Minifigs vs Esci & Italeri, British Colonial foot

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

THE METAL FIGURE

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 Esci figures come from box 212 “Zulu War, British Infantry Soldiers” and were also issued in box 232 “Indian War Kiber Pass British Infantry.”

Box 212 included 50 figures in 15 poses. The set was later re-released by Italeri as box 6050, “British Infantry, Zulu Wars, 1879.” The Italeri version of the set included only 40 figures.

Box 232 added three new poses, bringing the total to 18, while keeping the number of figures steady at 50.

Figure Characteristics:

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

Availability and Cost:

Esci no longer exists, and Italeri is not currently producing this set. However, the figures can be found fairly easily in second-hand shops and online auction sites.