Front Rank

28mm Duchy of Warsaw

by Rob Hamper

We were fortunate to receive some samples of Front Rank’s latest Napoleonic releases from the Miniature Service Center. The figures were 28mm Duchy of Warsaw voltigeurs sculpted by Alec Brown.

The castings are well made with very little flash and extremely fine mould lines. In fact, one has to look very closely to detect and remove the lines before priming. There is some first-rate detail on these figures. Facial features are very nice as well as in such items as cords and flounders, plumes and chin scales. The musket is decent while the bayonet is very nicely shaped and sized.

Overall, the figures are well sculpted and cast. The anatomy is suitably proportioned and raised details such as belts and folds are subtle. The poses are well-balanced, if not overly dynamic though facial expressions are rather stoic. The only minor quibble here is in the area of the scabbards and sword hilts where some of the crispness found elsewhere appears to be lost. Whether this is from the master or the casting, I can’t say.

At any rate, these figures are beautiful and are ones that can be painted to a very high standard. This is a common trait throughout the huge Front Rank catalog. I purchased some regular French Line troops a while back and was extremely pleased by what I received.

Polish uniformology of this era is tricky and somewhat nebulous. Though the figures are not dated, the uniform appears to conform to the 1810-13 regulations. Sources differ on the shako insignia (eagle or horn), but the sculptor has chosen to go with the hunting horn for the headgear while absenting it from the cartridge box. The regular soldiers wear the Polish kurtka (tunic) and distinct czapka (shako) while the officer typically wears the uniform of his French line comrades.

The figures measure out to 28M on the Barrett Scale, which indicates that they are compatible with Calpe Miniatures as well as the newer Grognard Miniatures (see review this issue) and a close visual comparison confirms this. The Front Rank figures are much less compatible with others I have compared such as Perry Miniatures, Sash & Saber and Foundry given that they are taller and a little bulkier.

The varieties of voltigeur poses are limited but since they are an elite company, this is not a problem. The samples are part of the “Polish” line featuring the Duchy of Warsaw and the Vistula Legion. There are 46 figure poses in all, with only the infantry offered at the moment. Additionally, a set of the unique Polish eagles for the regimental flagstaffs is available.

The figures have a cost of $1.70 per figure for foot and mounted personnel (horses extra). They are available from the Miniature Service Center, 1386 Portofino Drive, Yuba City, CA 95993 or visit their website at www.miniatureservicecenter.com where you can see the entire catalog list as well as some great shots of painted figures. Europeans can get them directly from Front Rank where battalion packs are also available. Call them at +44 (0) 1327 262720.

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