One of the nice things about being editor of the SYWA Journal is that you often receive a heavy cardboard packet full of figures to review. It is especially pleasurable to conduct such a review when the figures are as wonderful as those that I recently received from Neville at Wargames Foundry.

About two years ago, The Foundry (or "WF") started a line of 25mm Russians for the SYW. The initial releases included musketeers in summer campaign uniform (i.e. without their green overcoats), grenadiers in campaign uniform, and a motley looking bunch of Cossacks, all of which were reviewed in previous issues of the Journal. In the interim, the sculptor, Mark Copplestone, embarked on a lengthy journey to Darkest Africa (producing a popular line in that era), that left us sort of high and dry without the figures necessary to finish out our Russian armies. Nick Collier has since picked up the sculpting tools for The Foundry and I am happy to report that his first efforts at SYW Russians and Prussians are outstanding and that the results made the wait was worthwhile.

Recent arrivals include a major foray into the mounted branch of service, with horse grenadiers, dragoons and cuirassiers completed and ready for release. Other samples include a nice variety of Observation Corps musketeers and grenadiers, artillery crew and some of the nicest artillery castings that I have ever laid my eyes on to. Also included were Prussian Jagers and artillery crew.

The Foundry plans to blister pack both the Prussians and the Russians in its Seven Years War line, and to that effect, they are in the process of finishing off certain figures that will accommodate the blister pack method of sales. Neville advises me that the initial plan was to release all of the Russians in the Fall of 1999, but the growing clamor for these figures will probably push the release date forward into June or July of this year. So the figures may be ready for the public by the time you read this review.

Russian Horse Grenadiers

The samples received included four troopers holding their swords at the side or at shoulder height, in a sort of hacking pose. Two head variants appear to be shouting and the other two have mouths closed. The grenadier miter is uncovered so you can see all sorts of raised detail on the front plate. Equipment includes saddle roll with folded overcoat strapped to the top, carbine on a sling with cartridge box attached to the sling. The other cross belt holds what appears to be a second cartridge box. One box has the Russian eagle with grenades in each corner, while the other has a heart- shaped insignia on the cover. Feed sacks on each side of the saddle, a brace of pistols at the front of the saddle and scabbard complete the equipment. The facial expressions make the figures look like Russian nationals.

Russian Dragoons

There's a little bit of uncertainty on my part as to the identification of some of these figures (which were not marked). At first glance I thought that they were dragoons, but on closer examination, I could see parts of an iron cuirass. Then there are three trooper figures that may be dragoons, but the positioning of crossbelts and the placement of hands hide the chest sufficiently to create doubt. I am assuming that they are dragoons given that the carbine sling has less detail than those figures that are positively cuirassiers.

These three figures have shouldered swords and are equipped the same as the horse grenadiers, save for the absence of the two cartridge boxes. There is also a figure that is definitely a dragoon standard bearer and another representing a dragoon trumpeter. The latter figure has lots of raised detail on the sleeves that makes the painting of the chevrons easy to do. Finally, there are two dragoon officers, wearing gorgets, one with drawn sword at his side, the other simply holding the reins. Stem, no-nonsense facial expressions.

Russian Cuirassiers

The samples included one officer, three troopers with tricoms and one trooper without tricorn. The officer has exquisite detail on his cuirass and he is holding his sword in his right hand upright, but at waist height. One trooper is hacking with the sword across his chest, another is resting his sword on his shoulder, and the third has his sword drawn and at his side pointing toward his foot. The bareheaded trooper has a bandaged head and a shouldered sword. Several different facial expressions add variety to the unit.

Observation Corps Grenadiers

I received seven different grenadiers in the march attack pose, each with a different head variant. These lads are kitted out in the summer campaign uniform, in which the green wool coat has been left back at the baggage train. Thus they are wearing their red longsleeved waistcoat, and of course, the black cavalry boots that were the distinguishing trait of the Observation Corps infantry. Their miter caps are covered with a canvas or linen covering, hence there is no detail on the front plate.

Each figure is wearing a belly box, a grenadier pick or tool on the chest, attached to the shoulder belt, a hanger sword, and another leather box with a rather ornate insignia on the cover.

Six of the figures have formal coifs with side curls, while one is just letting his hair hang down. Some are shouting (with mouths open) and some are being obediant soldiers who are keeping their opinions to themselves. All have facial expressions that seem to say "Russian". Highly recommended. No doubt, the command figures and the Observation Corps musketeers and Secret Howitzer crews will come later.

