Outland 20mm vs Revell 1/72, Seven Years War mounted

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Revell (A,C) with a pair of metal troopers from Outland (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 Revell figures come from two sets. Figure A is from 02573 “Austrian Dragoons, 7 Years’ War.” Figure C is from 02575 “Prussian Hussars, 7 Years’ War.” The Dragoon set includes 15 riders in 8 poses, and 15 horses in 7 poses. The second set includes 17 riders in 9 poses, and 17 horses in 6 poses. Revell also makes a couple of infantry and artillery sets for this period.

Figure Characteristics:

02573 Rider Height (measured from ground to eyes): 32 mm.
02573 Rider Height (measured from ground to top of head): 34 mm.
02575 Rider Height (measured from ground to eyes): 30 mm.
02575 Rider Height (measured from ground to top of head): 32 mm.

Availability and Cost:

As of the current date (July 2011), these figures are not listed as being in production on the Revell website.

Notes on the Samples:

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

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.

Outland vs Zvezda, Napoleonic Russian foot

The photo above compares three Russian figures from Outland (black washed metal) with three Grenadier figures from Zvezda (in green plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

The Napoleonic Russian range currently includes 34 poses: 21 infantry, 6 cavalry and 7 artillery

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

Availability and Cost:

Outland’s metal figures are currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8020 “Russian Heavy Infantry – Grenadiers, 1812-1814.” The box contains 46 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, Tracks & Troops have it for €5.95.

Notes on the Samples:

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

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.

Outland vs Waterloo 1815, Napoleonic Infantry

The photo above compares three Russian infantry figures from Outland (unpainted metal) with three Polish infantry figures from Waterloo 1815 (in tan plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

The Napoleonic Russian range currently includes 34 poses: 21 infantry, 6 cavalry and 7 artillery.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

Availability and Cost:

Outland’s metal figures are currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Waterloo 1815 figures come from box AP008 “Polish Infantry 1812/14.” The box includes 36 figures in 9 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

This set is currently in production and available through hobby distributors. Price at a sample online store: $11.42 (Canadian) at Woodrow’s War Store.

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.

Outland vs HaT, Napoleonic Russian Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Outland (unpainted metal) with three plastic figures from HaT (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

The Napoleonic Russian range currently includes 34 poses: 21 infantry, 6 cavalry and 7 artillery

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

Availability and Cost:

Outland’s metal figures are currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from box 8099 “Russian Militia.” This box includes 100 figures in 17 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

This set is currently in production at HaT, and available through online and local hobby shops. As a 100-figure box, the price is of course higher than for smaller sets. Sample cost: £8.09 at Modelsforsale.com

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were obtained in a trade with Will McNally (of Will’s Wargames Blog).

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.

Readers, please add any comments on other considerations with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of historical periods.

Outland vs Esci, Napoleonic Russian Foot

The photo above compares three Russian figures from Outland Games (unpainted metal) with two plastic Russians from Esci (light gray). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from Esci box 236 “Napoleonic Wars Russian Grenadiers.”

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Esci – 21mm.
Outland – 19mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Esci – B (Slender).
Outland – B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

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. A review of current listings on ebay shows several boxes available in the price range of $10 to $15 US.

Outland’s metal figures are currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

(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.)

Other notes:

The Esci samples were donated by Liam Sullivan. The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

Readers, please add any comments on other considerations with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of historical periods.

Airfix / HaT vs Outland, Napoleonic Infantry

The photo above compares three Russian figures from Outland Games (unpainted metal) with three plastic Prussians from Airfix/HaT (blue and gray). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from the last Airfix box of Napoleonic figures to be released: 01756 “Prussian Infantry 1815.” The figures were re-released by HaT as set 7006 “Waterloo Prussian Landwehr.”

The Outland models come from their Napoleonic range. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

R-25. 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Rammer, in Kivier
R-13. 1812 Russian Foot Artillery with Ball, in Kivier

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Airfix/HaT – 20mm.
Outland – 19mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Airfix/HaT – C (Average).
Outland – B (Slender) mainly due to their spindly legs.

Availability and Cost:

The Airfix/HaT figures are in production and available through various plastic model distributors. Cost per box, at a typical retailer: £3.95 (GBP) at Hannants (for the HaT version).

Outland’s metal figures are also currently available. They must be ordered from GFI – the distributor. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 65 cents (US) each.

(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, with the retailers.)

Other notes:

The Airfix samples were donated by Mike Epting and Liam Sullivan. The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

Readers, please add any comments on other considerations with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of historical periods.

