SHQ have already got a reputation for good wargames figures, and their name should be familiar to WWI gamers. Mike Percy has now branched out into the Napoleonic period and the first tranche of his figures is now available, consisting of French Line and Light Infantry in the 1812 uniform.

As far as size goes, they are slightly above 15mm tall, counting feet to top of head, but then there are very few true 15mm figures on the market anyway. They are nicely proportioned and animated, and in the sample pack of Line Infantry I received, there were five different poses out of eight, so that counting elite companies and command groups one can get a nice variety of figures. Having said that however, the accoutrements are common to all figures, with no canteens, gourds, etc. so that the rear view is similar.

Detail is good, with turnbacks and cuff flaps shown. The shako has a front plate, shako band and the flattened disc; only the elite company figures have decoration. The Charleville has the barrel retention bands and has a detailed lock. In the command group, the eagle is detailed, but the pole is too long and fragile-looking, but since most people seem to replace them with piano wire anyway, this will be no.problem. The artillery piece (8 pounder) is the right length, but looks too thick, but the carriage itself is very well detailed. On the downside, some of the figures I was given for review had bad flash, so there will be some additional preparation work here. This apart, the range can be recommended, and I will have no hesitation about putting them on the table.

Prices are 1.10 pounds for a pack of 8 infantry or 6 gunners, and 0.50 for a pack of 3 command or one gun model. These are reasonable and comparable to most other manufacturers. The price list shows that Mike is intending to bring out a full range of French figures, including cavalry, followed by a Russian range. One thing that struck me however is that the list shows 4, 8 and 12 pounder artillery as being planned, i.e., Gribeauval system artillery. By 1812, this had been replaced by System de An XI: 6 and 12 pounders. Scalewise, this should cause little trouble, since you can fill in the second set of trunnion holes with Miliput.

For more information, see the SHQ stand at shows, or write to Mike with an SAE at 34 Copland Close, Basingstoke, Hants, RG22 4JX

The Reviewing Stand

The Eagle's Last Triumph: Ligny 1815
The Visual Dictionary of Military Uniforms
The Fall of Napoleon
SHQ Miniatures: 15mm Napoloenics