:

200 Height (measured to eyes):  21mm.

210 Height (measured to eyes):  21mm.

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

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

Availability:

Esci no longer exists, however Italeri continues to produce these figures. 

Notes on the Samples:

The commando figure was donated by Liam Sullivan.

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.

20mm Kennington & SHQ vs 1/72 Esci, Napoleonic mounted

The photo above compares a pair of plastic figures from Esci with two metal figures from Kennington and SHQ. Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are sold by both SHQ and Kennington, and are catalogued as BRC 2 “Napoleonic British Heavy Dragoons, Command.” The Napoleonic range from these two firms is quite extensive, and includes all the major participants.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures can be purchased directly from the two manufacturers. The cavalry featured here sell for €5.50 at MBM Models (Kennington) or £4.50 through SHQ. For that price, you get 3 horses with 3 riders (2 officers and one trumpeter).

Kennington figures are available on the MBM website:

http://www.mbmmodels.com/1-72/kenf20mm/ken20f.htm

The SHQ site is here:

http://www.shqminiatures.co.uk/

Notes on the Samples:

The metal figures were generously provided by Peter Edwards from SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figure second from the left was originally released by Esci in set 217: "Napoleonic Wars Waterloo 1815, ‘Scots Greys’ British Cavalry.” The box included 12 riders in 5 poses, and 12 horses in 3 poses.

The plastic figure on the right was originally released by Esci in 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 second set has been reissued by Italeri as box 6039: "Dutch-Polish Lancers, Red Lancers, 1805-1815.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

French Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 32mm.
French Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 34mm.
French Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

Italeri continues to produce the lancers, so they are easily obtained. Esci is no longer in business, so the Scots Grey figures are a bit harder to track down.

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.

Newline 1/72 Goths vs Esci 1/72 barbarians, foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Esci, and later released by Italeri (A,C) with a pair of metal warriors from Newline Design (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 plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 225“Romanic Wars, Barbarian Warriors.” The box included 46 figures in 13 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6048, “Barbarian Warriors, 1st to 2nd Century AD.”

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:

Esci has gone out of business, and Italeri is not currently producing these figures, however, they can be readily obtained through second hand dealers and auctions.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic.

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.

Minifigs vs Esci & Italeri, British Colonial foot

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

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the current Minifigs “Colonial Wars” range. That range includes 27 different foot poses for the British, as well as 12 mounted figures, and a pair of artillery limber riders.

The actual figures illustrated are:

(A) BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
(C) BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing
(E) BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)

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 figures are currently available from Minifigs in the UK and US. They are sold individually: the other ranks sell for £1.00, while the officer is £1.10 on the British site. For American buyers, all the castings are priced at $1.50 each. The websites are here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Home.aspx

http://www.minifigs.com/catalog/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Esci figures come from box 212 “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and were 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 from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Esci no longer exists, and Italeri is not currently producing this set. However, the figures can be found fairly easily in second-hand shops and online auction sites.

RSM vs Esci, Napoleonic foot

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

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the former RSM 95 range, now produced by the Dayton Painting Consortium. The range includes foot and mounted figures representing Britain, France, Austria, Brunswick, Spain, Saxony and Bavaria, as well as some artillery pieces. There are about 75 Napoleonic codes in total in their catalogue.

I do not have the actual identification for these figures, although the one on the left is one of the Saxon models.

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 RSM figures are currently available from DPC. They are sold in bags of 24, including command figures, for $10.80 (US). The website is here:

http://www.dpcltdcom.org/

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was provided in a trade from Mike Epting.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two Esci sets:

B: Box 236 “Napoleonic Wars Russian Grenadiers.”
D: Box 226 “Napoleonic Wars Waterloo 1815, Prussian and Austrian Infantry”

Each box included 50 figures in 15 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Box 226 Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.
Box 236 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Box 236 Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Esci figures are no longer in production, but used figures are easily found, and unopened boxes still show up occasionally on auction sites.

Notes on the Samples:

The Esci samples were donated by Liam Sullivan and 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.

Garrison Romans vs Esci Barbarians

The photo above compares three metal Romans from Garrison, (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic warriors from Esci (B,D). Click on the image to see 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 Garrison website is here:

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 225“Romanic Wars, Barbarian Warriors.” The box included 46 figures in 13 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6048, “Barbarian Warriors, 1st to 2nd Century AD.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Esci has gone out of business, and Italeri is not currently producing these figures, however, they can be readily obtained through second hand dealers and auctions.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic.

