Campaign Figures

25mm 7YW (figures)

Reviewed by Ken Bunger

Last month I was pleasantly surprised to receive a box of wargame figures from Britain. The box contained twenty-four 25mm Seven Years War miniatures from a new manufacturer. This maker is Campaign Figures of 377 Hainton Avenue, Grimsbey, 5th Humberside, DN32 9QP, England. Their SYW range includes 23 Prussians, 26 Austrians, 15 Russians and 18 French.

These figures are the same large 25mm size as the Hinchliffe SYW range. The complete field equipment burdening most figures (water bottles to tent poles) is also similar to Hinchliffe. They are therefore as difficult to paint.

There's a lot of detailing on these figures and although its not as sharp as the best of Hinchliffe, its very good. From the samples I've seen, the historical accuracy is flawless. With one possible excep- tion, stated later, any criticism that follows is minor considering the range's overall high quality. I should also mention that the figures I received were very well cast with very little flash and no pitting.

Many infantry have the problem of being weak- in -the-knee s. I'm confident the manufacturer will soon cure this as they are suscept- able to breakage.

The heavy cavalry sit too "tall in the saddle" as the separate rider's chest is even with the top of the horse's head. Perhaps a little filing under the saddle blanket will cure this. I'd suggest looking at some samples before large purchases. The overly-large holsters are a plus, because it per mit s one to accurately paint the proper cypher. I'll purchase some squadrons, but keep them brigaded apart from my shorter castings. The standing horses are also a little too short in body.

A general problem is that the Prussians and Austrians are in a tricorne which is a little too narrow for the SYW. I'll admit that there's a reasonable argument to be made that the Prussians adopted this style headgear at this date. in any case, they look fine painted and put in units. Another general criticism (applicable to other manufacturers as well) is that the tails of the coat hang behind rather than to the side.

Some comments on the samples I've received are as follows:

The Prussian musketeer (SYP1), fusilier (SYP3) and grenadier (SYP2) are marching in full equipment. The officer (SYP10), standing with his hand behind him, is a fine figure suitable for mixing with Hinchliffe. The grenadier and fusilier drummers (SYP5 & SYP6) are very good with even their numerous chevrons well defined. The jaeger (SYP9) is firing, wearing gaiters and more lightly equipped.

The Austrians suffer from the use of holes for buttons-that's my pet peeve, but most makers do it. The musketeer (SYA1) and grenadier (SYA2) are marching in full equipment. The officer (SYA6) and Hungarian officer (SYA13) are walking with their swords at their side correctly instead of waving them about like excited subaltens. The Hungarian grenadier drummer (SYA12) is particularly good with buttons and lace in raised relief. The jaeger (SYA7) is one of my favorites in a firing position.

The Russian musketeer (SYR1) is advancing with light equipment. The grenadier (SYR2) is posed in a very determined march-attack position. The two preceding figures have holes for buttons and are a little knock-kneed. The Pandour grenadier (SYR6) is an excellent figure posed in a firing position. Please note that only the grenadiers have the tall brass plate while the other Panclours had a shorter plate on the same style cylindrical hat. This range has the only Russians currently available, and will paint up as a fine looking army.

The Prussian cuirassier (SYPC10), dragoon (SYPC1), Austrian dragoon officer (SYAC3) and Russian horse grenadier (SYRC5) are all posed at ease. The light cavalry are in action poses and seem better proportioned than the heavies. The Ukranian cossack is unusually positioned getting ready to swing his sabre across his body. The other figures pictured are a Prussian hussar trumpeter (SYPC7) and a hussar (SYPC6) in busby.

The French fusilier (SYFl) is marching and has his coat tails unhooked. I particularly like this figure. It is also a little shorter than the others so it fits in perfectly with my MiniFig and Garrison French. The fusilier is equipped only with ammunition box and sword, so it's quite easy to paint. I haven't seen them yet but the listing includes troopers of horse properly wearing fur bonnets and the Maison clu Roi. These are unavailable elsewhere. Also included are dragoons. I hope that artillerymen, guns and generals will soon be forthcoming for all nationalities.

I recommend these figures and hope to have some units painted by convention time. They are an excellent buy at 20p for infantry and 45p for a horse and rider. Add 30% for postage or 60% for airmail. Even with postage the cost of the infantry is only about 49 cents a piece. Money orders in sterling are only about $4.00, or send currency for a small order.

Campaign Figures also makes a large range of 25mm ACW including artillery and personalities. Of course, these are also useful for other 19th Century and colonial troops, eg. zouaves, Russians, Boers, etc.

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