Great Endeavours expands Ral Partha Colonials

Once again Great Endeavours has added to the established line of Ral Partha colonial figures. Last year they added some Boxers, and now they have gone back to the line’s main strength, and added to the British infantry.

Only one pose has been added at this point. As seen in the picture above, it depicts a regular enlisted man in the act of reloading. The picture, which comes from the Great Endeavours website, also includes an older figure for comparison.

The new pose was modeled by Tom Meier, and can be purchased in sets of 10 for $9.99. The GE website is here:

http://www.greatendeavours.co.uk/colonials/

Click on the image for a larger version.

Ral Partha Turks vs Streltsi by Strelets-R

The photo above compares three plastic Steltsi from Strelets-R (A,C,E) with a pair of metal Turks from Ral Partha (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “The Condottieri” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, the Turks in this range included 10 codes, some of which contained more than one pose. In addition, the range included Swiss and Imperialist troops.

The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

B: 54-609 “Turkish Spearman”
D: 54-610 “Turk with Scimitar and Buckler”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

With the exception of Colonial subjects, most Ral Partha historical figures continue to be produced by Iron Wind, a successor firm. However, Iron Wind does not seem to be offering The Condottieri range at present.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures are bonus figures, which were included in a number of Strelets boxes. The contents and periods of the box had nothing to do with the bonus figures, which represent Streltsi of the 17th century. The particular figures illustrated came from the following sets:

A. 24 Crimean French Light Infantry
C. 29 Crimean British Highlanders
E. 25 Crimean Russian Line Infantry

Figure Characteristics:

Figure A Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Figure A Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Figure B Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Figure B Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Figure C Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Figure C Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Strelets started releasing these bonus figures in 2003, but have slowed down recently, especially with the reduction of number of poses in their boxes. As of Sept 2010, PSR identifies 22 different poses available.

Ral Partha Turks vs Zvezda Strelets

The photo above compares three metal Turks from Ral Partha (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Strelets from Zvezda (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “The Condottieri” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, the Turks in this range included 10 codes, some of which contained more than one pose. In addition, the range included Swiss and Imperialist troops.

The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 54-608 “Turkish Archer”
C: 54-611 “Iyaler with Sword”
E: 54-610 “Turk with Scimitar and Buckler”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

With the exception of Colonial subjects, most Ral Partha historical figures continue to be produced by Iron Wind, a successor firm. However, Iron Wind does not seem to be offering The Condottieri range at present.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8040 “"Russian Strelets Infantry, 16-17th Centuries AD.” The box contains 46 figures in 11 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, Zvezda released this box in 2006. It is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic figures were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Ral Partha Renaissance Turks vs LW Cossacks

The photo above compares three metal Turks from Ral Partha (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Cossacks from LW (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “The Condottieri” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, the Turks in this range included 10 codes, some of which contained more than one pose. In addition, the range included Swiss and Imperialist troops.

The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 54-608 “Turkish Archer”
C: 54-611 “Iyaler with Sword”
E: 54-610 “Turk with Scimitar and Buckler”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

With the exception of Colonial subjects, most Ral Partha historical figures continue to be produced by Iron Wind, a successor firm. However, Iron Wind does not seem to be offering The Condottieri range at present.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from LW set 2012 “Cossack Artillery, 16-19 AD.” This box includes 20 figures in 5 poses, along with 4 guns.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

According to Plastic Soldier Review, these figures are actually pirated copies of metal originals. In this case, purchase is not recommended.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic samples were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Orion vs Ral Partha, Renaissance Turkish foot

The photo above compares three metal Turks from Ral Partha (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Janissaries from Orion (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “The Condottieri” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, the Turks in this range included 10 codes, some of which contained more than one pose. In addition, the range included Swiss and Imperialist troops.

The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 54-608 “Turkish Archer”
C: 54-611 “Iyaler with Sword”
E: 54-610 “Turk with Scimitar and Buckler”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

With the exception of Colonial subjects, most Ral Partha historical figures continue to be produced by Iron Wind, a successor firm. However, Iron Wind does not seem to be offering the Condottieri range at present.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Orion figures are from box 72010 “Turkish Janissary, 17th Century.” The box contains 48 figures in 24 poses.

