"Budget" Regiments - what to do?

Suitable for 1740-50?

Regular readers will have gleaned that your author has a pretty substantial collection of C18 figures.  However, having sold my Austrians after the change of focus I am at a little bit of a loose end concerning replacements.

I have about six Regiments worth of Crusader French and need to add to these - but with what!  The Old Glory fellows are decent and I have some of their WSS offerings - also nice.  Elite is a distinct possibility as that marching fellow is spot-on.

Then it came to me - a revelation!

I re-examined the Wargames Factory WSS sprues (I have a good many) and decided that the figures, although dated, look pretty acceptable for a 1740-50 setting.  The only things I will avoid are the "curly wigs" as they were rarely sported at that juncture.  At present I have chosen some components and will do a little "how-to" assemble them slot at a future date.

As it stands, immediate plans are to get the Citadel finished and painted, build a small Eastern European village (also usable with my WW2 project) and to paint (yes PAINT!) a few figures.  The latter is somewhat daunting as I haven't painted properly since the early 90s!   I think I know what I am doing but failing eyes and premature senility may cause them to look like a dog's dinner - we will see.

Anyway - Happy Saint Patrick's day to all the Wild Geese out there.

Review: Old Glory Miniatures' FIW French Infantry

After changing my plans regarding the cut of infantry uniforms, I found myself in need of some cheap and cheerful French types.  Not surprisingly, Old Glory sprung to mind as a leading contender.  Following perusal of the US website (it has most codes illustrated) I decided to go for packs FIW006 and FIW008 (Command and Marching respectively)

These figures are taken from OG's venerable French and Indian War range.   Designed for use in the Americas they seem perfectly suited to other theatres.  I was originally worried that they might sport Indian style leggings but a quick call to Andy at OG UK clarified matters - they are in gaiters.

As usual with OG figures, these are cast and bagged (random selection) in the USA.  This keeps down the costs but does result in bent muskets and swords etc.  Thankfully, the alloy used is forgiving and the castings can be straightened without any apparent weakening.  That said, you should straighten them carefully as you don't want to break bits off!

OG FIW008 with Crusader Fusilier for comparison.

The first photo shows the marching figures from pack FIW008 (£24.00 for approx. 30 figures)  As can be seen these are perfectly workable miniatures.  There is nothing too breathtaking here but just how exciting can a marching Frenchman be?  Details are well done but not over-done.  Muskets are a little "fuzzy" in places but it is nothing a dry-brushed streak here and there will not rectify.  I got five different poses (no head variants) with the majority being the fellow with the near horizontal musket.  Murphy's Law dictated that this is the pose I like least!  There is also a wounded figure present - thankfully just one of the 31 in the packet!

The figures are shown with pack and canteen.  I have read that the pack may be Napoleonic and therefore anachronistic - I am not familiar enough with French kit to make a judgement.  As I am dealing with an ImagiNation I have some leeway however the historical purist may wish to check his references before buying.

OGFIW006 Command, again with Crusader reference (right)

Pack FIW006 (£12.00 for approx. 15 figures) contains a mixture of Command types.  As is often the case with OG, there are head variations in the pack.  I have not snapped all of the figures rather a representative sample.

There are drummers walking and playing and another with his instrument slung on his back - I really liked the latter he is full of character.  The standards are carried by Officers wielding swords.  These are a bit flamboyant for my taste but again are decent figures.  There are also Officers carrying some rather ornate spontoons - in my bag I had one marching and one standing pose - and waving sabres.  Finally, there is a chap posed running with pistol and a casualty figure.  Clearly the former is more suited to the skirmish line which makes sense considering the pack is designed primarily for the FIW.

It is obvious that this pack is somewhat "generic" being designed to work with any of the Infantry bags (Marching, Firing or Advancing)  Thus a few of the poses will look a bit odd with marching figures.  However, I am aware that I am rather "Old School" and favour very conservatively posed units!

In terms of size, these miniatures average 26mm ground to eye - not surprising given the fact that they have been around since the 90s.  This is at the small end of the spectrum these days but still workable in a mixed army.

To summarise, I recommend these as long as you do not mind accepting a random selection of castings.  They are decent figures at a great price and when painted should serve with distinction.

Scores out of 10 - thoroughly personal ratings explained:

Sculpting - Quality of detail and accuracy

Casting - Mismoulds and flashing

Variety - How comprehensive is the range

Service - Was the seller easy to reach, polite and helpful

Delivery - How long did they take to get to me

Value - Are they a good deal overall

Delivery time based upon my experience - UK to UK delivery.

