Strelets 1/72 vs Douglas 20mm, 18th Century foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Strelets-R (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Douglas Miniatures (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures were originally released by Douglas Miniatures, as part of a Marlburian range. They are currently available from 20mm Nostalgic Revival and are catalogued as follows:

B) MB-1, Musketeer Firing
D) MB-4, Grenadier at Ready

The Marlburian range currently includes 6 foot poses. One original mounted figure is available and a second one (a new sculpt) is in the works.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Douglas figures were originally released in 1970, and were out of circulation for a long time. As mentioned, they are once again available from Nostalgic Revival. The firm does not have a website, but orders can be placed via email to [CunnJoh (at) aol (dot) com].

Notes on the Samples:

The Douglas samples were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Strelets set 043, “Artillery of Charles XII, the Great Northern War.” The box includes 24 figures in individual poses, as well as two cannon.

Strelets covers this conflict with infantry, cavalry and artillery sets for both Sweden and Russia.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

This set was introduced in 2005, and is easily found in online and physical stores.

Strelets 1/72 vs Minifigs, Matchlock, Falcon 25mm, French Colonial mounted

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Strelets-R (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Falcon (currently available from Miniature Figurines) (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the “Late 19th/Early 20th Century & Boxer Rebellion” range currently offered by Minifigs under the Matchlock brand. The figures were originally sculpted and released under the Falcon Miniatures name (not to be confused with Falcon Figures).

The models are catalogued as:
B: BEAUX 08 French Foreign Legion Mounted Spahi
D: BEAUX 06 French Foreign Legion Mounted Officer

The full line covers French Foreign Legion, Turks, German Southwest Africa, Russians, Japanese, Boxers and various African forces.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 34mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 37mm.

Availability and Cost:

This line was reintroduced in February 2011. It can be found on the Minifigs website, by selecting the “Matchlock” label.

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

Foot figures in this range are being sold for £1.10, with mounted figures retailing for £2.55

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Strelets set 049: “French African Chasseurs.” This box contains 12 riders in different poses, as well as 12 horses in six poses. While the Chasseurs d’Afrique served in many locations, Strelets have released them as part of a wide and deep focus on the Crimean War.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 35mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Chasseurs were released in 2008, and have already started to become scarce in the market.

Strelets Romans vs Newline Goths

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Strelets-R (A,C,E) with a pair of metal warriors from Newline Designs (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Designs figures come from one of their special 1/72nd scale range, and so are larger than the more numerous 20mm figures offered. These particular samples are cataloged as item 2G04, “Gothic Archers.” They are part of the “Dark Ages” line which also Franks, Huns and late period Romans.

Figures Characteristics

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

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £2.00. In addition, the firm offers packs of 24 figures for £9.50.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two of Strelets’ mini-sets:

(A) M008 “Roman Auxiliaries at Battle”
(C,E) M009 “Roman Legion at Battle”

Strelets introduced the mini-sets as a way to bring more subjects forward without the expense of producing 48 individual sculpts. Each of these sets includes 48 figures, but comprised of 4 copies of 12 poses.

Strelets has released a large range of sets covering the history of Rome and its enemies.

Figure Characteristics:

M008 Height (measured from ground to eyes): 20mm.
M009 Height (measured from ground to eyes): 20mm.
M008 Height (measured from ground to top of head): 22mm.
M009 Height (measured from ground to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

These sets were introduced in 2007, and are easily found in online and physical stores.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained in a trade with Carlos Faro.

Strelets Normans vs Garrison Saxons, foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Strelets-R (A,C) with a metal warrior from Garrison (B). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure is from Garrison Wargames Figures and comes from their 25mm Medieval range. Garrison uses the code “HS 10” to describe this figure, which they call “Saxon fyrdman with throwing axe.”

The Medieval range from Garrison includes 12 Saxon poses, 11 Normans, and 14 Vikings (2 of them mounted).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 26mm.

Availability and Cost:

The metal Medievals retail for £0.60 each, and can be ordered directly from the Garrison website:

http://www.garrisonminiatures.com/index.asp

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was kindly provided by Rob Young at Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two of Strelets’ mini-sets M001 “Normans” and M002 “Norman Archers.” Strelets introduced the mini-sets as a way to bring more subjects forward without the expense of producing 48 individual sculpts. Each of these sets includes 48 figures, but comprised of 4 copies of 12 poses.