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:

The Orion box is currently available. Although it is not widely carried, it can be found at various online and local hobby shops and distributors. According to PSR, it was first released in 2004.

ACTA vs Ral Partha, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three plastic figures from A Call to Arms (A,C,E) with a trio of metal colonials originally from Ral Partha (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “Colonials” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, this range included 68 codes, in three groups (covering the Zulu war, the Northwest frontier and the Sudan). Some of the codes contained more than one pose. The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

B: 88-003 “British Command Group”
D: 88-002 “Zulu War British Infantry Advancing”
F: 88-103 “Northwest Frontier Indian Command Group”

All the figures are now sold by Great Endeavours, using the same codes. The firm has also expanded the range with new complementary figures, including dismounted cavalry, figures for the Boer war, as well as others for the Boxer rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, Great Endeavours currently distributes this range. They can be purchased from the GE website; the firm sells foot figures in groups of 10 (same pose) for $8.50 US.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The A Call To Arms figures are from box 57, “British Infantry, Zulu War.” The box contains 32 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

ACTA’s figures are currently available and can be found at hobby shops and online retailers. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $13.99.

Ral Partha vs RedBox, Colonial Indian Infantry

The photo above compares three plastic colonial Sikh infantry from RedBox (B,D,F) with a similar number of metal figures from Ral Partha (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “Colonials” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, this range included 68 codes, in three groups (covering the Zulu war, the Northwest frontier and the Sudan). Some of the codes contained more than one pose. The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 88-103 “Northwest Frontier Indian Command Group”
C: 88-002 “Zulu War British Infantry Advancing”
E: 88-102 “Northwest Frontier Indian Infantry, Firing”

All the figures are now sold by Great Endeavours, using the same codes. The firm has also expanded the range with new complementary figures, including dismounted cavalry, figures for the Boer war, as well as others for the Boxer rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Somewhat heavy

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, Great Endeavours currently distributes this range. They can be purchased from the GE website; the firm sells foot figures in groups of 10 (same pose) for $8.50 US.

Notes on the Samples:

Figure E was painted by Chuck Turnitsa.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from RedBox set 72021 “Sikhs (Boxer Rebellion 1900.” This box is one of several covering this conflict in depth. The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This set was released quite recently, and can easily be found at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Always Models list the set for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Ral Partha vs HaT, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three metal colonial figures from Ral Partha / Great Endeavours (A,C,E) with a similar number of plastic figures from HaT (B,D, F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “Colonials” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, this range included 68 codes, in three groups (covering the Zulu war, the Northwest frontier and the Sudan). Some of the codes contained more than one pose. The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 88-103 “Northwest Frontier Indian Command Group”
C: 88-002 “Zulu War British Infantry Advancing”
E: 88-102 “Northwest Frontier Indian Infantry, Firing”

All the figures are now sold by Great Endeavours, using the same codes. The firm has also expanded the range with new complementary figures, including dismounted cavalry, figures for the Boer war, as well as others for the Boxer rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Somewhat heavy

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, Great Endeavours currently distributes this range. They can be purchased from the GE website; the firm sells foot figures in groups of 10 (same pose) for $8.50 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The second figure from the far right was painted by Chuck Turnitsa.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The HaT figures come from box 8023 “Colonial Indian Infantry” which includes 48 figures in 8 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This set is a recent release from HaT, and can be easily found. For instance, Dragon’s Cave sells the set for €6.95.

Odemars vs Ral Partha, Medieval Asia foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from Odemars (light tan). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Odemars figures come from box PF01 “Samurai.” The box contains 32 figures in 8 poses.

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-751 Ronin with sword

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-166 Ronin Spearman
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-165 Ronin with Katana

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Odemars – 20-22mm (figures vary).
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Odemars– C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Earlier this year Odemars announced that they were leaving the plastic figure business. According to PSR, a new company called “Ykreol,” has recently said that they would pick up the Odemars figures and restart production. At this time, new boxes of the Odemars product can still be found at some retailers. For instance, Toy Soldier HQ is selling the box for $7.00 US as an end of line special.

As mentioned above, the metal figures are currently available from Iron Wind. They need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer: the cost is US $2.50 for an individual figure, but drops to $0.90 for quantities of 10 or more.

