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.

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.

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.

Ral Partha Renaissance Turks vs LW Cossacks

The photo above compares three metal Turks from Ral Partha (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Cossacks from LW (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ 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 plastic figures come from LW set 2012 “Cossack Artillery, 16-19 AD.” This box includes 20 figures in 5 poses, along with 4 guns.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 22mm
Height (measured from ground to top of head) 24mm

Availability and Cost:

According to Plastic Soldier Review, these figures are actually pirated copies of metal originals. In this case, purchase is not recommended.

Notes on the Samples:

The plastic samples were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Orion vs Ral Partha, Renaissance Turkish foot

The photo above compares three metal Turks from Ral Partha (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Janissaries from Orion (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ 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 Orion figures are from box 72010 “Turkish Janissary, 17th Century.” The box contains 48 figures in 24 poses.

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:

The Orion box is currently available. Although it is not widely carried, it can be found at various online and local hobby shops and distributors. According to PSR, it was first released in 2004.

Irregular vs MiniArt, Medieval Foot

The photo above compares three metal figures from Irregular (second, fourth and sixth from the left) with four plastic figures from MiniArt (in silver and red plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designations:

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)

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

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.

Notes on the Samples:

The Irregular models were generously provided by the manufacturer.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ designations:

The MiniArt figures come from two boxes. The figures on the left are from 72008 “Italian Knights XV Century” while those on the right can be found in box 72011 ”German Knights XV Century” The former box contains 48 foot figures in 12 poses, while the latter contains 20 foot figures in 5 poses, plus 16 mounted figures in 4 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
Box 72008: 22mm.
Box 72011: 21mm.

Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average)

Availability and Cost:

Both boxes are shown as currently available on MiniArt’s website. They can be purchased from hobby shops and distributors. For example, DragonUSA Online has box 72011 currently available at $8.95 USD.

Notes on the Samples:

Samples for both of the boxes were provided by Frank Ivansic in a trade.

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.

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, 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.

Ancients and Medievals from Irregular

Ian Kay from Irregular Miniatures has kindly sent over some samples of various ranges. The ones shown above come from the Ancient and Medieval periods. (Click on the images for larger versions). The samples illustrated are as follows:

Top: Wars of the Roses
NLM2 Wars of the Roses Billman
NLM9 Mounted Knight
NLM1 War of the Roses Longbowman
NLM8 Dismounted Knight

Middle: Medieval Scots
NLM17 Irish Kern Light Infantry
NLM13 Spearman in Gabeson
NLM15 Highland Heavy Infantry

Bottom: Assyrians
NBA27 Assyrian Cavalry
NBA28 Assyrian Heavy Spearman

Besides these subjects, Irregular offers the following ancient and medieval troops: Egyptian; Sea People; Mycenaean Greek; Libyan; Aztecs; Swiss/Burgundians; Hussites.

Irregular prices are 50p for foot and £1.00 for mounted.

You can find out more at the website http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/