Esci vs Musket Miniatures, ACW foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Musket Miniatures, (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Esci (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation:

The metal figures come from Musket Miniatures’ 22mm American Civil War range. They are from code CWH125 “Infantry standing loading” which comes with 8 figures in 4 poses, and includes several head variations.

Musket’s range is very large, and contains more than 300 different codes.

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:

Figures from Musket Miniatures can be found on the company’s website:

http://www.musketminiatures.com/

They are sold in several ways. Individual figures can be purchased for 75 cents (US), packages of 8 castings cost $5.25 US, while a regiment of 20 figures, including command, costs $12.95.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were released by Esci as set 223 “American Civil War Confederate Infantry.” The box included 50 figures in 15 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:

Esci no longer exists, but the figures can be found fairly easily in second-hand shops and online auction sites.

Qualiticast vs Esci, Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Esci (A,C,E) with a pair of metal guardsmen from Qualiticast (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Qualiticast’s Napoleonic Range. They are listed as code NF40 “French Imperial Guard Fusilier/Grenadier Standing Firing” on the original packaging. Note that this does not match the codes given in other places, such as at Brookhurst Hobbies (which carried them at the time.)

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

Qualiticast stopped producing figures around 2005 and it is now very hard to find remaining stock at hobby distributors. Used figures do show up on auction sites fairly regularly.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained from Mike Epting in a trade.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two Esci sets:
A: Box 226 “Napoleonic Wars Waterloo 1815, Prussian and Austrian Infantry”
C, E: Box 236 “Napoleonic Wars Russian Grenadiers.”

Each box contains 50 figures in 15 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Box 236 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability:

The Esci figures are no longer in production, but used figures are easily found, and unopened boxes still show up occasionally on auction sites.

Notes on the Samples:

The Esci samples were donated by Liam Sullivan and obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

Lancashire vs Esci and Italeri, WW2 US Infantry

The photo above compares three metal infantry figures from Lancashire Games (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic paratroopers from Esci and Italeri (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from Lancashire Games’ 20mm WWII American Range. They can be found in set 20/WBP32, which is a large battle pack titled “American Infantry.” The figures can also be found in smaller sets in the range. Lancashire offers 13 different sets of US Infantry, including several modeled in greatcoats. Each code includes several poses. Other US sets in their WW2 range cover the Marines (7 sets) and Paratroops (6 sets) .

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available from Lancashire Games. Battle packs of 24 figures are sold for £10.50 with a discount for purchases of multiple items. Standard packs with 3 figures sell for £1.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures came from Italeri set 6063 “WWII US Paratroopers 101st Airborne,” which is a reissue of set 209 from Esci, titled “WWII US Paratroopers 82nd Screaming Eagles". The set contains 48 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Italeri continues to produce these figures, and they can be found easily in hobby shops.

World War Two comparisons at Wargaming.info

The site wargaming.info belongs to an individual who games in a variety of periods. Among the different resources he has posted is a comparison shot of a number of World War Two ranges. The posting can be found here:

http://wargaming.info/2005/20mm-176th-a-172nd-figure-comparison/

Included in his review are the following metal ranges:

Raventhorpe
Hinchliffe
Britannia
Hotspur/Combat Miniatures
AB
SHQ
Liberation

On the plastic side, he includes:
Esci/Italeri
Airfix
Matchbox

US in Vietnam: Rafm vs Esci, Italeri, Revell

The photo above compares three metal figures from Rafm (A,C,E) with three plastic figures originally released by Esci (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Charlie Company” range; the specific figures come from the following codes (each code comprises multiple poses):

A.RAF 06993 “US Army Rifle Squad”
C. RAF 06971 “USMC Rifle Squad”
E. RAF 06970 “USMC Command”

Rafm has 14 different sets available in the “Charlie Company” range. In addition to the figure sets, the company also offers a helicopter and a 105mm gun with crew.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The Army Rifle Squad and USMC Command sets both cost US$7.95 for nine or ten figures (in different poses). The USMC Rifle Squad costs a dollar more, and includes 14 figures.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 228 “Vietnam War, US Elite Forces.” The box included 50 figures in 15 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6078, “American Special Forces, Vietnam War.” Revell also produced it, as set 02527, with the same name as the Italeri set.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Italeri and Revell versions of this set can be found easily. For instance, Ye Olde Toy Soldiers is selling the Italeri version for $9.99 US.

