Reader's Reviews

Major Tom's Miniatures
(25-28mm)

Reviewed by Ian Barstow

It's a while since I actually got to review any figures, so it is nice to have been approached by a new player on the circuit to do a review for them. As a precursor to the reviews, an insight into the character of the owner might be beneficial. Steve Vickers has long term experience of Napoleonic re-enacting as well as wargaming, and I know that his pet hate in many manufacturers' figures is the incorrect pose vis-à-vis drill posture. Thus, particularly in the new designs, we can expect to see figures behaving as per the manual.

So, on to the figures themselves. Taken as a whole, the figures (all infantry at this stage) that I received to review were cleanly cast in soft white metal, making them durable through the post as well as easy to convert. I for one hate putting pliers to a figure only for the limb to instantly snap off. All the bases are minimal in size, enabling easy mounting on the material of your choice. This is also a saving on metal, not that I'm into conservation or anything, though. The figures themselves are of varied nationalities, and to save time by repeating myself, let's open up by saying that I would be happy to have any of these figures gracing my table. They fit in comfortably with the 'standard' 28mm top-to-toe, and are thoroughly compatible with the likes of Connoisseur and Elite. This is of course vital, particularly for a new manufacturer, as very few people collect from just one company. The only explanation that the figures require is the star rating given after each. This ranges from ***** being Top Hole, to * being Pants. Generally I have never doled out a ***** (might happen one day) and three or four means they are pretty good. Two suggests lacking in something. * means lacking in everything.

French Eagle Guard: At the march with right foot leading, the most distinctive feature is the well cast rank and service chevrons, plus the twin pistols in bucket holster. ***

French Voltigeur Firing: Feet close(ish) together, this fellow has the feel of being in the firing line rather than skirmishing. Like the previous figure he is wearing the 1812 short habit.***

Nassau Grenadier Kneeling Firing: Enabling three rank firing, this chap is nice and compact.***

Nassau Fusilier Kneeling Firing: same as above except without the elite company nick-nacks.***

Russian Grenadier Advancing: This fellow holds his musket at high Porte (well, being Russian he probably can't use it anyway) Wearing the long gaitered trousers, this one is asking to have another 31 fellows with him to get a good Grand Manner effect. Very much a steady gait rather than a rapid advance.***

Brunswick Avante Garde: Standing at ease, with his musket vertical in the crook of his right arm, this figure should be the least appealing of the group, yet oddly he is one of my favourites. With plenty of room to see his very nice jacket lace, he is just very nice. Perhaps more suitable to vignettes or dioramas, this is no bad thing.****

British Centre Company Advancing: 1815 period, in Belgic shako, this chap is advancing with his musket angled forwards, perhaps on the way down to begin a charge. Very clear casting distinguished this fellow.***

Late arrivals to be reviewed are a group of four British riflemen – ever-popular of course. They are very cleanly cast and remind me a bit of Front Rank figures, which is no bad thing. One is loading, in the act of opening his cartridge box; another standing firing; a third advancing purposefully at the trail; the fourth is advancing at the aggressive high Porte of the British Centre Company figure above, sword bayonet fixed. The Baker rifles are short and business-like, and the bugles on the shakos are all crisp and clear. Sadly not a single Chosen Man amongst them! Something seems to have given me the idea that the proportion should be about 3-in-4. Can't think what, though. No hesitation about giving all of these ****.

They are available from the owner, Steve Vickers, of 3 Warren Close, Huthwaite, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts., NG17 2RT. They are £ 1.95 for a pack of three infantry, which for those of you without a handy calculator translates to 65p each. Already signed up to the biggest US distributor, Brookhurst Hobbies, Major Tom's looks to have a good future.

Recommended.

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