Strelets has released a large range of sets covering the Dark Ages and early Medieval Europe.

Figure Characteristics:

M001 Height (measured from ground to eyes): 21mm.
M002 Height (measured from ground to eyes): 21mm.
M001 Height (measured from ground to top of head): 23mm.
M002 Height (measured from ground to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

These sets were introduced in 2006, and are easily found in online and physical stores.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained in a trade with Carlos Faro.

Fritz Figures vs Strelets, Crimean Turkish infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Uwe Wild (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Strelets-R (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:The metal figures are produced by Uwe Wild. He has released 13 different Turkish infantry poses to date, as well as some artillery figures. As a new venture, the figures are not yet branded or catalogued.

Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm with some variation.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm with some variation.

Availability and Cost:
These figures are currently available from Uwe Wild. Details on pricing may change, so those interested in purchasing any should contact him through his blog:

http://historyin172.blogspot.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:The plastic figures come from Strelets’ large set 903 “Thin Red Line.” The set includes re-issues of 3 existing Strelets sets, as well as 49 new foot figures representing Turkish infantry and commanders.

Strelets has released a deep and comprehensive range of sets covering the Crimean conflict.

Figure Characteristics:
Height (measured from ground to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:This set was released in 2009, but is often hard to find, as the number of sets released was limited and it has proved popular with wargamers and collectors.

Irregular War of the Roses vs Strelets Crusaders, foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Irregular Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Strelets-R (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their 20mm “Late Medieval” range. This line includes 22 codes, including both foot and mounted figures from a variety of campaigns. These particular samples are all Wars of the Roses subjects. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

A. NLM 8 Dismounted Knight
C. NLM2 Billman
E. NLM 1 Longbowman

Figure Characteristics:

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


Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, and come with random variations. Cost: 50p UK per figure.

The Irregular website is here:

http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come two sets released by Strelets-R, box M012 “Military Order Warriors” (figure B) and box M015 “Foot Military Order Knights” (figure D). Each box contains 48 figures, in 12 poses. Strelets has several other sets devoted to the Crusaders, including mounted offerings, as well as Muslim forces to oppose them.

Figure Characteristics:

M012 Height (measured from ground to eyes): 20mm.
M012 Height (measured from ground to top of head): 22mm.
M015 Height (measured from ground to eyes): 22mm.
M015 Height (measured from ground to top of head): 23mm.

Availability:

These sets are fairly recent, and represent the approach that Strelets adopted when they decided that some sets did not need to have all unique poses. They are widely available.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic figures were obtained in a trade with Carlos Faro.

Strelets vs Irregular, Late Medieval foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Irregular Miniatures (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Strelets (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their 20mm “Late Medieval” range. This line includes 22 codes, including both foot and mounted figures from a variety of campaigns. These particular samples are all Wars of the Roses subjects. They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):

A. NLM 8 Dismounted Knight
B. NLM2 Billman
C. NLM 1 Longbowman

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, and come with random variations. Cost: 50p UK per figure.

The Irregular website is here:

http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come Strelets’ box 006 “Army of Henry V.” The box contains 30 foot figures, each in a unique pose. There are also 6 riders and horses, again each in a different pose. Strelets has several other sets devoted to this era, including a box of French forces to oppose them.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

As one of the earlier Strelets sets, this box has been around since 2003. However it is still widely available.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic figures were obtained in a trade with Carlos Faro.

Strelets and Thomas ACW compared on TMP

The picture above was originally posted on TMP in December 2008, by “Neilad.” The figures are (from left to right):

Thomas: ACW General
Thomas: 16 Abraham Lincoln
Strelets-R: Abraham Lincoln

K and L currently offers figures from the Thomas 20mm range. However, the figures can only be ordered via regular mail.

The Strelets figures comes from box 0046 “Union General Staff (1).” The box contains 37 figures, each in a unique pose.

