Matchlock 25mm vs 1/72 Waterloo 1815, Colonial foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes 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 model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

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

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured to head): 25mm.

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 Waterloo 1815 figures are found in box AP-013 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.” The box contains 44 figures in 11 poses, as well as 4 mounted officers in the same pose.

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:

The set is a fairly recent release, and is easily found in hobby shops and at online retailers.

20mm Rose vs 1/72 Waterloo 1815, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Waterloo1815 with a pair of metal figures from Rose Miniatures. Click on the image to see a larger version.


THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Waterloo 1815 figures are found in box AP-013 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.” The box contains 44 figures in 11 poses, as well as 4 mounted officers in the same pose.

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:

The set is a fairly recent release, and is easily found in hobby shops and at online retailers.

Hinchliffe 25mm vs Waterloo 1815 1/72, Colonial foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Waterloo 1815 (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 Hinchliffe, and now are available from Hind Figures, who purchased the line in 2008, and are maintaining the brand.

These figures are included in Hinchliffe’s 25mm British Colonial range, and are cataloged as:

A: BC27, Officer at Rourke’s Drift
C: BC4, British Infantry Officer Advancing
E: BC30, Zulu Stabbing

The full range includes over 50 foot figures and 16 mounted figures, as well as guns and other equipment.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 24mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 27mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures can be ordered directly from Hind. The cost is 89 p (UK) for an individual figure.

The Hinchliffe page on the Hind website is here:

http://www.hinchliffe.co.uk/home.htm

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Waterloo 1815 figures are found in box AP-013 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.” The box contains 44 figures in 11 poses, as well as 4 mounted officers in the same pose.

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:

The set is a fairly recent release, and is easily found in hobby shops and at online retailers.

Fritz Figures Turks vs Waterloo 1815 Italians

The photo above compares three metal figures from Uwe Wild (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Bersaglieri from Waterloo 1815 (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. Another five foot figures are also in the pipeline. 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

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:The plastic figures are from Waterloo 1815’s box AP 015 “Italian Bersaglieri, 1859.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

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

Availability and Cost:
These figures are currently in production, and can be obtained through hobby shops or online distributors.

Minifigs vs Waterloo1815, Colonial British Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Minifigs (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Waterloo1815 (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 current Minifigs “Colonial Wars” range. That range includes 27 different foot poses for the British, as well as 12 mounted figures, and a pair of artillery limber riders.

The actual figures illustrated are:

(A) BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
(C) BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing
(E) BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The figures are currently available from Minifigs in the UK and US. They are sold individually: the other ranks sell for £1.00, while the officer is £1.10 on the British site. For American buyers, all the castings are priced at $1.50 each. The websites are here:

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

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

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Waterloo 1815 figures are found in box AP-013 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.” The box contains 44 foot figures in 11 poses, as well as 4 mounted officers in the same pose.

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:

The set is a fairly recent release, and is easily found in hobby shops and at online retailers.

Waterloo 1815 vs RSM, Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from RSM / Dayton Painting Consortium (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic models from Waterloo 1815 (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the former RSM 95 range, now produced by the Dayton Painting Consortium. The range includes foot and mounted figures representing Britain, France, Austria, Brunswick, Spain, Saxony and Bavaria, as well as some artillery pieces. There are about 75 Napoleonic codes in total in their catalogue.

I do not have the actual identification for these figures, although the one on the left is one of the Saxon models.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

The RSM figures are currently available from DPC. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. They are sold in bags of 24, including command figures, for $10.80 (US).

Notes on the Samples:

The Saxon figure was provided in a trade from Mike Epting.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s 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.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

This set is currently in production and available through hobby distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained in a trade with Will McNally.

Newline vs Atlantic & Waterloo 1815, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal ACW troopers from Newline Designs (A,C) with a pair of plastic figures originally from Atlantic, and re-issued by both Nexus and Waterloo 1815 (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

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures are originally from Atlantic’s box 1004 “Far-West Story, 7th Cavalry.” They were later re-released by Nexus as ATL- 03 “U.S. 7th Cavalry.” Finally, Waterloo 1815 used the same figures in two boxes: P004 “US Cavalry” and P005 “Confederate Cavalry.”