Platoon 20 vs Esci, Revell, Italeri VC and NVA, Vietnam War

The photo above compares three metal Viet Cong figures from Platoon 20 (A,C,E) with a similar number of plastic NVA and VC troops, released originally by Esci (B,D,F). Click on the image for 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. The “Vietnam Wars” range currently offered includes figures for the Vietminh to fight the French, as well as NVA, and VC for the later period.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned, Platoon 20 figures are available from East Riding Miniatures. They are generally sold in packages of 4, with multiples poses, for £2.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 229 “Vietnam War, North Vietnamese.” The box included 50 figures in 15 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6079, “Vietnamese Army/Vietcong, Vietnam War.” Revell also produced it, as set 02526 “Vietcong, Vietnam War.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Italeri and Revell versions of this set can be found easily. For instance, ModelsForSale.com is selling the Italeri version for £6.50 and the Revell version for the much lower price of £4.88.

Rafm vs Esci Revell Italeri, NVA and VC, Vietnam War

The photo above compares three plastic North Vietnamese figures originally released by Esci (B,D,F) with a similar number of metal figures from Rafm (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Charlie Company” range; the specifc figures come from the following codes (each code comprises multiple poses):

A.RAF 06995 “VC Hardcore”
C. RAF 06997 “VC Irregulars”
E. RAF 06995 “VC Hardcore”

Rafm has 14 different sets available in the “Charlie Company” range. Besides the VC figures, the range includes US Army and USMC types. In addition to the figure sets, the company also offers a helicopter and a 105mm gun with crew.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Each of the codes above costs US$7.95 for ten figures (in five different poses).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 229 “Vietnam War, North Vietnamese.” The box included 50 figures in 15 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6079, “Vietnamese Army/Vietcong, Vietnam War.” Revell also produced it, as set 02526 “Vietcong, Vietnam War.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Italeri and Revell versions of this set can be found easily. For instance, ModelsForSale.com is selling the Italeri version for £6.50 and the Revell version for the much lower price of £4.88.

Ehmke vs Esci / Italeri, Napoleonic Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal Prussian cavalry figures from Ehmke-Art (A,C) with a similar number of plastic figures from Esci / Italeri (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

Currently all Ehmke-Art figures are from the Napoleonic period. These particular models have been identified as Prussian Dragoons, but I do not have a catalogue number for them. I am also not aware of any other Prussian releases by this company.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 30mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Although some Ehmke figures can be ordered from CW Toys, these particular types are not included. The best way to obtain Ehmke figures is to contact Uwe Ehmke using the contact information on the Ehmke-Art website.

Notes on the Samples:

These figures were donated to the Plastic Pelisse by Conrad Kinch.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Figure Characteristics:

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.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

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

Rafm vs Esci, Ancient German Warriors

The photo above compares three figures from Rafm (black-washed metal) with three warriors from Esci / Italeri (in light tan 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 plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 225“Romanic Wars, Barbarian Warriors.” The box included 46 figures in 13 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6048, “Barbarian Warriors, 1st to 2nd Century AD.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

These figures are no longer in production, but can be obtained through second hand dealers and auctions. For instance, Harfield’s latest second hand list had a loose set for sale at £2.75.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures 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.

WarModelling vs Esci / Italeri, WW2 German Infantry

The photo above compares three German paratroopers from WarModelling (black washed metal) with three German infantry figures from Esci / Italeri (in dark green plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from WarModelling’s World War Two range. They are part of set WW22, titled “German Fallschirmjägers (CRETE)”. This is a boxed set with 22 figures in unique poses, plus a small mortar.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The WarModelling figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: 19.50 EUR for the complete box.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were kindly supplied by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures were originally released by Esci as set 201“World War Two German Soldiers.” The box included 50 figures in 15 poses.

The set was reissued by Italeri as set 6033, “German Infantry, Panzergrenadiere.”

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Italeri continues to produce these figures, and they can be found easily in hobby shops. For instance, Netmerchants sells them for £5.39.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of 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.