The Reviewing Stand

Citadel 25mm Medievals

by George Schneider


Citadel Miniatures has produced a nicely defined series of 25mm Medievals circa the mid-14th century. These figures will be just the ticket for wargamers who wish to build the armies that fought the first phase of the Hundred Years' War or refight the battles of Crecy and Poitiers. Citadel labels this line as their "M" line, and it contains 19 foot and 16 mounted figures. Figures may be produced in packs of 3 foot figures or 1 mounted figure, and foot figures are noteworthy for alternative details concerning headdress, shields etc., within the same group. All figures should paint up very nicely and should be especially sought by veteran painters who wish to reproduce the colorful coats-of-arms associated with this epoch.

Foot figures are especially well presented with good anatomical appearance, interesting/animated poses in some cases, and the necessary attention paid to facial detail to lead to striking figures once painted. Armor is plate and mail or gambeson and is sufficiently cast to bring out minute details. The range covers everything from dismounted knights to peasants (with that downtrodden look of those impressed mto service against their will); it is individualistic and suitable for development from small skirmishing 1:1 forces to more "irregular" armies.

Mounted figures share the same attention to realism and appearance as do the foot figures, at least for the human halves. Horses are animated but look slightly more puny than they ought to, especially those horses meant for Knights. Perhaps they will do for the palfries that were the "also rans" of most medieval armies.

All figures received contained no flash and are ready for painting; no broken spears or other casting defects were observed.

The accompanying photographs include: (#1) a Crossbowman in Gambeson, Armored Swordsman, Peasant Marching and Knight with sword. (#2) a Mounted Armored Spearman and 14th century Knight with hand weapon on caparisoned horse. For further information, contact Citadel Miniatures U.S., P.O.Box 12352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212.

A numerical rating for this series is: Animation - .8, Anatomy-.9; Detail-1.0; Casting-1.0; Paintability- .9; Total -4.6.

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