Revell Thirty Years War vs Les Higgins ECW, mounted

The photo above compares two metal ECW troopers from Les Higgins (A,C) with a pair of plastic figures from Revell (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their English Civil War range, which has been extended under the brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as EP11 “Trooper of Horse with Sword.”

The ECW range currently comprises 16 codes, some of which have multiple poses. Coverage includes officers, pikemen, musketeers, cavalry and artillery.

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): 20mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. Most figures can be ordered individually, though these come with two riders in a pack (one of each pose). I believe the cost is 40p (UK) for each rider, and another 45p per horse – although you should confirm this when ordering.

Notes on the Samples:

The Les Higgins models were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s designation and Number of Poses:

The Revell figures come from box 2567, “Thirty Years’ War, Swedish Cavalry." The box contains 15 riders in 8 poses, as well as 15 horses in 8 poses.

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.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to top of head): 24mm.

Availability:

According to PSR, Revell first released this set in 1991. The set is not currently in production.

Notes on the Samples:

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

Les Higgins vs Mars, English Civil War foot

The photo above compares three plastic miniatures from Mars (A,C,E) with three metal figures from Les Higgins, currently available from 20mm Nostalgia Revival (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their English Civil War range, which has been extended under the new brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as follows (referring to the letter blocks in the picture):

B: EP 3 (pikeman)
D: EP 14 (musketeer)
F: EP 12 (drummer)

The ECW range currently comprises 16 codes, some of which have multiple poses. Coverage includes officers, pikemen, musketeers, cavalry and artillery.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 40p (UK) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Les Higgins models were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures have been recently released by Mars as set 72034 “Scots Mercenaries (Thirty Years War).” The box includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, this is a very recent issue, which can easily be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Harfields is selling the box for £7.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The Mars figures were obtained via a trade with Alan Dearn.

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, early 18th century foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Zvezda (A,C,E) with three metal figures from Les Higgins / Nostalgic Revival (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their Marlborough range, which has been extended under the new brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as follows (referring to the letter blocks in the picture):

B: MP 4 Grenadier at port arms
D: MP 14 Musketeer at ready
F: MP 35 Generic figure, no weapon

Note: the first two figures are from the original Les Higgins range, while the third is a recent addition.

The Marlborough range currently includes the following poses: 16 infantry other ranks; 8 officers, NCOs and drummers; 4 artillery crew; 11 mounted figures; 2 dismounted cavalry; and 2 artillery pieces.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 35p (UK) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Les Higgins models were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8049 “"Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, 1698-1725.” The box contains 43 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For instance, Hannants have it for £5.99.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

A New Brand - 20mm Nostalgic Revival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revived Ranges

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

New Ranges

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


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

Marlburian Cavalry from Les Higgins, part 2

The images above show the final examples of mounted Les Higgins figures of the Marlburian period. These are s available from John Cunningham.

All of the models shown in the top image are recent additions to the range. They are (from left to right)

MP 30 Hussar
MP 31 Cuirassier in tricorne
MP 33 Cuirassier officer

The figure in the bottom picture is also a new sculpt:

MP 32 Mounted trumpeter

Click on an image for a larger version.

Marlburian Cavalry from Les Higgins, Part 1

The images above illustrate some of the mounted Marlburian figures available from the Les Higgins range, currently being produced by John Cunningham.

In the top image, the models are all from the original Les Higgins designs. They are (from left to right) :

MP 21 Mounted Dragoon with musket
MP 22 Trooper of Horse
MP 23 Trumpeter

The left most figure below is also an original sculpt:

MP 24 Horse Grenadier

In addition, there are two new figures (centre and right):

MP 28 Mounted Dragoon in cap
MP 29 Mounted Cuirassier in lobster pot helmet

Click on an image for a larger version.