HistoriFigs Scruby vs Strelets, 19th century lancers

The photo above compares two metal lancers from HistoriFigs, which were originally released by Jack Scrub, (A,C) with a pair of plastic troopers from Strelets-R (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures were originally released by Jack Scruby, and now are available from HistoriFigs as part of the 25mm Franco-Prussian war range. The pose is catalogued as “9536C, Uhlan, lance erect.” The range comprises 45 different figures, with foot and mounted figures for France, Prussia and Bavaria.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to top of head): 35mm.

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

Availability and Cost:

The HistoriFigs miniatures can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually for $2.00 US, in a group of 6 for $11.75, or as a set of 12 for $21.75.

The HistoriFigs website is here:

http://www.historifigs.com/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from two sets of Strelets Crimean War figures. The green figure comes from Set 061, “Russian Crimean Uhlans.” The other miniature is from Set 036, “Crimean War British Lancers.” Each box contains 12 riders in different poses. The Russian set includes 12 horses in six poses, while the British set has 12 unique horse poses.

Figure Characteristics (based on Set 061):

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

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

Availability and Cost:

The British lancers were first released in 2005, while the Russian miniatures joined them in 2007. Both sets are still widely available.

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.

Newline vs Strelets-R, ACW mounted

The photo above compares two metal cavalry troopers from Newline Designs (A,C) with a pair of plastic generals from Strelets (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come are from Newline Designs’ American Civil War range, and are catalogued as ACW 50 “Cavalry in Kepi, Carbines Slung.” Newline’s ACW range is quite extensive, and currently includes 101 different products.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 32mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Strelet’s box 47 “Confederate General Staff (1), Civil War 1861-65.” The box includes 12 different riders, and 12 horses in 6 positions.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

Strelets released this set in 2006 and it is easily found at hobby shops and online dealers. Drum and Flag currently sells the box for £5.60.

SHQ & Kennington vs Strelets, ACW mounted

The photo above compares two plastic Confederate generals from Strelets-R (B,D) with a similar number of metal ACW lancers from SHQ & Kennington (A,C). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are sold by both SHQ and Kennington, and are catalogued as CWC 30 “Rush’s Lancers at rest.” The ACW range from these two firms is quite extensive, and includes 75 foot poses, 29 cavalry poses (about half of them dismounted), six artillery crew poses, and two guns.

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.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures can be purchased directly from the two manufacturers. The cavalry featured here sell for £4.50 at SHQ. For that price, you get 3 horses with 3 riders.

Notes on the Samples:

The metal lancers were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from Strelet’s box 47 “Confederate General Staff (1), Civil War 1861-65.” The box includes 12 different riders, and 12 horses in 6 positions.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 33mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build: Somewhat heavy.

Availability and Cost:

Strelets released this set in 2006 and it is easily found at hobby shops and online dealers. Drum and Flag currently sells the box for £5.60.

Irregular Risorgimento vs Strelets French, foot

The photo above compares two metal Italians from Irregular (B,D) with three plastic French figures from Strelets (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Irregular models come from their “Garibaldi” range. They are catalogued as follows:

B: NGAR2 Garibaldian Infantry Advancing
D: NGAR3 Garibaldian Infantry Firing

The “Garibaldi” range currently comprises 12 types, several of which include multiple variants. This includes 5 Garibaldian infantry poses, and one cavalry figure. For the Neapolitan forces, Irregular offers 4 infantry poses, 1 cavalry, and an artillery crew with gun.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Irregular’s metal figures are currently available, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The figures can be ordered individually, or in larger numbers at discounted prices. Where variants exist, they are delivered randomly. Cost for foot figures: 50p UK for a single figure, £10.00 for a pack of 24, and £40.00 for a large pack of 100.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Strelets figures come from box 0024 “Crimean War French Light Infantry.” The box includes 44 figures, each in a unique pose (one of which is actually a “bonus” figure having nothing to do with the subject of the box).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Body Build: Somewhat Heavy

Availability and Cost:

Strelets is currently producing this set, and it can be found at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Michigan Toy Soldiers sells the box for $10.99 US.

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.

ECW Comparisons on Dux Homunculorum

Dux Homunculorum is a blog run by Alanus, an Australian devotee of 1/72nd scale wargaming (or as he says - "the One True Scale.")

