Imperialist Enterprises

27mm Demi-Brigadiers

by Rob Hamper

Demi-Brigadiers is the 27mm line by Imperialist Enterprises of Elkhart, Indiana. The review figures I received were from the French and Prussian armies. The French figures were of the Cisalpine contingent of the Lombard Corps. Each set was the creation of a separate sculptor.

I found the sculpting to be of good quality. In most all cases the uniform bits were well done. The details of the Prussians were raised somewhat more than that for the French. In these troops, the uniform layers were more subtle than those of the Prussians. There were some peculiarities in each set; the buttons on the Prussians seemed quite a bit oversize while the statures of the Cisalpine troops ranged considerably (not counting the drummer boy). That being said, they were some very nice detail and clarity to be found in items like hair queues, buckles, instruments and firearms – all well done.

The cuirassiers are each packaged with the same “heavy horse” pose. The horse, while seeming to be of the correct dimensions, appears to be a bit on the thin side through the flanks. Even when I placed the riders on the horse there were considerable gaps on either side and I tried every rider with the same result. Despite the thinness, the horse looks pretty good. The tail and mane are nicely sculpted and the head and face of the horse have a realistic look. There is no stark definition in the musculature, but there is enough to paint with effect.

Though they are touted as 27mm, the Prussians are actually 30mm to the eye while the Cisalpine troops vary from 28mm to 30mm. I’ve compared them with my Calpe figures and they are noticeably taller. I’d have to rate them a 30M on the Barret scale, possibly 30L.

Overall, the figures are well done. My only gripes are the skinny horses and the lack of variety in poses. Some optional mounts and figures that are in poses other than advancing would go a long way to enhancing this line. Available after October 20th will be Prussian Dragoons and 1796 Hungarians.

The prices for the figures are a very reasonable $1.25 for foot and $2.75 for horse. Contact them at (574)293-4398 after 4pm or write to Robert Hagerty at this address: 229 N. 2nd St., Apt C, Elkhart, IN, 46516

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