Vintage 20 mm lines Continue to Grow

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

Les Higgins

Two new Marlburian poses are now available:

MP 38 charging musketeer
MP 39 charging officer

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

EP 16 mounted cavalier bare headed waving sword

Wodensfeld

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

Douglas Miniatures

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

MB 5 Horse Grenadier

Cunningham Miniatures

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

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

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

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

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

More Comparisons on Will's Wargames Blog

Will of Will’s Wargames Blog has recently posted a few metal/plastic comparisons for the early eighteenth century.

On his July 8 post, he looked at the Les Higgins Marlburians, some of which have also been featured on this site lately. He compared the Les Higgins cavalry figures to some Strelets mounted troops, and the foot figures to Zvezda.

Something old, something new

On July 18, Will compared Douglas Miniatures sculpts for the War of Spanish Succession, against the same plastic sets.

Douglas Miniatures WSS figures

On the same day, he also took a look at some Wodensfeld figures for the Seven Years War. This time he compared them to Revell’s SYW Austrians, as well as the Zvezda Russian infantry from the Great Northern War.

Wodensfeld Miniatures SYW French

More Marlburian foot figures from Les Higgins

Carrying on through the Les Higgins 20mm Marlburian catalogue, these figures represent some specialist foot.

The top image are all newer additions to the range, and are (left to right):

MP 26 Dismounted Dragoon in cap, kneeling
MP 27 Dismounted Dragoon in tricorne, firing
MP 34 Drummer (alternate coat)
MP 35 Generic figure, no weapon
MP 36 Generic figure, musket on shoulder

The bottom photo includes more of the original Higgins sculpts, with the exception of the last figure. From left to right, the figures are:

MP 20 (three figures) Artillery Crew
MP 18b Grenadier drummer
MP 25 Imperial Grenadier

The range is sold as single figures; orders can be placed at CunnJoh@aol.com

Les Higgins Marlburian Infantry & Command

An earlier post introduced the reissued and extended line of 20mm Marlburian figures from Les Higgins. In that post, the Grenadiers from this range were featured. Now it is the turn of the regular infantry figures, as well as the command.

The bottom image shows the infantry sculpts, as follows:

MP 10 Musketeer loading
MP 11 Musketeer march attack
MP 12 Musketeer firing
MP 13 Musketeer kneeling firing
MP 14 Musketeer thrusting
MP 15 Musketeer at east

The top photo includes various command figures, including:

MP 17b Musketeer Officer with sword
MP 18a Musketeer drummer
MP 19a, b, c and d Officers and NCOs (4 figures)

Although most of these figures measure 20mm, from the sole of the foot to the eye, there are a couple of shorter figures in the upper picture.

The range is sold as individual figures, which can be ordered from CunnJoh@aol.com

Marlburian Grenadiers from Les Higgins

As discussed in earlier posts, John Cunningham is producing several of the old Les Higgins ranges. Besides making the original sculpts available again, he has added new figures to several of the ranges.

The most extensive range currently in production is the “Marlborough” series. It is a fully fleshed out range, with a variety of infantry, artillery, cavalry and command figures available.

The images above feature the Grenadiers. The lower image shows figures MP 2 to 6, as follows:

MP 2 Grenadier at ease
MP 3 Grenadier throwing grenade
MP 4 Grenadier at the ready
MP 5 Grenadier firing
MP6 Grenadier thrusting

The top photo includes MP 7 to 9 and MP 17a:

MP 7 Grenadier charging
MP 8 Grenadier loading
MP 9 Grenadier kneeling firing
MP 17a Grenadier officer with sword.

In addition to these figures, there is a further Grenadier, in pose MP 1(march attack).

The figures measure 20mm, from the sole of the foot to the eye, with a couple of exceptions. In this case MP7 is a bit taller than his peers.

Early 18th Century Infantry, Part 4

This is the last set of pictures sent in by John Cunningham, comparing plastic and metal figures of the early 18th century. In this case, the focus is on Zvezda. Click on the images for a larger version.

