Newline 20mm vs Zvezda/Italeri 1/72 Greek and Persian foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

Newline Design offers a very large range of figures representing conflicts in the ancient world. Its Greek line includes 22 different types, both foot and mounted, while the Persian range is only slightly smaller with 21 types.

Figures Characteristics

ANG 3 (Greek) Height (to eyes): 20mm
ANG 3 (Greek) Height (to top of head): 22mm
ANP 14 (Persian) Height (to eyes): 20mm
ANP 14 (Persian) Height (to top of head): 22mm

Availability and Cost (as at October 2012):

Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £1.90. In addition, the firm offers army deals at significant discounts.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from a pair of joint Italeri/Zvezda release. The Persian standard bearer comes from Zvezda box 8006 “Immortals, Persian Infantry, 4th to 5th century BC” which was also released as Italeri box 6025 “Persian Infantry, 4th to 5th century BC.” The Greek officer can be found in Zvezda box 8005 and Italeri box 6024 both of which are titled “Greek Infantry, 5th to 4th Century BC.” In addition to these boxes, Zvezda currently offers 7 other boxes covering the conflicts from the bronze age up to Alexander. Two of those sets were also co-released by Italeri.

Figure Characteristics:

8005 (Greek) Height (measured from to top of head): 24mm.
8005 (Greek) Height (measured from to eyes): 22mm.
8006 (Persian) Height (measured from to top of head): 25mm.
8006 (Persian) Height (measured from to eyes): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are at least 10 years old, but the sets are currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

Liam Sullivan donated the Zvezda figures.

Samurai and Mongols from Willers compared at the 1/72 Multiverse

Eric (EY) runs a fascinating blog under the name “1/72 Multiverse” that covers a lot of ground. He is interested in showing how figures from various manufacturers compare in scale, although his focus is often on fantasy types rather than historical.

A few days ago, he posted some comparisons using Willers Miniatures figures.

Eric compared the Willers Mongols to Zvezda and Giant. He also showed the camel from that set beside an Italeri camel from their Mongol Cavalry set.

He then compared the Willers Samurai to samples from Redbox, Caesar, and Zvezda.

His comparisons can be found here:

http://72-multiverse.blogspot.com/2011/10/willers-miniatures.html

Eric obtained the Willers figures from the CW Toys site, and they can be found in this listing (with thanks to Sir William the Aged, who pointed them out in the Comments below):

http://www.cw-toys.de/1-72-Hersteller-Zinn-Resin/Kleinserie

The sets included in Eric’s post include the following:

Zvezda 8003 “Mongols, 13th to 14th centuries”
Italeri 6124 “Mongol Cavalry, 13th century”
RedBox 72005 “Japanese Warrior Monks”
Caesar H003 “Japanese Samurai with Ninja”
Zvezda 8017 “Samurai Army Infantry, 16th to 17th centuries”

Zvezda 1/72 vs SHQ Kennington 20mm, Napoleonic mounted

The photo above compares two metal figures from Kennington and SHQ (A,C) with a pair of plastic warriors from Zvezda (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 sold by both SHQ and Kennington, and are catalogued as BRC 2 “Napoleonic British Heavy Dragoons, Command.” The Napoleonic range from these two firms is quite extensive, and includes all the major participants.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures can be purchased directly from the two manufacturers. The cavalry featured here sell for €5.50 at MBM Models (Kennington) or £4.50 through SHQ. For that price, you get 3 horses with 3 riders (2 officers and one trumpeter).

Kennington figures are available on the MBM website:

http://www.mbmmodels.com/1-72/kenf20mm/ken20f.htm

The SHQ site is here:

http://www.shqminiatures.co.uk/

Notes on the Samples:

The metal figures were generously provided by Peter Edwards from SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8026 “"Russian Cuirassiers, 1812-1814." The box contains 16 riders in 8 poses, as well as 16 horses in 4 poses. At the time of writing, Zvezda offers more than a dozen different Napoleonic sets. With one exception, there Napoleonic figures are devoted to French or Russian subjects.

Figure Characteristics:

Rider Height above ground (measured to eyes): 32mm.
Rider Height above ground (measured to top of head): 34mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

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

Zvezda 1/72 Viking vs Garrison 25mm Saxon, foot

The photo above compares a plastic figure from Zvezda (A) 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 FIGURE

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figure comes from box 8046 “Vikings, IX to XI century.” The box contains 41 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:

Zvezda released this set in 2007. It is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figure was donated by Liam Sullivan.

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

The photo above compares two plastic figures from Zvezda (A,C) with a pair of metal soldiers from Douglas, re-released by 20mm Nostalgic Revival (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 Zvezda figures are from box 8049 “"Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, 1698-1725.” The box contains 43 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:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

25mm Rose Prestige and Garrison Comparisons

I will be posting more detailed comparisons of the figures shown above later in the year. However, since I have received a request to show some, I decided to put together this overview.