Sculpting:                  6.5/10 

Casting:                    10/10 Again no miscasts - here OG excels!

Variety of Subject:    */10 Unfair to score them*

Customer Service:    10/10

Delivery Time:          10/10 Ordered on Thurs PM - arrived Saturday

Value:                      9/10

* They are intended for use in the FIW so many of the troop types Euro-theatre gamers would need are not present.

The Eagle has... crashed!

Chicanery makes me glum!

I am feeling more than a little guilty about the lack of posts in the last seven days.  By way of an apology, please let me explain.

This time last week I was awaiting the delivery of a few more sample figures to add to my popular "Product Reviews" section.  These included offerings from Wargames Foundry, Eagle Figures and Parkfield Miniatures.  Amazingly, all three manufacturers sent me miscast figures.   Both Parkfield and Foundry admitted their error and promptly put things right (or promised to do so).  Sadly, Eagle Figures was a different kettle of fish.

I spent a great deal of my free time (and blunted my enthusiasm) trying to cajole Eagle's proprietor into answering my communications and fulfilling my statutory rights!   "What did he do?"  I hear you cry!  "He treated me like a schmuck!" is the answer!  In short:

• When I enquired (after two weeks) I received some vague assurances about pending delivery in 3 days.
• After waiting an additional week I wrote again and received a rather curt and confrontational email.
• Package arrived after a Month (UK-UK)
• When delivered, the castings were of very low quality.
• Subsequently, my complaints about the figures were ignored.
• I had to open a Paypal dispute to recoup my funds!

All in all a truly crummy record and I doubt I will ever deal with Stewart Black again.  For the record, I must state that his catalogue includes some unusual and attractive items (especially the "Napoleonic" Spanish in bicorne which were going to form the bulk of my later army!)  However the execution (on my samples) was terrible.  Missing hands, miscast bayonets, large sink-holes in delicate areas, heavy flash and so on.  It is a real shame when people expect a customer to accept such treatment and product.  When running a small business (indeed, any business) you are foolish if you think such antics will not earn you a poor reputation.

Anyway, it's a new week and the Fortress project is nearly completed.  Thus I have taken a deep breath and I am moving onward and upward.

Scores out of 10 - thoroughly personal ratings explained:

Sculpting - Quality of detail and accuracy

Casting - Mismoulds and flashing

Variety - How comprehensive is the range

Service - Was the seller easy to reach, polite and helpful

Delivery - How long did they take to get to me

Value - Are they a good deal overall

Delivery time based upon my experience - UK to UK delivery.

Sculpting:                  7.5/10 

Casting:                    2/10 Mould slippage & miscasts etc

Variety of Subject:    9/10 Comprehensive range of interesting subjects

Customer Service:    2/10

Delivery Time:          3/10 Over 1 MONTH(!) UK-UK

Value:                      1/10 So many miscasts*


*Unfortunate as the subjects are very interesting and the sculpting looks pretty good too.  Eagle needs to polish up the comms, remake the worn-out moulds, get some quality control in place and above all treat the operation as a business - albeit a part-time one.

Review: Outland Games' - Austrian Infantry 1790

Austrian Fusilier 1790. 

A while back I decided that my 1770 Army would be portrayed by (Counter) "Revolutionary" Austrians.  At this time the soldiers wore a kaskett (pill-box hat) rather than the neo-Classical crested number more often seen on the table-top.  The trouble with my choice was that there are precious few manufacturers that provide these earlier troops - especially at an affordable price!

As luck would have it I established contact with Chris von Fahnestock of Outland Games, a lesser-known range of figures that includes some rather interesting "Revolutionary" lines.  Chris, a military man on active duty, supplied me with some samples during a period of leave and I must say I am glad that he did.

So without further ado - let's get to the review!

Samples with Front Rank Jacobite (right) for comparison.

As can be seen in the group shot to the left, these are large figures.  I would certainly bracket them in the "heroic 28" category.  These miniatures are of a similar size to the Front Rank Jacobite and thus should work well with the great majority of other ranges.

The details of the uniform and kaskett are very well realised.  I especially like the gaiters and the ubiquitous sprig of oak leaves on the left side of the helmet. The low-slung pack, musket and hairstyle are nicely done also.

Fusilier and Drummer.