The figures are:

Top Picture
Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
Zvezdva, Russian Infantry of Peter the Great set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)

Zvezda, Swedish Inantry, Great Northern War set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)

Middle Picture
Zvezda, 2 x Swedish Infantry, Great Northern War set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)
Les Higgins, MP 14 Musketeer at ready (painted blue coat)
Strelets, 2 x Swedish Infantry of Charles XII, set 0021 (unpainted red plastic)

Bottom Picture
Warrior 1680, LS 9 Pikeman (painted, red coat)
Warrior 1680, LS 6 Gunner with linstock (unpainted metal)
Zvezda, 2 x Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)

ACTA vs Les Higgins, ECW Foot

The photo above compares four metal English Civil War figures from Les Higgins to three plastic figures from A Call to Arms (ACTA). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The ACTA figures are from box 61 “House of Campaign, Royalist Infantry.”

The Les Higgins figures come from their English Civil War range. From left to right they are: EP 14 (musketeer) EP 3 (pikeman), EP 1C (officer), EP 12 (drummer).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
A Call To Arms – 21mm.
Les Higgins – The LH figures are 21mm, except the officer in the middle who stands at just 19mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
A Call to Arms – C (average)
Les Higgins – C (average)

Overall conclusions:
A Call to Arms is the only plastic maker currently producing ECW figures. It is nice therefore to report that the Les Higgins figures are a perfect complement. Other than the one diminutive officer, the LH figures stand side by side with their plastic cousins, and share a similar sculpting style. This means it is entirely possible to mix figures in the same units if needed.

And finally, since the Les Higgins range does include other officers, it is possible to avoid the shorter sculpt if desired.

Early 18th century Infantry, part 2

Here are some further pictures from John Cunningham, looking at figures available for the early 18th century. In this case, the models are all from metal ranges. According to John, they can be identified as follows:

Top Picture, left to right:
Warrior 1680, LS 4 Officer (painted, red coat)
Douglas Miniatures, MB 8 Standard Bearer (unpainted metal)
Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
Douglas Miniatures, MB 2 Musketeer at ready (painted, red coat)
Warrior 1680, LS 3 line Infantry (painted, red coat)

Bottom Picture, left to right:
Douglas Miniature, MB 3 Grenadier firing (unpainted metal)
Warrior 1680, LS 2 Dismounted Dragoon x2 (painted, blue coats)
Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
Les Higgins, MP 12 Musketeer firing (painted, white coat)

Click on the images for larger versions.

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, 17th century Infantry

The photo above compares three metal English Civil War figures from Les Higgins, to two Thirty Years War figures from Zvezda. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8061 “Austrian Musketeers and Pikemen.”

The Les Higgens figures come from their English Civil War range. From left to right they are: EP 3 (pike), EP 1C (officer), EP 12 (drummer).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda – 24mm.
Les Higgins – most of the LH figures are 21mm, but the officer in the middle is only 19mm in height.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda – C (average)
Les Higgins – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

There are very few 17th century figures in plastic, so the release of the Zvezda set was highly anticipated. But while the figures are extremely nice to consider on their own, they are far too large to mix well with other 1/72 scale models. As can be seen in the picture, the plastic soldiers simply tower over their metal colleagues.

Early 18th century Infantry, part 1

John Cunningham has generously provided some photos comparing plastic and metal infantry for the early 18th century. The period of course saw two major conflicts: the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

The image above shows all the figures arrayed. Click on the image for a larger version. More detailed shots will follow.

According to John, the figures are:

Top row, left to right

1. Warrior 1680, LS 4 Officer (painted, red coat)
2. Douglas Miniatures, MB 8 Standard Bearer (unpainted metal)
3. Warrior 1680, LS 1 Grenadier (painted, blue coat)
4. Douglas Miniatures, MB 2 Musketeer at ready (painted, red coat)
5. Warrior 1680, LS 3 line Infantry (painted, red coat)
6. Douglas Miniatures, MB 3 Grenadier firing (unpainted metal)
7, 8. Warrior 1680, LS 2 Dismounted Dragoon x2 (painted, blue coats)
9. Minifigs S range, Musketeer firing (painted, red coat)
10. Les Higgins, MP 12 Musketeer firing (painted, white coat)

