Newline 20mm vs Zvezda/Italeri 1/72 Greek and Persian foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Newline Design offers a very large range of figures representing conflicts in the ancient world. Its Greek line includes 22 different types, both foot and mounted, while the Persian range is only slightly smaller with 21 types.

Figures Characteristics

ANG 3 (Greek) Height (to eyes): 20mm
ANG 3 (Greek) Height (to top of head): 22mm
ANP 14 (Persian) Height (to eyes): 20mm
ANP 14 (Persian) Height (to top of head): 22mm

Availability and Cost (as at October 2012):

Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £1.90. In addition, the firm offers army deals at significant discounts.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from a pair of joint Italeri/Zvezda release. The Persian standard bearer comes from Zvezda box 8006 “Immortals, Persian Infantry, 4th to 5th century BC” which was also released as Italeri box 6025 “Persian Infantry, 4th to 5th century BC.” The Greek officer can be found in Zvezda box 8005 and Italeri box 6024 both of which are titled “Greek Infantry, 5th to 4th Century BC.” In addition to these boxes, Zvezda currently offers 7 other boxes covering the conflicts from the bronze age up to Alexander. Two of those sets were also co-released by Italeri.

Figure Characteristics:

8005 (Greek) Height (measured from to top of head): 24mm.
8005 (Greek) Height (measured from to eyes): 22mm.
8006 (Persian) Height (measured from to top of head): 25mm.
8006 (Persian) Height (measured from to eyes): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are at least 10 years old, but the sets are currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

Liam Sullivan donated the Zvezda figures.

Italeri 1/72 vs Falcon 25mm, American War of Independence, foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the “Falcon AWI” range currently offered by Minifigs under the Matchlock brand. The figures in this line were originally sculpted and released under the Falcon Miniatures name (not to be confused with Falcon Figures).

The two models are catalogued as:

AW12 Continental on Guard
AW41 German Officer Walking

There are currently 30 codes available in this line, all of them foot figures. They represent British and American forces, as well as German troops allied with the British. There are no cavalry or artillery units represented in the range.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This line can be found on the Minifigs website, by selecting the “Matchlock” label and then looking for the “Falcon AWI" tab.

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

Foot figures in this range are being sold individually for £1.10.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Italeri figures come from box 6061, "American Independence War, Indian Warriors." The box contains 48 figures in 16 poses. Italeri currently offers three other sets for the American War of Independence.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, this set debuted in 2005. Italeri is currently producing it, and it can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

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.

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

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Italeri with a pair of metal soldiers from Kennington & 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 first Italeri figure comes from box 6016: “French Imperial General Staff.” It contains 8 foot figures in 5 poses, as well as 13 riders in 7 poses and 13 horses in 5 poses.

The second Italeri figure comes from box 6007, “Prussian Cuirassiers, Garde du Corps, Napoleonic Wars 1806/7." The set has also been released by Revell as box 02589 “Prussian Curassiers, Mounted Regiment K2.” The box contains 17 figures in 9 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

6007 Rider Height above ground (measured to rider eyes): 31mm.
6007 Rider Height above ground (measured to top of head): 33mm.

6016 Rider Height above ground (measured to rider eyes): 30mm.
6016 Rider Height above ground (measured to top of head): 32mm.

6007 Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Italeri is currently set 6016 and it can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops. Set 6007 has been recently withdrawn from production, but is still easily found.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figure from box 6007 was donated by Mike Epting.

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”

Italeri 1/72 vs Musket 25mm, AWI foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Musket Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic warriors from 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 come from Musket Miniatures’ 25mm American Revolution range. They are from code AWR 1720 “Hessian Grenadiers Command” which comes with 4 figures in 4 different poses.