The Nexus version has 24 riders in six poses, and 24 horses also in six poses. The Waterloo 1815 boxes are larger, containing 32 riders and horses.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 26mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

Despite its age, this set is still in production, and can be found online and in hobby shops.

SHQ & Kennington vs Atlantic & W1815, ACW Cavalry

The photo above compares two metal cavalry troopers from SHQ (A,C) with two plastic cavalry figures (B,D) originally released by Atlantic. 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 are originally from Atlantic’s box 1004 “Far-West Story, 7th Cavalry.” They were later re-released by Nexus as ATL- 03 “U.S. 7th Cavalry.” Finally, Waterloo 1815 used the same figures in two boxes: P004 “US Cavalry” and P005 “Confederate Cavalry.”

The Nexus version has 24 riders in six poses, and 24 horses also in six poses. The Waterloo 1815 boxes are larger, containing 32 riders and horses.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured from ground to rider eyes): 26mm.
Rider Body Height (measured from foot, to knee, to hip, to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

Despite its age, this set is still in production, and can be found online and in hobby shops. For instance, Hannants has the Waterloo 1815 Confederate box on sale for £3.90.

Irregular vs Waterloo 1815, Infantry of the Risorgimento

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Waterloo 1815 (A,C,E) with two metal Garibaldians from Irregular (B,D). 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: NGAR1 Garibaldian Infantry Running (to be confirmed)
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 (from 5 categories): C (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 plastic figures are from Waterloo 1815’s box AP 015 “Italian Bersaglieri, 1859.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently in production, and can be obtained through hobby shops or online distributors. For instance, at Hannant’s a box of these figures costs £8.50.

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.

Newline vs Waterloo 1815, Colonial British Infantry

The photo above compares three colonial infantry from Newline Designs (unpainted metal) with three figures from Waterloo 1815 ( in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Waterloo 1815 figures are found in box AP-03 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.”

The Newline Design figures come from their Zulu War Range. The pose shown second from left and second from right is designated “ZW6: British Infantry at Ready,” while the third from the left is “ZW2A: British Advancing Firing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Waterloo 1815 – 22mm.
Newline Design – 20mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Waterloo 1815 – B (Slender: some of the poses are quite flat)
Newline Design – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:
A 2mm difference in height doesn’t sound like a lot, but it does represent 10% of the height of a figure. Therefore it can make a significant difference, and this can be seen in the current comparison. These two sets do not mix very well together.

Jacklex vs Waterloo 1815, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above shows a pair of Jacklex Highland colonial infantry (one painted and one partly painted) alongside three figures from Waterloo 1815 (unpainted plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Waterloo 1815 figures are from box AP 013 “Anglo-Egyptian Army.”

The two Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Range, and are designated B16, “Highland Infantry Marching.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Waterloo 1815 – 22mm.
Jacklex Highlanders – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Waterloo 1815 – B (Slender)
Jacklex – C (Average)

Overall conclusions: The Waterloo 1815 figures are somewhat flat, which is why they are rated as “slender” on the body build compatibility item above. Depending on which angle they are viewed from, they can also appear “average.” This partial two-dimensional aspect, plus the slight difference in height, make them an awkward match with the Jacklex figures. However they are not so different that they could not appear on the same table together.

RP and Waterloo 1815 British Colonial

Waterloo 1815 is a fairly new company in the plastic soldier world, which has significantly increased the range of Italian subjects available. They also produce a couple of boxes on the Sudan campaign, including a box for the Anglo-Egyptian army (which includes the white figures in the photo).

As you can see, the Ral Partha sculpt is only a little taller than the plastic figures. While he would look a bit funny popping up in the middle of a unit, a full unit of RPH would not look far out of place beside a unit of W1815.

Of course, since the only W1815 figures to go into a British army at this time are the ones shown here, few wargamers would use them for a purely British force. But the inclusion of the Egyptian and Sudanese troops from the box does allow one to field an interesting command.

One final note: the officer on the left of the picture seems to be wearing an odd helmet. That is actually my fault, as I trimmed the figure from the sprue at a poor angle. Luckily, the box comes with many more officers than I really need!