Reviewing Stand

Mike's Models

by Jay Hadley
Photos by Philip Stearns

Mike's Models is an English company that has recently started producing their figures in the United States. This is always a welcome approach because it expands the possible figures available in the States.

There are several characteristics that make Mikes Models unique. First, their lines are complete. This is especially true in their medievals and ancient lines. How many times has a gamer started building an army only to find that the company producing the figures had an incomplete line? You won't have this problem with Mikes Models.

Second their line has character. Especially among the figures in their newer lines. By character I mean that each line may not be automatically perfect, but has a real personality and are fun to paint. As we get into the review this will become more clear.

Mikes Models Zulu War figures are a case in point. Their attacking Zulus are somewhat heavy anatomically but the sculpting is done with such a flair that you quickly overlook the shortcomings. They are also some of the best figures I have seen in 15 mm for painting ease. If you are interested in the Zulu Wars these figures are a must. Rating: t1) anatomy -- .7, (2) animation -- 1.0, (3) detail -- .9, (4) paint. -- 1.0. (s] castine -- .9. Total: 4.5

The British soldiers who fought against the Zulus are not as good as the natives. They still have the anatomical problems without the character. The rifle on the charging trooper also seems to have come up short in both scale and detail. Rating: (1) anatomy -- .6, (2) animation -- .5, (3) detail -- .5, (4) paint. -- .6, (5) casting -- .5, Total -- 2.7.

The other two figures I have seen from Mikes Models colonial line is an irregular and Zulu command figure. Both of these are well executed, but of particular interest is the horse ridden by the horseman. This is one of the best horses I have seen in 15 mm. Rating: (1) anatomy -- .7, (2) animation -- .8, (3) detail -- . 7, (4) paint. - .7, (5) casting -- .7. Total -- 3.6.

A representative of Mikes Models English Civil War range is a musketeer firing. It is a splendid little figure complete with sword and moron helmet. Considering the color and dash of the period a large body of these figures on a table top would be impressive. Rating: (1) anatomy -- .7, (2) animation -- .7, (3) detail -- .7, (4) paint. - .7, (5) casting -- .7. Total -- 3.5.

The middle ages is a period that is gaining more popularity all the time. Mikes Models offers a complete line of figures for the period including sedge equipment that will fit with many popular plastic kits. Pictured in this issue is a handgunner and archer I like both of the pieces but the detail could be better. Although they are not shown, the mounted figures in the line are very good. Rating: (1) anatomy -- .5, (2) animation -- .6, (3) detail -- .4, (4) paint. - .7,

As mentioned previously Mikes Models maces a very complete line of ancients based on the WRG army books. They are not as well executed as some of their later works, but again do offer everything you will need to fight in the period. Some of the figures tend to be better than others with a varying degree of quality. Rating: (1) anatomy -- .5, (2) animation -- .4, (3) detail -- .6, (4) paint. - .5, (5) casting -- .4, Total: 2.4.

As final note I should point out that the rating system attempts to be consistent within a scale. Comparisons are not made between different figure scales unless indicated.

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