Musket’s American Revolution range is very large, and contains roughly 90 different codes, not including the larger unit packs.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

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

http://www.musketminiatures.com/

Foot figures are sold in several ways. Command packs include 4 figures for $3.75 US, while the rank and file can be purchased in groups of 6 for $5.50. Finally, a regiment of 20 figures, including command, costs $17.50.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Italeri figures come from box 6061, "American Independence War, Indian Warriors." The box contains 48 figures in 16 poses. Italeri currently offers three other sets for the American War of Independence.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, this set debuted in 2005. Italeri is currently it, and it can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

Italeri 1/72 Gauls vs Newline 1/72 Goths

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Italeri (A,C) 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 Italeri figures come from box 6022, “Gaul Warriors, 1st to 2nd Century BC.” The box contains 40 foot figures in 8 poses. The manufacturer produces several other sets covering this era in history.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Italeri is currently producing this set, which can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

Outland 20mm SYW vs Italeri 1/72 AWI, mounted

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Italeri (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Outland Games (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Outland models come from their SYW range. Unfortunately, I was not given catalogue numbers for them; and no comprehensive set of images was available on either the Outland site or the GFI site when they were active. Therefore I cannot positively identify the figures, although I think these sculpts were originally released under the Battalionfeuer banner.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height (measured from ground to eyes): 29-30 mm.
Rider Height (measured from ground to top of head): 31-32 mm.

Availability and Cost:

Outland’s figures were available through GFI, but as of late 2010 GFI has suspended operations. Since the Outland website is also defunct, it seems that the figures are not currently available.

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Italeri figures come from box 6044, “British Light Cavalry, US Independence War (1776)." The box contains 16 mounted figures in 8 poses, on a choice of 5 horse poses. There is also a casualty figure with a downed horse.

Italeri currently offers three other sets for the American War of Independence, although this is the only cavalry set.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to rider’s eyes): 31mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of rider’s head): 33mm.

Availability and Cost:

Italeri is currently producing this set, which can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

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.

Musket Miniatures vs Italeri, American Civil War infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Musket Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from 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 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 Italeri troops come from box 6012 "Union Infantry with Zouaves." The box contains 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:

The Italeri figures are in production and available through various plastic model distributors.

RSM vs Italeri, Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from RSM, (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic infantrymen from 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 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 Italeri figures come from box 6002, “’Les Bleus’ French Infantry, Napoleonic Wars 1815." The box contains 50 figures in 15 poses.

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:

Italeri is currently producing this set, which can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

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.

Garrison Romans vs Italeri Gauls, foot

The photo above compares three metal Romans from Garrison / Greenwood & Ball (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Gauls from Italeri (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 Italeri figures come from box 6022, “Gaul Warriors, 1st to 2nd Century BC.” The box contains 40 foot figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Italeri is currently producing this set, which can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

Napoleonic Comparisons at Rosbif & Frog

Ben at “Monsier le Rosbif & Johnny Frog” has recently been exploring the compatibility of select metal and plastic cavalry ranges for the Napoleonic Wars. His most recent post compares Dragoons (light and heavy) from Irregular’s 25mm range with Italeri’s British Light Dragoons. (This range is actually described as both “25mm” and “28mm” on the Irregular website.)

Ben has taken the time to photograph the comparisons in different ways, as you can see here:

http://rosbiffrog.blogspot.com/2010/10/irregular-25mm-vs-italeri-172.html

Earlier he posted a similar comparison, but this time showing the Italeri figures with a sample from Irregular’s 20mm range. His post is here:

http://rosbiffrog.blogspot.com/2010/09/scale-variation.html

The plastic figures are found in Italeri box 6094 “British Light Cavalry 1815.” According to PSR, this set was released in 2008, and includes 17 riders in 7 poses, as well as 17 horses in five poses.

In the images above, Ben compares a 25/28mm Irregular figure (top) and a 20mm Irregular figure (bottom) with an Italeri rider from box 6094.

Newline vs Italeri, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal riders from Newline Designs (A,C) with a pair of plastic troopers from 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 are from Newline Designs’ American Civil War range, and are catalogued as ACW 50 “Cavalry in Kepi, Carbines Slung.” Newline’s ACW range is quite extensive, and currently includes 101 different products.

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): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently in production, and can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. Cost is £3.00 for a set of three horses and riders (all in the same pose).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Italeri set 6011 “American Civil War, Confederate Cavalry Riders.” The box includes 16 riders in 9 positions, with 16 horses in four poses, as well as a vignette of a dismounted rider and injured horse.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

This box is fairly easy to find at stores and online dealers. For instance, Udisco is currently selling it for $6.00 (Canadian).

Qualiticast vs Italeri, French Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Italeri (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers 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 Italeri figures come from box 6002, “’Les Bleus’ French Infantry, Napoleonic Wars 1815." The box contains 50 figures in 15 poses.

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:

Italeri is currently producing this set, which can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were donated by Liam Sullivan.

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.