sculpted by Chris Atkins

The latest series of releases by Rank & File/19th Century Miniatures is a welcome addition to their extensive 19th Century range. The sculptor, Chris Atkins, continues to improve, and such improvement is evident when comparing his earlier works (like the Prussians) with his more recent creations (like these Russians.)

I purchased IRC103 and IRC104: Russian Infantry in Greatcoat and Helmets, charging and/or marching. They have nice animation (well, the charging examples do, not much animation presents itself in the march posture) and the detail is good: the Russian "pickelhaube" helmet is higher-crowned and features the elongated 'onion-dome' spike (actually a flaming grenade) that sets it apart from it's German equivalent. These don't look like recycled Prussian molds.

For some reason, mixed into the bags were Russian soldiers in furashkas, same pose - different headgear. Not enough per bag to equip a regiment of Jaegers and too many to represent riflemen. Fortunately, R.H. Cassidy also purchased packs of these figs, so I was able to trade until having enough to do a four battalion jaeger regiment.

Also, apparently Battle Honors has finally made all of their mid-to-late 19th Century figures available in packs of twenty-four as well as 100. This prudent move now makes their figs easier to buy for those gamers who are completing their armies, and everyone involved benefits from this.

(As an interesting side note, when I asked one of the owners when they had gone over to universal 24 fig bags, I was told "Oh, we always have offered these."

... Uh-huh. Sure guys…the important thing is that you believe that.)

I also picked up IRC24-3 "Russian Uhlans" which are also very nice. The figures are cast in-saddle and separate from the horses (which come in a variety of poses, again, nice.)

These figures are available from 19th Century Miniatures, 346 River Street, Coopersville, MI 49404. A catalogue is available for $5.00, and is refundable on the first mail order.