Review:

Dixon 25mm
Seven Years War
Prussians

Figures

by Ken Bunger

Dixon Miniatures has released a range of Seven Years War Prussians. A complete selection of infantry and cavalry are available with the artillery release date uncertain. For those of you who consider some of Dixon's previous releases a bit on the bulky side, you will be pleasantly surprised by this range. The figures are sculpted by a different artist than the popular Civil War range and are better proportioned.

They measure 25M on the Barrett Scale. The range is very compatible with both Garrison or Rafm figures. Detail, sculpting, anatomy and casting quality are all excellent. The equipage and buttons are fully raised making a quality paint job that much easier. The facial and hand detail is also without fault. Infantrymen are fully loaded down with a cartridge box, water bottle, haversack, and knapsack slung over the shoulder [-2" on movement]!

The historical accuracy of the uniforms is good with a couple exceptions. The most annoying problem is that the cuffs on the infantry are not Prussian, but Austrian! A little painting and filing can solve this concern. It appears that the designer used the Osprey book which illustrates the only Prussian musketeer regiment to wear these cuffs, Musketeer Regiment Number 34.

However, an important need is inadvertently satisfied by these figures. They are perfect examples of both Saxon and Wurttemberg foot regiments. In fact these are the only figures on the market that represent these important armies. They also accurately portray the various Prussian Frei Korps and garrison units. A second minor anamoly is the little flap on the front of the grenadier cap that needs to be filed off.

The infantry come in a great variety of poses: Running, march-attack, standing (at attention) or firing (standing or kneeling). There are casualty figures and even a figure fixing his bayonet. The heavy cavalry horses are either trotting or walking. the waling horse with its head down is particularly attractive. The riders are correctly posed with their sword at ready, and thankfully not waiving it over their head like so many wargame figures. The hussars are charging and a bit wilder looking. All cavalry are accurately done.

The best of the range is the mounted Frederick personality figure which can be used for any Prussian general. The uniform, the feathered hat (a badge of rank) and the saddle blanket are the only completely accurate representation of a Prussian general on the market. I highly recommend this range and am looking forward to the Austrians which should be available by the time you read this review.

The Dixon range is available from WARGAMES which is a regular advertiser in this magazine. Wargames, Inc., Box 278, Triadelphia, WV 26059-0278 or call (800)221-2011.

* The Courier uses the Tobey Barrett Measurement [BM] System to simplify comparison of figure sizes. The number is the height in millimeters from the bottom of the figure's foot (top of base) to its eyes. The letter refers to the "heft" of the figure: L=light, M=medium, and H=heavy. Thus, Hs will fit in with other Hs and some Ms, but not Ls.

More Reviews

Back to Table of Contents -- Courier #67
To Courier List of Issues
To MagWeb Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1995 by The Courier Publishing Company.
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com