I would like to bring some attention to one of the nicest lines of 25mm figures that I have had to pleasure to review. Steve Phillips, the proprietor of Firing Line Miniatures, gave me some samples from his French & Indian War range at this year's SYWA convention. There are seven figures so far, and while Steve isn't sure whether there is enough interest in them to expand the line, they are good enough to merit a look see.

Simply put, these are some of the best 25mm figures that I have ever seen, bar none. Here's why: the poses are life-like, in good anatomical proportion, and in fact they 1ook like real people. Furthermore, the castings are made from pewter, so they are crisp and clean, which makes all of the fine detail in the castings stand out.

The figures are similar in style to those from Guernsey Foundry, except they are thinner and not as chunky. They would also fit in well with RSM figures. One drawback for some readers is the fact that the figures come with separate heads which must be glued on. However, this should not dissuade you from giving these figures a try. Here are the offerings to date:

FIF1 French Regular Advancing in Waistcoat: equipment includes haversack, cartridge box, tomahawk and bayonet. Nice detail on the musket too.

FIF2 French Regular Firing (in waistcoat): same kit as above plus water bottle and powder horn. An elegant looking pose. Nice!

FIB1 British or Colonial Regular Advancing High Port: in coat with turnbacks and slashed cuffs. Kit includes axe, haversack, bayonet case, water bottle and gaiters.

FIB31 Ranger Advancing with musket in left hand and hatchet in right hand: Reminds me of Hawkeye running through the woods chasing deer in "Last of the Mohicans". The best figure of the lot. Excellent detail on beaded haversack, buttons, etc.

FIB32 Ranger Running musket high port: another quality pose, same kit as #3l (haversack, hatchet, wooden canteen, powderhorn, belly box for cartridges, knife in sheath, bayonet and gaiters).

FIB33 Ranger kneeling firing: nicely leveling his musket, which is well-balanced--he's going to drop a Mingo for sure! Same kit as the other rangers. FIW1 Woodsman Standing Firing: this fellow could serve as a back-woodsman for either side. He's wearing a fringed hunting shirt, loin cloth and fringed leggings. He obviously knows his way around the woods. Kit include beaded haversack, powderhorn, hatchet, knife and small leather cartridge box. No bayonet, of course. This figure could also be used as a mountain man in the early 1800s.

Each one of these figures is a winner in my book and I hope that my review will prompt some of the readers to order up a batch of figures and add them to their collections. You really can't go wrong. My only regret is that the line has not been filled out yet. One could certainly paint up a company of rangers with what is available.

I should also mention that available heads include: tricorne cleanshaven, beret, fur cap with mustache, French fatigue caplbonnet with fleur-de-lis, stocking cap, fur cap with beard and mustache (the face, that is, not the fur cap).

The price per figure is $1.00 plus postage. A good value by today's standards. As an added bonus, Steve Phillips is one of the real gentlemen in our hobby and he will go out of his way to give you the best service possible. Firing Line Miniatures also has an extensive range of ACW figures, French Napoleonics, every possible figure in the Wurttemberg Napoleonic army, Western Gunfight figures, and packs of flag finials and French eagles (pack of 3 for $1.00). You can order Firing Line Miniatures from the following Firing Line Miniatures 4761 North Bear Canyon, Tucson, Arizona 85749 Phone: (520)749~7Fax: (520) 299-0141, e-mail: smallmen@aol.com

For customers in the UK and Europe, you can order from the UK at 78 Bull Green Road, Longwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD3 4XW. The phone number is (01484) 655 124.

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