Hinchcliffe

7 Years War, Napoleonic,
Western Gunfighters

Reviewed by Robert Mosca

After nearly a two year hiatus, Hinchcliffe Models of 4824, Memphis, Dallas, Texas 75207, returns as a licensed independent manufacturer. The reintroduction into this country of Hinchcliffe can only lend impetus to our hobby as Hinchcliffe in years past was -- along with Minifig -- one the twin pillars of historical wargame figure production.

Just introduced into this country are the Prussian and Austrian Seven Years War range (with French and British to follow). The figures are sculpted in Peter Gilder's inimicable style, and retain their rather disproportionate anatomy. These figures are cast in the lofty realm of 30mm, being closer in compatability to a Suren rather than a Minifig.

As in any other creative endeavor, each sculptor stamps the figure with his or her own style. These figures possess a certain "hefty" charm which reminds me of antique toy soldiers.

The figures themselves are suitably arrayed in "rococo" style uniforms. The line regiments of cavalry are posed at rest, lending a certain stylized uniformity to them, likewise the line infantry are in the popular advancing position with muskets raised nearly to port, which, from a wargaming viewpoint, is fortunate as this lessens the chance of breakage, especially the bayonets.

The irregulars, Hussars, Frei Corps and Croats are more dramatically sculpted in action poses, which in an abstract way gives a certain dynamism to them and their role as "devil-may-care" skirmishers. Facial detail is well defined with long drooping mustaches and nonpowdered hair rolls gives these sculptings character.

Figures are well detailed, showing all equipment, cords, pom-poms, etc., in good relief without being overwhelming. This facilitates ease of painting, allowing one either a fast block job or something more elaborate. Some problems are the indented holes for buttons, the effort should have been made for bas- relief effect, and the fact that the legs of the cavalrymen blend into the saddle blanket.

Painted up and arrayed in historical units, these Seven Years War figures produce a stately quality, just as they

Continuing with new releases is Hinchcliffe's, or more accurately Formost's, collectors range of 25mm Napoleonics. These are excellent figures, sculpted with an eye toward being used as diorama pieces. The castings come in a variety of action poses. The same problems with proportion exist, but the action conveyed by the figure tends to negate this. The figures are cast in "campaign uniform" and are replete with blanket roll slung over shoulders, oilskin shako covers, etc., all lending to a I certain "dressed down" look. Facial details range from adequate to excellent (particularly the hussar). Again, Peter Gilder's style is unmistakable, and fully painted the figure have a quality of "weighty' and nostalgia capturing the essence of the look of a Napoleonic soldier in action.

Lastly, there are some new Western gunfight figures, suitably posed and attired for "high noon" melodrama. Our favorite is the gambler, cast whiskered with goatee, and attired a la Riverboat gambler with brocade jacket and tophat. He holds, naturally, a deck of cards (top card obviously the Ace of Spades).

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