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.

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.

Rafm vs HaT, Ancient German foot

The photo above compares three metal Ancient Germans from Rafm (in blackwashed metal), with four plastic figures from HaT. The tan figures come from HaT’s set of Franks, while the grey ones are from the HaT Ancient German set. 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: 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 HaT figures come from two sets. Box 6007 “Franks” is a mini-box which includes 24 figures in 4 poses; box 8068 “Early Germans” is a full box with 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

6007 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
8068 Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
6007 Body Build: Average.
8068 Body Build: Very slender.

Availability and Cost:

These sets are still in production and widely available. For instance, Harfields has the Ancient German set selling for £3.95

Notes on the Samples:

Most 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. More detail on the plastic figures can be found at the Plastic Soldier Review website.

Rafm vs Caesar, Ancient Germans

The photo above compares three ancient Germans from Rafm (in black washed metal) with three similar figures from Caesar (in gray 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 Caesar figures come from set H040 “Ancient German.” This box contains 39 figures in 11 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Caesar’s figures are currently in production and can be found in hobby stores and online dealers. For instance, Always Models sells the box for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

Some of the Caesar samples were donated by Liam Sullivan, and others 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.

Rafm Ancient Germans vs RedBox Picts

The photo above compares three Ancient Germans from Rafm (in black washed metal) with three Picts from RedBox (in red-brown 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 RedBox figures come from box RB-72001 “Picts.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Ye Olde Toy Soldiers is currently selling the box for US$9.99 on eBay.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were provided by Liam Sullivan and 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.

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.

Rafm vs Italeri, Ancient Gauls and Germans

The photo above compares two Gaul warriors from Italeri (in tan plastic) with three ancient Germans from Rafm (in black washed metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Armies of the Caesars” range, and are catalogued as RAF7252 “Early German Infantry in Trousers.”

The “Armies of the Caesar” range currently includes 30 types. For the Romans, there are 14 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 command sets available. For their enemies, the choices include 7 infantry, 3 cavalry and 1 command set. Most of the codes consist of a single pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures (all in the same pose).

Notes on the Samples:

The figures require some assembly (separate heads, shields and spears).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The 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.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

Italeri is currently producing this set, which can be found through various plastic model distributors, and at hobby shops. For instance, Woodrow’s War Store is currently selling the box for $12.37 (Canadian).

Notes on the Samples:

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.

Rafm vs Emhar, Ancient / Early Middle Ages European Infantry

The photo above compares two Early Middle Ages figures from Emhar (a Viking in green plastic, and a Saxon in gray) with three Ancient German figures from Rafm (black washed metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Armies of the Caesars” range, and are catalogued as RAF7252 “Early German Infantry in Trousers.”

The “Armies of the Caesar” range currently includes 30 types. For the Romans, there are 14 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 command sets available. For their enemies, the choices include 7 infantry, 3 cavalry and 1 command set. Most of the codes consist of a single pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures (all in the same pose).

Notes on the Samples:

The figures require some assembly (separate heads, shields and spears).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Emhar figures come from two boxes: set 7205 “Viking Warriors, 9th to 10th Century” and set 7206 “Saxon Warriors, 9th to 10th Century.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

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

Availability and Cost:

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

Notes on the Samples:

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

General Notes:

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

Rafm vs Orion, Ancient European foot

The photo above compares three Ancient German figures from Rafm (black washed metal) with three Viking figures from Orion (in red 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 Orion figures are from box 72004 “Sea Warriors: Vikings, VIII-XI Century.” The box contains 46 figures in 23 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Orion box is currently available, although it is not widely carried. However, it can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For example, Michigan Toy Soldiers has the set listed for $12.99 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The figures were obtained in a trade with Frank Ivansic and a donation from 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.

Rafm vs Revell, Ancient Germans and Celts

The photo above compares three metal figures from Rafm (black washed metal) with three plastic figures from Revell (in tan plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s 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 Revell figures come from box 02553 “Celts (Gauls).” This box includes 50 figures in 14 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

This set is not currently listed as being in production at Revell, but new boxes and used figures can be found at online and local hobby shops.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were obtained from two sources: a trade with Frank Ivansic, and a donation from 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.

Rafm vs Airfix, ACW foot

The photo above compares three ACW figures from Rafm Miniatures (the larger, unpainted metal ones) with an equal number of troops from Airfix (in various shades of plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Airfix figures come from three boxes:
01712 “Union Infantry” (dark blue)
01713 “Confederate Infantry” (gray)
01714 “Civil War Artillery” (red-brown)

The Rafm figures are catalogued as RAF6603 “Union Infantry, Advancing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Rafm – 24mm.
Airfix – 21mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Rafm – C (Average)
Airfix – C (Average)

Availability and Cost:

The Airfix figures were introduced in the early 1960s and have been in and out of production ever since. They don’t seem to be in production currently, but old stock and second hand figures can be easily found.

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).

(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 post any comments with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of the uniform depicted.

Rafm vs Italeri, ACW Infantry

The photo above compares three ACW figures from Rafm Miniatures (the larger, unpainted metal ones) with an equal number of plastic troops from Italeri (the smaller, silver coloured figures). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Italeri troops come from box 6012 "Union Infantry with Zouaves."

The Rafm figures are catalogued as RAF6603 “Union Infantry, Advancing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Rafm – 24mm.
Italeri – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Rafm – C (Average)
Italeri – C (Average)

Availability and Cost:

The Italeri figures are in production and available through various plastic model distributors. The company website is listed in the side panel.

Cost per box, at a typical retailer: £3.75 at ModelsForSale.com.

Rafm’s metal figures are also currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer: see the website listed in the side panel.

Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures.

(To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com)

Other notes:

Readers: please post any comments with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about their compatibility from the standpoint of the uniform depicted.

Rafm vs Esci, American Civil War Infantry

The photo above compares three ACW figures from Rafm Miniatures (unpainted metal) with an equal number of troops from Esci (in light gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci troops come from box 223 "American Civil War Confederate Infantry."

The Rafm figures are catalogued as RAF6603 “Union Infantry, Advancing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Rafm – 24mm.
Esci – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Rafm – C (Average)
Esci – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions:
Although the Esci figures are a bit shorter and a bit more slender, these two ranges still work together. While the differences are obvious when mixed in a single unit, they disappear if the two types are formed in separate groups.