Seven Years War samples from Outland

Among the samples kindly provided by Chris von Fahnnenstock of Outland Games were a number of 20mm Seven Years War figures. (Click on the images for larger pictures.)

Unfortunately, Chris did not provide catalogue numbers for them; since there are no comprehensive set of images on either the Outland site or the GFI site, I cannot positively identify the figures. However, I believe these are older sculpts, originally released under the Battalionfeuer banner.

The top image shows two mounted command figures, and a couple of artillery troops (possibly an officer with linstock, and a gunner with rammer). The lower picture includes three cavalry riders. Also in that picture are two horses. I am not sure if these horses are intended for use with the riders. In fact, the horses did work nicely with the Napoleonic samples provided, but did not fit well with these riders. To make these riders fit comfortably on these mounts would take some significant filing; hopefully Outland has horses more appropriate for these troops.

Overall, these are very nice models; I will be using them in comparisons with plastic ranges over the next few months.

Outland figures can be purchased through their distributor – GFI - at the following website:

GFI Online store

At the current date though, the figures shown above are not listed in GFI’s online catalogue.

I will ask GFI and Outland about the uncertainties described above, but if any reader has further information (such as the provenance and catalogue numbers of the figures) please post in the comments section below.

Sample Russians from Outland

Chris von Fahnnenstock of Outland Games has sent over a number of samples from his growing line of 20mm miniatures. These include figures previously released under the Battalionfeuer banner, and new figures designed to work with them. Some of the samples are shown in the pictures above, and more will be posted soon. The samples will also be used in some comparisons with related plastic makes. (Click on the images for larger pictures.)

The top picture includes a range of poses from the 20mm Napoleonic Russian range. They include:

R-25 1804 Russian Grenadier Advancing, Bushy Plume
R-14 1812 Russian Foot Artillery w/rammer, Kivier
R-13 1812 Russian Foot Artillery w/ball, Kivier
RC-03 1812 Russian Hussar Kivier
RC-01 Russian Cuirassier Trooper

The lower photo includes four sculpts from the new SYW release. These figures are included in the 8-piece set “Russian Infantry Command in Waistcoat.” The actual set includes two officers (shown on the extreme right and left) two standard bearers (the figure with his hand touching his head), two drummers, and two infantry in “march-attack” pose.

All these figures are sold through GFI, which is at the following website:

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

The Napoleonic soldiers are sold individually at 65 cents (US) each, while the pack of 8 SYW command figures is retailing for $4.95.

Outland Games Update

After my last post on Outland, I have been able to correspond with Tom Dye of GFI, the distributor for Outland. Tom has confirmed that the Outland ranges did start out as the Battalionfeuer range. Chris von Fahnnenstock purchased the ranges several years ago, and has expanded them.

Chris is currently on active duty in the US Army, and so doesn’t have time to do his own moulding, casting, or order fulfillment. He has outsourced those tasks to GFI.

Tom tells me that he has remoulded the World War One in East Africa range, and worked on the additions to the SYW range, as well as some artillery pieces.

The pictures that I posted earlier are not yet in production, but do provide a good example of what is coming down the pipe. Tom expects to have 20mm Turks on hand soon, which have been sculpted by the same designer.

I hope to have more information on Outland and GFI releases as they come out. In the meantime, if you are thinking of picking up some 20mm figures for one of these conflicts, take a look at what Outland offers. It would be nice to support Chris as he serves his country.

Outland SYW Prussians

Outland Games manufacturers several ranges of 20mm and 25mm figures. I am not clear if these are all original designs, or if they are also rereleasing older ranges which have come into their hands. (Their distributer’s website uses the name “Minifigs” but the connection to the Outland figures isn’t clear.)

Whatever the provenance of the other figures, Outland has recently announced the release of several 20mm figures for the Seven Years War, which do seem to be completely new designs. The images above have been taken from their site, and give a sense of the detail available on these castings. They are identified as “Austro-Hungarian Grenadier” and “Prussian Grenadier Sapper.” Click on the images to see larger versions.

Outland sent some of their samples to Will McNally, who runs a dynamic wargaming blog, which includes numerous posts on the Seven Years War. Will has put together his own comparison of the Outlanders with Revell SYW figures, and Airfix AWI troops. You can see his comparisons here.

http://willwarweb.blogspot.com/2009/06/outland-games-syw-figures.html

The Outland website is here:

http://www.outlandgames.net/

Outland only sells through GFI, which is at the following website:

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

GFI is selling these troops in packs of 8, at $4.95 (US). At current exchange rates, that works out to the following cost per figure.

$0.62 US
$0.77 AUS
$0.70 CDN
0.45 Euros
0.38 UK