The style of sculpting is not over-done and the figures do not display too many folds and creases in their uniforms.  This is something I appreciate as an abundance of creases tends to make a 28mm figure look a little cluttered.  Poses are what one would expect and will rank-up nicely on a 20mm frontage.  It could be said that the drummer is a less animated than the others but I do not think this will cause any problems once the unit appropriately based.

The Officer is posed with raised sword - leading his men to another glorious defeat.  When viewed from the front he looks fine but from behind his arm position looks a tad unnatural.  This can be easily rectified, if desired, by a slight bend of the limb.

Officer and Standard-bearer.

There is a mounted Colonel available and he rides a large and handsome horse. Like his infantry counterpart his arm is raised, although this time the angle looks better.  The horse is an imposing beast and looks more than up to the task of carrying a senior field Officer.

Incidentally, I am probably not the best judge of raised sword arm poses as they are not a favourite of mine - figures thus depicted are nearly always converted for my armies!

My overall impression of this line is very positive.  The subject matter is unusual and the execution is good.  The pricing point of $13.99 for a dozen figures represents extremely good value.  The alloy used to cast these figures is of obviously good quality and the castings are crisp and fault-free. Therefore, I recommend them wholeheartedly.

Mounted Colonel and his trusty steed.

The only down-side is that Chris is presently overseas and thus the figures are not going to be available until September 2011.  

When that time rolls around I will be patronising Outland Games!

Review: Elite Miniatures' SYW French

At present, I am waiting for my construction project to dry as it has just received it's last coat of plaster - full details to follow.  In the meantime, perhaps this mini-review will be of use to someone.

Elite Miniatures has been around over 25 years and have something of a cult following.  I have read too many times than I care to remember that "you either love 'em or hate 'em" a generalisation with which I disagree!  The figures follow the general style of Peter Gilder's classic Connoisseur range.  Elite's proprietor, Peter Morbey, sculpted some of Connoisseur's later figures and thus the similarity is not accidental.

Elite (right in both) and Crusader French Fusiliers.

In general, Elite's offerings are pretty "animated" chaps.  By his own admission Mr Morbey likes "dramatic" units so there is a great sense of movement in many of the figures.  For those ignorant of Elite or Connoisseur, perhaps the closest parallel, in terms of style, would be the action-packed figures for which Old Glory has become famous.  Think of chaps looking over their shoulders, shouting and running with coat-tails unfurled and you will get the general picture!  That said - I am today dealing with the Seven Years War French - a small (and dare I say oft-overlooked) range that is, by Elite's standard, very restrained indeed!

I bought a representative sample, purposely avoiding the "advancing" poses as I wanted yet more troops in "March Attack".  Pack SYF9 contains four identical Fusiliers in this pose and is competitively priced at £3.80 (March 2011)  At first glance the figures appear slender in comparison to more recent 28mm offerings - in my eyes this is no bad thing!  Sitting on small, thick bases, they are well posed in a determined march and nicely proportioned.  In certain areas the detail is as good as anything out there and I am especially pleased to see the figures have realistically sized hands!

The somewhat old-fashioned nature of mid C18 French military attire is captured well - but the coat and cuffs are not overdone as is seen in some other ranges.  Bayonet and musket are nice and slender without feeling vulnerable to breakage.  The face is gaunt with a prominent mouth (in profile he looks like the young Schwarzenegger) this fella has been campaigning hard.

Elite's SYFC1 - "Mounted Officer"

Moving on to the mounted officer and horse in pack SYFC1 (£2.55) the same general observations apply.  He is a very haughty looking gentleman, posed looking down with extended hand, exhorting his men to advance.  The coat has no turn-backs and he is certainly usable for most other C18 armies.  The horse is a big beast and nicely done.  Another good figure.

Finally, we have SYFC2 "Trooper" (priced as before £3.80 for 4 troopers.  Horses must be ordered separately)  Depicted with sabre "at rest" on his shoulder and a carbine slung (muzzle down) on the right hand side of his saddle.  In my opinion this is the least appealing of the three figures but still a rather attractive casting.  Again he is slender and realistically proportioned.  Good detail throughout and generic enough to be used by an ImagiNation without people crying "Achtung Frenchie!".  I didn't order the horses designed for this figure but have posed him upon another Elite beastie - hopefully this gives the reader some idea of the mounted article.

SYFC2 "Cavalry Trooper"

To summarise, I am very happy with my Elite purchases.  the figures are well observed, display a good level of detail and are beautifully produced - minimal mould lines and not a single miscast!  If you need SYW French and fancy something a little "different" I recommend that you investigate this small range pronto!





