Qualitycast

20mm Ancients

review by John Boehm

Qualitycast has several new releases for their 20 mm Ancients range. Sets received for review include: Number 4110, four Roman Auxiliary archers, standing loading for $3.98; Number 4111, four Roman Auxiliaries advancing with Gladius; and Number 4302, 16 Greek Hoplites, four advancing with spears leveled, and 12 advancing with spears shouldered for $16.98. The new additions also include 4112, Auxiliaries attacking with lancia, 4112 Auxiliaries attacking with Gladius, 4301, Hoplites at ease, and 4303 Hoplites striking and advancing These are available from Brookhurst Hobbies, 12188 Brookhurst Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840, www.brookhursthobbies.com.

The figures are 23M on the Barrett scale. They are well detailed and cleanly cast. I could find no flash on the samples provided for review. The Roman archer is a western Roman archer with a short tunic and helmet, and wearing short mail armor. He is reaching over his shoulder for an arrow. The Roman Auxiliary has a separately cast shield with cast on shield design. He is advancing with a separately cast Gladius and is wearing short mail armor.

As indicated, the Greek figures consist of two principle poses, one with spear shouldered and the other with spear underhand. Although with the spear overhand figure, the spear could be secured in an upright position. The spears and one Kopis are separate. The spears have a butt spike cast on as well. The shields are also separately cast, some with a shield curtain. The inner rigging of the shield is accurately detailed as well. The figures themselves are extremely detailed with full armor, both a bronze Cuirass and linen Cuirass being represented. There are also three distinct helmet types, two closed Corinthian helmets and one Attic helmet. There are also two types of crests, the normal fitted crest as well as a raised crest. Nice little figures. They will also fit in with the many new plastic 1/72 scale ancient releases now available. If I had it to do all over again, I would have to give 20 mm. serious consideration. Who knows? Maybe I will yet.

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