(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 Odemars figures were provided by Eric Yin in a very helpful trade.

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.

Ral Partha vs RedBox, Medieval Asia foot, part 2

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from RedBox. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

RedBox has produced three boxes for Ashigaru. The two figures on the left can be found in box 72006 “Ashigaru (Archers and Arquebusiers),” while the figure on the right comes from box 72007 “Ashigaru (Spearmen)”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox 72006 – 19mm.
RedBox 72007 – 20mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox– C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

The RedBox figures were introduced fairly recently, and are available through various plastic model distributors. Price at a typical retailer: 8.00 € at CW-Toys.

As mentioned above, the metal figures are currently available from Iron Wind. They need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer: the cost is US $2.50 for an individual figure, but drops to $0.90 for quantities of 10 or more.

(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 RedBox figures were provided by Eric Yin in a very helpful trade.

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.

Ral Partha vs Redbox, Medieval Asia foot, Part 1

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from RedBox. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from RedBox’s box 72005 “"Japanese Warrior Monks (Sohei)".”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 20mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox– C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability:

The RedBox figures were introduced fairly recently, and are available through various plastic model distributors. The RedBox website is listed in the side panel.

As mentioned above, the metal figures are currently available from Iron Wind. They need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer: see the website also listed in the side panel.

Other notes:
The RedBox figures were provided by Eric Yin in a very helpful trade.

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

Ral Partha vs Caesar, Feudal Japanese Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from Caesar. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from Caesar’s box H003 “ Japan Samurai with Ninja.”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Caesar – 22mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Caesar – C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Overall conclusions:
With no height difference, these figures are generally well-matched, although where the Ral Partha sculptor has gone for a heavier style, the metal figures do look a little different from their plastic cousins. The left most metal figure provides an example of the difference. Despite that, the two ranges should work together in most situations.

Other notes:
The Caesar figures were also traded to me by Eric Yin.

Ral Partha vs Zvezda, Japanese Feudal Foot

The photo above compares three figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three samurai from Zvezda (red plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from Zvezda’s box 8017 “Samurai Army – Infantry.”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

These Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. The catalogue numbers used by Iron Wind are as follows:

Left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH 179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda – 20mm.
Ral Partha – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda – C (Average)
Ral Partha – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Overall conclusions:
The 2mm height difference is enough to make these figures mismatched. This effect is increased with certain Ral Partha sculpts which have larger heads and exaggerated weapons (see the left most metal figure as an example).

Other notes:
The Zvezda figures were traded to me by Eric Yin, along with a large number of other samples.

Airfix vs Ral Partha, Colonial Indian

Today's wide choice of 1/72 figures is certainly something like a golden age. But there was a time when the only plastic figures in this scale came from Airfix. The three figures on the right in this image come from that period. They are conversions of the Airfix Japanese infantry set (01718), with turbans made from plasticene, hardened by nail polish. (I think I got the idea from an issue of Airfix Magazine.) The turbans have settled a bit in the intervening years, and I didn't do a great job to start with; however they do let me provide this comparison, in case anyone is trying to supplement an army of such conversions.

The Ral Partha figure (second from left) is from the Indian Command Group (88-103), currently available from Great Endeavours.

The final figure in the picture (far left) is from Esci (reviewed in other posts). Both the Esci and Ral Partha figures were painted by Chuck Turnitsa. Click on the image for a larger version.

Ral Partha vs Strelets, Mounted

Following on from yesterday's posting, here is a selection of mounted Ral Partha troops, compared to a couple of plastic Strelets figures. The figures are as follows (in both pictures) left to right:

• Ral Partha, Moorish Cavalry with Spear, 42-176, from the 1200 AD range
• Strelets Scots Grey
• Ral Partha, Mounted Pathan, from the Colonial range
• Strelets Cossack
• Ral Partha, Turkish Mounted Command, 54-619, from the Condottieri range

As the pictures illustrate, the first and last RP figures are a pretty close match to the Strelets. On the other hand, the Pathan in the middle position is smaller than both the Strelets and the other Ral Partha sculpts.