The images above feature the following:

Top Picture:
A. Orion 72004 Viking
B. Zvezda 8046 Viking
C. Garrison 25mm Saxon Fyrdman
D. Emhar 7205 Viking
E. Airfix 01734 Ancient Briton (also re-issued by HaT)

Middle Picture
A. Zvezda 8006 Persian Immortal
B. Garrison 25mm E03, Egyptian Trumpeter
C. Caesar HO14 Hebrew Warrior
D. Garrison 25mm A07, Assyrian Infantryman
E. HaT 8057 Persian Light Infantry

Bottom Picture
A. Zvezda 8006 Persian Immortal
B. Rose Prestige ES1 Syrian Bowman
C. Caesar HO14
D. Rose Prestige GP1 Persian Immortal
E. HaT 8057 Persian Light Infantry

Height of the metal figures:

Garrison 25mm figures:
Measured from sole of foot to eyes): 24mm
Measured from sole of foot to top of head): 27mm
Rose Prestige figures:
Measured from sole of foot to eyes): 25mm
Measured from sole of foot to top of head): 27mm

Qualiticast vs Zvezda, French Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three plastic Guardsmen from Zvezda (A,C,E) with a pair of metal figures from Qualiticast (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 Qualiticast’s Napoleonic Range. They are listed as code NF40 “French Imperial Guard Fusilier/Grenadier Standing Firing” on the original packaging. Note that this does not match the codes given in other places, such as at Brookhurst Hobbies (which carried them at the time.)

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:

Qualiticast stopped producing figures around 2005 and it is now very hard to find remaining stock at hobby distributors. Used figures do show up on auction sites fairly regularly.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained from Mike Epting in a trade.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8030 “French Imperial Old Guards (1804-1815) Grenadiers.” The box contains 41 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, Zvezda released this box in 2005. 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 donated by Mike Epting.

Zvezda vs RSM, Napoleonic foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from the RSM95 range (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from Zvezda (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 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 are sold in bags of 24, including command figures, for $10.80 (US). The website is here:

http://www.dpcltdcom.org/

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 Zvezda figures are from box 8030 “French Imperial Old Guards (1804-1815) Grenadiers.” The box contains 41 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, Zvezda released this box in 2005. 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 donated by Mike Epting.

Newline, HaT and Zvezda Numidian Cavalry

The two photos above are provided courtesy of Tantallon2, who first posted them on Benno’s forum. The pictures compare the Numidian cavalry offerings from Newline Designs, HaT Industrie, and Zvezda. In the bottom picture, the Newline rider is on the left, with Zvezda in the middle and Hat on the right. In the top photo, Newline is on top, with HaT in the middle and Zvezda at the bottom. Click on either image to get a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Design figure comes from their 20 mm Ancients range, and is listed as pack ANN01 “Numidian Cavalry.”

The Ancients range from Newline Design is extensive and covers a range of armies. For the Numidians, Newline has just 3 codes in their catalogue, cavalry, javelinmen and a command set.

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. These figures are sold in packs of three riders with horses, for £3.00.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figure comes from box 8031 “Carthaginian Numidian Cavalry, 3rd to 1st Century BC.” The box contains 17 riders in 5 poses, as well as 17 horses in 3 poses.

The HaT figure comes from box 8024 “Numidian Cavalry.” The box contains 12 riders in 4 poses, as well as 12 horses in 2 poses.

Availability and Cost:

According to PSR, the HaT set made its debut in 1999, while the Zvezda box was first released in 2007. Both sets are still available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors.

TANTALLON2’S COMMENTS:

The Hat and Newline riders are pretty similar but the Zvezda are considerably larger. The NL horse is quite a bit smaller than the other two (which are pretty similar to each other). The NL riders fit the other horses easily (and the Hat figure is pretty good too) BUT both the Hat and Zvezda horses are too big for either the Newline of Hat riders - they just look silly on such big horses. The Zvezda rider looks a better fit to his mount.

So, yes you can mix all of them, and the NL and Hat riders will fit all the horses but only the NL horse is an appropriate size (IMO).

Regarding scale, the Newline figures are 20mm and not from their 1/72 range. However, there is a lot of variation both between and within manufacturers and I find that the NL figures work well with lots of other ancients - in some cases they are a better fit with the Zvezda figures than Hat.

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.

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.

Zvezda vs Les Higgins, early 18th century foot

The photo above compares three plastic figures from Zvezda (A,C,E) with three metal figures from Les Higgins / Nostalgic Revival (B,D,F). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Les Higgins models come from their Marlborough range, which has been extended under the new brand “20mm Nostalgic Revival.” They are catalogued as follows (referring to the letter blocks in the picture):

B: MP 4 Grenadier at port arms
D: MP 14 Musketeer at ready
F: MP 35 Generic figure, no weapon

Note: the first two figures are from the original Les Higgins range, while the third is a recent addition.

