I recently received a packet of figures from Hap Jordan, the proprietor of Bataillenfeur Games, and was pleasantly surprised to find a large variety of Austrian and Prussian figures in 20mm scale. That's right, 20mm!

I have long believed that this is the best scale for wargaming due to a number of factors. These include:

[1] the figures are large enough to have the detail of 25mm figures, but they also have the size/unit frontage/ground scale advantages of l5mm figures;
[2] 20mm figures cost less than 25mm figures, an important consideration if you intend to build large armies for really big battles; and
[3] you can use HO scale railroad buildings for your terrain, of which exists a considerable amount and variety of ready-made buildings suitable for wargaming. All in all, these are very compelling reasons to consider wargaming in the 20mm scale.

For SYW enthusiasts, 20mm has not been an option that is available for us, but now that has changed with Bataillenfeur Games extensive line of SYW figures. Hap plans to have an initial release of 23 Prussian and 21 Austrian figures available in time for the SYWA Convention on April 11-12, 1997 in South Bend, Indiana. In addition, there are six different varieties of horses. Over the summer, the company will release Austrian and Prussian artillery pieces and crews, as well as 40 French, British and Hanoverian figures. So there should be something of interest for everyone.

The Prussians, aka, "the Bad Guys"

The initial releases of Prussians include four fusilier figures (standard bearer, drummer, march attack and advancing, use musketeer officer in tricorne); five musketeer figures (officer, standard bearer, drummer, march attack and advancing); three dragoons (officer, mounted drummer and trooper/shouldered sword); and one each of hussar in mirliton and busby (these latter are actually from the company's 1806 Prussian range, however the uniforms are the same for the hussars of both periods). All of these figures are available now.

In April, the company will add three grenadier figures, three artillerists, and three cuirassiers.

The Prussian figures reviewed reminded me a bit of the Old Glory 15mm figures in sculpting style and detail, but obviously they are a few millimeters taller. The fusiliers and the grenadier drummer samples that I saw had nice detail on the mitre cap and all flgures sported a snappy looking moustache that marked them as Prussians. Eye sockets have enough definition to paint in the eyes if that is your pleasure.

My overall impression is that these figures would paint up very nicely, Indeed. The only negative that I have is that the standard bearers have the flag pole cast onto the hand, rather than leaving the fellow open-handed for insertion of a piece of wire. Some gamers may prefer this, but the flag pole looks like it would break off after a few games, so a little modification may be required.

The Austrians, aka "the Good Guys"

The initial release of Austrians available at the time of this writing include five German musketeers (officer advancing with cane, standard bearer, march attack, advancing, and drummer). As with the Prussians, these have nice detail and have nice animation and Germanic-looking faces. The drummer is particularly well rendered as is the officer.

Available cavalry includes three dragoon figures: an officer waving his hand, a mounted drummer, and a trooper with shouldered, drawn sword. I like my cavalry with shouldered swords rather than having them waving them about like maniacs. If you have ever tried to wave a sword over your head, you will realize that this is not something that you want to try to do for more than a few moments.

Horse Flesh

The sample pack included six horses and I was not too impressed with them, save for the light horse galloping. This one seemed to have the best proportions and looked the best with a mounted figure. You can substitute RSM 20mm horses for better results. The rest of the brutes are OK, but tend to have legs that are too long.

How to Buy Them

Foot figures cost $0.50 each while horses are $0.75. Call Hap Jordan at (716) 488-1586; or write to him at Bataillenfeur Games, 14 Parkview Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701. This is a figure scale and range that is definitely worth checking out.

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