(Click on the pictures for a larger image - much larger this time)

Special - Strelets v Ral Partha

There is a thread on the Strelets forum asking about some metal/plastic comparisons, and specifically, about the compatability of Strelets with old Ral Partha. Since I won't be doing any specific comparisons between these two manufacturers for a while, I thought I would post this general comparison now.


The figures illustrated are (left to right).

• Strelets officer from Crimean French Light Infantry
• Ral Partha trumpeter from Colonial British Infantry Command set (88-003)
• Strelets British Crimean Infantry
• Ral Partha Medieval Turk (probably 54-610)
• Strelets Streltsi bonus figure
• Another RP Medieval Turk (54-609)
• Another Strelets bonus figure
• Two Ral Partha Colonial Egyptian figures from the command set (88-205)
• Strelets Crimean Highlander
  

For those looking for new Ral Partha figures, the colonial range can be bought from Great Endeavours, while the ancients and medievals are now being manufactured by Iron Wind. (Links to the relevant catalogues are below.)

Iron Wind Ral Partha Catalogue

Great Endeavours Colonials List

I will post a comparison of mounted figures tomorrow. As always, click on the picture for a larger version.

Esci vs Ral Partha, Colonial Indian Infantry

For the longest time, Esci was the only source for colonial troops from the Anglo-Indian army. The company only released three poses (two firing, and one running), in a set that was mainly just a re-issue of their Zulu British regular infantry. With the demise of Esci, this small source of plastic Indian troops dried up.

The situation changed in 2008 with the release of a set from RedBox. However, that set received fairly poor reviews; it is the upcoming release from HaT which is really anticipated. Previews of that set can currently be seen on the HaT website, including here:

Hat test shots

As can be seen from the picture above, supplementing the Esci figures with Ral Partha does require some flexibility on size. The Ral Partha figures dominate the smaller plastic troops.

Credit for painting all the figures in this picture goes to Chuck Turnitsa. Click on the picture for a larger version.

Ral Partha Colonial Indian Infantry

To support their British regulars on the Northwest frontier, Ral Partha produced a few Indian types. Two poses of regular Indian infantry were released - standing firing, and advancing. A third pose could be found in the command group: walking with the rifle held at the hip. In the picture above, the first and last poses are shown, with an Esci figure for comparison. The final figure in the line is an Airfix Japanese infantry figure, converted by adding a turban.

In addition to Indian regulars, Ral Partha also produced Ghurkas. At this time, I do not believe that Ghurka troops for the nineteenth century are in the plans of any plastic manufacturer, so these figures are important for any plastic colonial gamer.

Again, two poses were released - an advancing pose, and a figure brandishing a khukri (the distinctive Nepalese knife). These poses are shown below (click on the pictures for bigger images).

Ral Partha did not provide new officers for these troops, so the British regular officer was the standard leader. In the image below however, there is a Jacklex officer wearing a turban. Jacklex is another metal range; I will provide a more full set of Jacklex images in future postings.

The Ral Partha figures in this post were part of the nicely-painted lot I bought from Chuck Turnitsa, while the painting of the Ghurkas is still unfinished.

Ral Partha British Colonial Poses

This photo shows several of the poses available if you choose to use RPH to fill out your plastic colonial army. This group all works together as an advancing unit. There are several riflemen shown, plus a bugler and officer (with sun helmet). The second officer (in glengarry) is also from Ral Partha, but I think came from a different range.

The painted figures also come from Chuck Turnitsa.

Advancing figures were a staple for RPH, as we will see when we turn our attention to other groups. For the British regulars though, the only other poses are the standing firing pose (seen in other comparison posts in this blog), and a mounted officer (to be reviewed later).

While Ral Partha no longer produces figures, the Colonial ranges have been bought by Great Endeavours, and you can purchase them here: Great Endeavours

RedBox v Ral Partha, British Colonial

RedBox is a new manufacturer which is offering a growing range of sets with an Asian flavour. This includes several sets from the late Victorian era: besides their two boxes for colonial India, they have an extensive range of Boxer rebellion forces in release. At this stage, though, RedBox is not offering sculpts with the same quality as their competitors. Instead they look like some of the earliest Airfix sets, and come with more flash than Airfix ever did.


This picture compares several RedBox figures with the Ral Partha bugler. It is clear that the RPH trooper is much larger than the plastic soldiers.

RedBox site