Bottom Row, left to right

11. Warrior 1680, LS 9 Pikeman (painted, red coat)
12. Warrior 1680, LS 6 Gunner with linstock (unpainted metal)
13, 14. Zvezdva, 2 x Russians GNW set 8049 (unpainted green plastic)
15, 16. Zvezda, 2 x Swedes GNW set 8048 (unpainted tan plastic)
17. Les Higgins, MP 14 Musketeer at ready (painted blue coat)
18, 19. Strelets, 2 x Swedes GNW set 0021 (unpainted red plastic)
20, 21. Strelets, 2 x Russians GNW set 0031 (unpainted dark green plastic)
22. Irregular Miniatures, musketeer marching (unpainted metal)

Les Higgins ECW (part 2)

The pictures above show most of the remaining figures from the Les Higgins ECW range (the bulk of the infantry figures were posted on February 28). Click on the images for larger versions.

The figures are as follows (from left to right in each picture):

Top Image: gun crew (EP 13)

Middle Image: 3 cavalry troopers (EP11A and EP11B armed with swords, and EP15 with the firearm).
Bottom Image: drummer (EP12), mounted officer (EP10) and musketeer (EP14).

These figures can be purchased from John Cunningham, at cunnjoh@aol.com He expects to release a mounted cavalier (bare head) soon.

John is selling the foot figures for 40p, which is equivalent to 57 cents US, or 73 cents Canadian at today’s rates. Horses are separate and cost 45p.

Les Higgins English Civil War Infantry

The pictures above show most of the regular foot figures from the Les Higgins ECW range. In the top image, the figures from left to right are: EP2D, EP2B, EP2A, EP1C, EP1D, EP1B. In the lower picture, they are: EP4, EP8, EP7, EP3, EP6 and EP5 (the first, third and fourth figures should be holding pikes). Click on the images for larger versions.

The English Civil War range was the first release from Les Higgins, and established the firm as a maker of high quality 20mm figures. Released in the late 1960s, they still stand up today. Like many of the pioneer figure ranges in our hobby, the Les Higgins business was sold, merged and bought over the years. Eventually the ECW range went out of production, and stayed that way for more than a decade.

A couple of years ago, the range was revived by a group of enthusiasts. They are also associated with the Vintage 20mil site, which can be found on my list of links in the sidebar.

Figures can now be purchased from John Cunningham. He can be reached at cunnjoh@aol.com

The foot figures are being sold for 40p, which is equivalent to 57 cents US, or 73 cents Canadian at today’s rates.

The range also includes cavalry, mounted commanders, and artillery. Photos of those sculpts will appear in a later posting, as will some comparisons to plastic ranges.

News: Douglas Miniatures return to production

In a testament to bad timing, I recently claimed in this blog that Douglas Miniatures are no longer in production. In fact, the long period of dormancy is ending for this range. John Cunningham, who already owns moulds of some other vintage 20mm ranges, has purchased the known Douglas moulds, and is busy bringing them back to market.

John currently offers figures from these makers:

Les Higgins: Marlburians and English Civil War (including more than a dozen new figures)
Douglas: Marlburian (they have been remoulded)

He is clearly a very busy fellow, as his current projects include the following:

• Getting the Douglas Crimean range back in production (going through remastering and moulding now)
• Ditto for the Douglas Napoleonics
• Releasing a limited run of Wodensfeld 7 Years War French (expected release at the end of February)
• Working on a few other ranges (details to come)
  

In addition to that, he will be getting around to formalizing a trading name for his company, and perhaps putting up a website.

Until then, you can contact John by email for his lists, and to place orders. He can be reached at: CunnJoh@aol.com. His current prices are:

Les Higgins Marlburians
foot/rider 35p each,
horse 45p each
guns £2

Les Higgins ECW
Foot/rider 40p each,
horse 45p each
guns £2

Douglas Marlburians
40p foot/rider/horse

Price on Wodensfeld TBD (it will be a 36-piece set)