Recently Alanus decided to investigate the options available for English Civil War gaming in this scale. He ended up with several comprehensive posts, including some comparison photos, as well as several pictures of painted and based units. His posts are here:


Part 1, Infantry
Part 2, Cavalry
Part 3, Artillery

Alanus considers the following plastic makers: A Call to Arms, Revell, Zvezda, Mars, Strelets, and GerMan.

On the metal side, he looked at SHQ and Tumbling Dice.

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

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)

Early 18th Century Infantry, part 3

These pictures show some more 18th century figures from the collection of John Cunningham.

This time the comparison is focused on Strelets. The green plastic figure in each image is from Strelet's set 31 (Guard of Peter I), while the red plastic figure comes from box 21 (Swedish Infantry of Charles XII).

The metal musketeer figure on the right in each image is from Irregular Miniatures; while remaining figures are from Warrior 1680. The Warrior figure in the top image (second from left, painted) is catalogued as "LS 9, Pikeman," while his counterpart in the bottom image (on the far left) is known as "LS 6, Gunner with Linstock."

As can be seen, the Warrior 1680 figures are nice matches with the Strelets sculpts, while the Irregular troops are a bit shorter. Click on the images for a larger version.

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)

Strelets vs Douglas, Crimean British foot

The photo above compares Strelets British Crimean infantry figures (regulars and Highlanders) with Crimean British artillery and infantry from Douglas Miniatures. From left to right the models are: Douglas gunner (partly painted), Strelets Highland infantry (unpainted), Douglas regular infantry, Strelets regular infantry, Douglas officer, another Strelets regular. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Strelets figures come from set 0028 “Crimean War British Line Infantry” and set 0029 “Crimean War British Highlanders.”

The Douglas infantry and gunner are from their Crimean War range (set numbering to be provided).

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Strelets Regular Infantry – 22mm.
Strelets Highlanders – 24mm.
Douglas models – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Strelets Regulars – C (Average)
Strelets Highlanders – D (Somewhat heavy)
Douglas – B (Slender)

Overall conclusions:

As mentioned in earlier postings, Strelets is the only maker currently producing a substantial range of plastic figures for the Crimean War (with more on the way). The disparity in height and style between Strelet’s regular troops, and the Highlanders has also been noted previously. Once again, this means that the Douglas troops shown here can be nicely matched with the Strelets regulars, but do not mesh well with their Scottish brethren.

Tumbling Dice vs Strelets, British Crimean Foot

The photo above compares Strelets British Crimean infantry figures (regulars and highlanders) with Crimean British Horse Artillery and British Guard infantry from Tumbling Dice. From left to right the models are: Tumbling Dice Horse Artillery, Strelets British regular, Tumbling Dice British Guardsman, Strelets Highlander, Tumbling Dice British Guardsman, Strelets British Regular. Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Strelets figures come from set 0028 “Crimean War British Line Infantry” and set 0029 “Crimean War British Highlanders.”

The metal gunner is from Tumbling Dice set C1854 BR 13: British Horse Artillery Gun Crew. The other Tumbling Dice figures come from set C1854 BR 1: British Guards in Bearskin

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Strelets Regular Infantry – 22mm.
Strelets Highlanders – 24mm.
Tumbling Dice models – 21mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Strelets Regulars – C (Average)
Strelets Highlanders – D (Somewhat heavy)
Tumbling Dice – D (Somewhat heavy)

Overall conclusions: Strelets is the only maker currently producing a substantial range of plastic figures for the Crimean War, and the only maker to have British troops in their inventory. In general, the Tumbling Dice troops match up nicely with Strelets regulars. There is a slight height difference, but it could be all but eliminated by a thicker base. With the Highlanders though, there is a clear height difference. (Indeed, the Strelets Highlanders are not a very close match to the Strelets regulars.)

There is another obvious issue – the Tumbling Dice figures are dressed for a winter battle, while the Strelets figures shown above are not. I believe that this applies to all the TD foot Crimean figures, but not the cavalry. Of course, if you are looking for a winter battle, Strelets does produce Russian infantry in greatcoats, some of whom look quite wintry, as seen in the image below. In addition, they have announced plans to release a future set of British guards in winter dress.