Russian Artillery Crew

I only received one sample artilleryman, but he's good enough to make me want to buy the rest of the team sight unseen. This fellow is carrying a bucket of water in his right hand and pointing ahead with his left arm. 'Me facial expression shows some exertion from carrying a heavy bucket of water all day. Equipment includes a belly box with lots of raised detail, match tools hanging on his cross belt, a canteen or powder flask, I'm not sure which, and a hanger sword. The hair is hanging straight down the side of his head, no time to curl it when you have heavy work to do.

And now a word on what every Russian army has, lots of 'em in fact, the ARTILLERY! I have two Russian cannons in my little bag of samples. The first piece is a humongous 12-pounder that must be one of the most gorgeous pieces of ordnance that I have ever seen on the wargame table.

The piece measures approximately 3.25" in length when assembled. The barrel, which measures 1.75", is intricately sculpted to include raised wreaths, scroll work and the royal cypher as well as ornate dolphins on the top of the barrel. No doubt, anyone playing the Prussians will hesitate to charge into a battery of these beauties -- they are so intimidating looking. The gun carriage measures approximately 2.5" long.

One can see the wood grain carved into the casting and there is a lot of fancy ironwork on the sides. Numerous rivets pop up through the ironwork, making painting relatively easy. The gun comes in six pieces: the barrel, carriage, two wheels, leveling block and rectanglular piece that I cannot identify. I hope that WF includes a little piece of paper giving directions for assembling the cannons, which would be helpful.

The second Russian gun carriage appears to be made for a howitzer. The carriage is a smaller version of the 12-pounder with similar ironwork on the side. Aside from being a shorter carriage, it also has an ammunition box cast onto it between the gun trail. The howitzer barrel is plain, i.e. no fancy scrollwork. All in all, it is a fine looking piece of ordnance.

Prussian Artillery and Crew

The sample box included five Prussian field artillery crew and two gun carriages. One of the carriages appears to handle a 12-pounder and the other is for a 6-pounder or a howitzer. The larger carriage measures 1.875" in length, so it is noticeably smaller than its Russian counterpart. Wood grain and ironwork is distinguishable and should lend itself well to dry brushing techniques. The gun barrels and carriages are plainer than the Russian guns, but are wellproportioned and look terrific when assembled.

The Prussian foot arfillery figures are really something special to behold. As I sit here typing the review, I have the six-pounder set up on the table and the crew positioned around the gun. The vignette quality of the whole scene looks terrific.

The first gunner is a portly fellow holding his rammer in the upright position. He is equipped with artillerists tools on his cross belt, a hanger sword and a canteen.

Gunner number two is holding a lighted linstock and is touching it to the gun barrel.

Gunner number three is holding the trail spike in both hands. Gunner number four appears to be an NCO type. He is stooping over as if to look down the barrel to sight it. His right arm perpendicular to his body and the palm of his hand is flat to the ground as if he is gesturing to lower the elevation just a tad. Gunner number five has his left hand raised to his forehead as if he is following the flight of the cannon ball off in the wild blue yonder.

The animation of the crew in situ looks very realistic and you can tell that the sculptor planned the whole scene to fit together as one. Very effective. No doubt I will want to replace all of my existing Prussian artillery with the new Foundry guns and crew.

Prussian Jagers

Last and perhaps the least inspiring are the samples of the Prussian Jagers that I received in my box. There are seven firing pose variants (different heads) whereby the jager is holding the rifle at about chest height. The pose is not particularly inspiring, but the uniform is correct with cavalry boots, belly box and aiguillete on the right shoulder. There are also two advancing poses.

One is kind of leaning forward (again, not a very inspiring pose) and the other advancing at the ready position. This latter figure has the best animation of the jager lot. Since jagers are skirmishers, I hope to see a figure reloading and perhaps another kneeling and firing. (Neville tells me that the Foundry principals do not like kneeling poses, so if you want kneeling, better send a lot of letters). Finally, there is a jager lying on his back, wounded, and oddly to say, this one has great animation. Go figure.

Other Bits and Pieces

Neville advises me that the Foundry also plans to release a number of personality figures, starting with the Prussians. These will include Frederick, Zieten, Seydlitz and several of the frei-korps leaders, including von Kliest. I think that we also mentioned. Foundry figures can be purchased in the United States from The Foundry Ltd., 1549 Marview Drive, Westlake, OH 44145. Phone: (440) 8714587 or Fax: (440) 892-5887. In the UK and other locals, contact the Foundry Ltd. at Huberts Lane, Off Doyle Road, St. Peter Port, Guensey, Channel Islands, Great Britain GY1 1RG. Phone: 01481714241. Fax: 01481-714905.

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