The Marlborough range currently includes the following poses: 16 infantry other ranks; 8 officers, NCOs and drummers; 4 artillery crew; 11 mounted figures; 2 dismounted cavalry; and 2 artillery pieces.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

The Les Higgins figures are currently available from Nostalgic Revival. The figures can be ordered individually, at a cost of 35p (UK) each.

Notes on the Samples:

The Les Higgins models were generously provided by John Cunningham at Nostalgic Revival.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8049 “"Russian Infantry of Peter the Great, 1698-1725.” The box contains 43 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For instance, Hannants have it for £5.99.

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 Zvezda, Napoleonic Russian foot

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

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

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

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

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

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

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

Notes on the Samples:

The Outland models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8020 “Russian Heavy Infantry – Grenadiers, 1812-1814.” The box contains 46 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For instance, Tracks & Troops have it for €5.95.

Notes on the Samples:

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

General Notes:

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

SHQ & Kennington vs Zvezda, Seventeenth Century Foot

The photo above compares three English Civil War infantry figures from SHQ & Kennington (black washed metal) with three Austrian infantry figures from Zvezda (in gray plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are offered by both SHQ and Kennington using the same catalogue information. They are catalogued as ECW 29 “Pikemen in Breastplate and Cabacete Helmet Marching.”

The Kennington & SHQ English Civil War range currently includes 62 foot poses: 26 pike, 24 musketeers, 8 lowland Scots, 3 officers, 2 artillery. In addition, the range includes one gun and 15 cavalry poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 19mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

The metal figures are currently available and can be ordered from the manufacturer. SHQ offers the infantry in packs of 4 figures (in a single pose), at a cost of £2.50 UK. Cavalry come in sets of 3 figures with horses, at £4.50.

Notes on the Samples:

The models were generously provided by SHQ.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designation and number of poses:

The Zvezda figures are from box 8061 “Austrian Musketeers and Pikemen.” The box contains 45 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 24mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda box is currently available and can be found through various online and local hobby shops and distributors. For example, it can be found for $CDN 11.50 at UDISCO.

Irregular vs Zvezda, Medieval Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Irregular (the lighter figures on tan bases) with four plasticfigures from Zvezda (darker and on green bases). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from two Zvezda boxes. The two figures on the left are from box 8001 "Russian Knights.” The other two figures can be found in box 8016 “Livonian Knights.”

The Irregular models come from two of their ranges: “Wars of the Roses” and Medieval Scots.” They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
NLM 8 Dismounted Knight (Wars of the Roses)
NLM 15 Highland Heavy Infantry (Medieval Scots)
NLM 1 Longbowman (Wars of the Roses)

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda 8001 – 20mm.
Zvezda 8016 – 21mm.
Irregular – 20mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda – C (Average).
Irregular – C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda figures are in production and available through various plastic model distributors. Cost per box, at a typical retailer: £5.65 (GBP) at Harfields for box 8001.

Irregular’s metal figures are also 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.

(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:

Some of the plastic figures were obtained from Frank Ivansic in a very helpful trade, and others were donated by Liam Sullivan. The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

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

Irregular vs Zvezda / Italeri, Medieval Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Irregular (the lighter figures on tan bases) with three plastic figures from Zvezda/Italeri (darker and on green bases). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from Zvezda box 8002 "Christian Knights” which was also released by Italeri as box 6009 “The Knights.”

The Irregular models come from two of their ranges: “Wars of the Roses” and Medieval Scots.” They are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
NLM 8 Dismounted Knight (Wars of the Roses)
NLM 15 Highland Heavy Infantry (Medieval Scots)
NLM 1 Longbowman (Wars of the Roses)

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda/Italeri – 22mm.
Irregular – 20mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda/Italeri – C (Average).
Irregular – C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

The Zvezda/Italeri figures are in production and available through various plastic model distributors. The websites for the two companies are listed in the side panel.

Cost per box, at a typical retailer: $12.50 (US) at Michigan Toy Soldiers (for the Italeri version). See the link to their website in the side panel.

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

The figures can be ordered individually, and come with random variations. Cost: 50p UK per figure.

(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 plastic figures were obtained from Frank Ivansic in a very helpful trade. The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

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

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.

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)

Italeri/Zvezda vs Irregular, Ancient Middle East

The photo above compares three Zvezda/Italeri Persians (red plastic) with two Assyrian figures from Irregular (unpainted metal). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from a joint Italeri/Zvezda release. They are listed as Zvezda box 8006 “Immortals, Persian Infantry” and Italeri box 6025 “Persian Infantry, 4th to 5th century BC.”

The Irregular figures come from their Biblical Ancients range. They are NBA27 “Assyrian Cavalry” and NBA28 “Assyrian Heavy Spearman.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Zvezda/Italeri – 23mm (although the figure with the standard is a bit taller).
Irregular – 20mm (foot figure).

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Zvezda/Italeri – C (Average)
Irregular – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:
While the sculpting on these two sets is compatible, it doesn’t overcome the clear height difference. These figures would not mix well in a single unit. However, with attention paid to base heights, some wargamers might be willing to have them appear on the same table.