Infantry note:  The Crusader figure has been raised slightly so that "ground" level matches.


Cavalry note:  Apart from removing the mounted figures from their packaging, I have made little attempt to "seat" them upon their steeds - so in the photos they ride a little high in the saddle. 

Scores out of 10 - thoroughly personal ratings explained:

Sculpting - Quality of detail and accuracy

Casting - Mismoulds and flashing

Variety - How comprehensive is the range

Service - Was the seller easy to reach, polite and helpful

Delivery - How long did they take to get to me

Value - Are they a good deal overall

Delivery time based upon my experience - UK to UK delivery.

Sculpting:                  7/10 

Casting:                    10/10 Not a single miscast 

Variety of Subject:    4/10 Very small range of SYW

Customer Service:    7/10

Delivery Time:          4/10 Almost 3 weeks UK-UK

Value:                      8/10

Review: Trent Miniatures' "Lombardy Legion Hussars"

Guidon bearer from Trent LL09

After a few months of indecision, I recently decided to take the plunge and buy a few sample packs of Trent Miniatures' late C18 figures.  Trent offers a strange selection of Revolutionary War types with none of the armies being completed.   For example they have Austrian Dragoons (nice figures) with no command.  For those of us creating fictitious formations this is not so much of a problem (I have spare command types around) but if you are depicting an historical unit - it is a real turn-off!

In addition Trent's different packs are of greatly varying quality.  Some have really iffy proportions (even for a 28) and others look pretty good.  The only constant in the 6 blisters I ordered was that each and every pack had at least one miscast figure!   These ranged from minor gripes such as parts that hadn't joined together properly (see trumpeter below) to some rather major problems such as an Austrian Infantryman missing a foot!  All in all this suggests some really sloppy casting and non-existent quality control.  

As I said I purchased a few packs - but I will deal with them separately as the findings are so varied!  Let's start with the Hussars.  I went for pack LL09 Lombardy Legion Hussars Command as they looked much better than the rank and file chaps.  

The Officer and his strange anatomy.

The figures are big and chunky - though not as enormous as I had been led to believe by some TMPers.  For example I see no reason why they could not be used with Front Rank troops.  As a general rule, I would say that both horses and riders are very nicely detailed.  Faces display a good deal of character and the sculptor certainly made some effort depicting the braiding on the dolman/pelisse and getting the "Hungarian knots" shown on the breeches.

The nags are cast with furniture in situ and look rather good.  It was disappointing that there was just one pose in my pack but that one pose is attractive.



Note:  One of the horses was missing most of an ear - another miscast.

When it comes to authenticity I must admit ignorance of the Lombardy Legion's particulars.  These fellows look like fairly generic mid/late C18 Hussars.  The trumpeter in early bicorne is about the only thing that may work against people wanting to use these in a later "Lace Wars" context.

Guidon bearer - character packed face!

Sadly I must now make a couple of less than positive observations.  Whilst nicely detailed these figures have a very odd - almost dwarfish - look to them.  Strangely this is far more marked when you have them in your hand!  The Guidon bearer and especially the Officer both look plain wrong!  They appear barrel-chested and without necks.  In addition, either the distance between the shoulders and backside or the length of the legs is insufficient - I am not really sure which it is.  Peculiarly, the trumpeter seems to be free of this distortion - but the rank and file Hussars (Code LL11) are afflicted to an even greater degree.  This is a real shame as these could have been a great alternative for those seeking Hussars.

Further to the sculpting problems*, I must comment upon the very high number of miscasts.  Regular readers will be aware that poor quality castings are a real bugbear of mine (see here) and these figures really annoyed me.  I purposely obtained them from a third party vendor (Ebay seller) rather than ordering directly as I wished to avoid any delays.   The gentleman was efficient and polite and they were at my door less than 36 hours after I pressed "buy it now" - so I have nothing but praise for Steve Wood's operation.  However, it really galls that Trent would supply a vendor and therefore a customer with such substandard product.

Musician with miscast trumpet.

To summarise, the level of detail is good, the subjects are interesting and the horses perfectly acceptable.  However in my opinion the figures are compromised by some bad anatomy and sloppy casting.  For my Hussars I will be going elsewhere.

Incidentally, apologies for the worn "photo booth" - I will be fabricating a replacement in the near future.


*I have passed over the freakishly large hands as the great majority of miniatures are thus afflicted.