Newline vs Esci, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three Newline Designs colonial figures (unpainted metal) with three Esci figures (2 painted, and one in tan plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The Esci figures come from box 212 “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and were also issued in box 232 “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.” Italeri re-released the set as Box 6050, "Zulu War British Infantry."

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):
Esci /Italeri – 21mm.
Newline Design – 20mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
Esci / Italeri – B (Slender)
Newline Design – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:
Although these ranges measure out with only one millimetre difference in height, they actually look more uneven than that. This is probably a result of the slender build of the Esci figures, as well as the fact that the middle metal figure is leaning forward. Some of the basing on these examples may also exaggerate the difference. With some attention paid to the choice of positions, and the basing, it should be possible to use the Newline figures to supplement an army of Esci troops.