Ral Partha

Condotierre Range 25mm

Reviewed by Nick Nascati

Ral Partha has been praised again and again for the animation and exquisite detail of their figures. These claims cannot be denied for they are remarkably detailed and quite vigorously posed. However, there are two factors which must be carefully considered before buying these figures. First and foremost is size. They are probably. the smallest "25mm" figures on the market, being actually closer to 20mm. Because of this it is difficult to find compatable scaled figures and more importantly, equipment.

The second factor is the limited nature of the I ine at present. Swiss, "Imperial" Troops and Turks are all that is available now with no artillery and few cavalry. This, coupled with the size problem, would make it difficult to do any more than contingents or units with these figures. This problem is compounded when one sees that except for Mini-Figs 25mm and Warrior Figures, the other manufacturers are leaning towards larger than 25mm, not exact or smaller.

Because of the fine detail of these figures, they paint up quite easily and nicely using washing techniques. The experienced painter is probably more skilled at such techniques, but washing is not a difficult technique to master. I received several figures from two of the three groups to review. One was either 54-491, 492 or 493 Swiss Pikeman the figure is advancing but the number cannot be clearly seen. No Imperial troops-of Janissaries were received for review. using the established Jay Hadly rating system, the figures shape up as follows:

54-494: Swiss Halberclier Standing, Anatomy 1.0, Animation .4, Detail .9, Paintability .9, Casting 1.0, Total 4.2.

54-494: Swiss Halberclier Defending, Anatomy.8, Animation .8, Detail .9, Paintability .9, Casting .9, Total 4.3.

54-496-497: Swiss Crossbowman Loading; Anatomy 1.0, Animation .3, Detail .9, Paintability .7, Casting 1.0, Total 3.9.

54-491, 92, 93: Swiss Pikeman Advancing; Anatomy 1.0, Animation .9, Detail .9, Paintability .9, Casting 1.0, Total 4.7.

54-600: Household Spahi; Anatomy .8, Animation .8, Detail .9, Paintability .9, Casting 1.0, Total 4.4.

54-608: Turkish Archer; Anatomy .9, Animation .4, Detail .8, Paintability .9, Casting 1.0, Total 4.0.

54-609: Turkish Spearman; Anatomy .9, Animation .8, Detail .9, Paintability .9, Casting 1.0, Total 4.5.

54-610: Turk with Scimitar and Buckler; Anatomy .9, Animation 1.0, Detail 1.0, Paintability .9, Casting 1.0, Total 4.8.

Casting quality is uniformly superb, The samples I received had absolutely no flash on them and came ready to prime and paint. Figures come supplied with piano wire spears which have cast heads which are fine for lances, etc., but seem too ornate for ordinary pikes and spears.

Overall I must highly recommend these figures, given the two problems stated. For the wargamer who does not like 15mm but has a minimum of space, these are ideal figures. Glenn Kidd says that the line will eventual)y have over 100 pieces in it which will presumably fill in the gaps and make raising a Ral Partha army a much easier affair.

Ral Partha figures are available in good 'Wargame shops and can be mail-ordered From the manufacturer

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