The Reviewing Stand

Freicorps 15mm
French Seven Years War

by Mitch Allen


Wargamers who enjoy the somewhat undeveloped combination of Eighteenth Century warfare and 15mm figures have received a welcome shot in the arm. Freikorps has released a rather extensive line of French.

Like its predecessors (the Prussians, Austrians and Russians) the French range is quite complete. Aside from the usual infantry the range includes a beautifully detailed Gardes Francais/suisses figure, and both the Chasseurs de Fischer and Claremont-Prince volunteers. The line musketeer comes in both the fullskirted coat and the coat with turnbacks.

The cavalry selection is also very complete. This includes the various companies of the Maison and Gendarmie, and several line types. The mounted Chasseurs de Fischer and Clermont-Prince companies are also represented.

The quality and amount of detail are exceptional. Many 25mm figures are not so well turned out. To the spray-and-dip-it school of painting, the effort of the designer may be in vain . And in fairness to those who don't care for a detailed 15mm, these figures are extensively equipped. Fortunately, the detail is slightly exaggerated to facilitate painting without causing blindness or insanity.

Compared to most other 15mm figures, these are taller, even a bit taller than the Freikorps Prussians. However, the difference in height is really neglible when massed with other manufacturer's troops. The poses are in a march-attack position, with a slight variation among the different types. The light troop figures are in action poses. The command figures are especially well done and exhibit a characteristically French arrogance.

The cavalry figures were not submitted for review, but if they are like the Prussians, they should be very good. Although the rider looks well enough, the horse is somewhat small (which may be accurate for the French).

Overall, these new figures are much superior to the old Freikorps range. The poses show more variety and naturalness, and the anatomy is superior. Even details like the tricorne differing from the Prussian style and a lack of moustaches are apparent. The one unfortunate feature is that the figures are a little too brittle. The quality of casting seems to be excellent on the samples received. On the whole the range is splendidly done and should be much welcome among 15mm gamers.

SYW EDITOR'S NOTE: I agree that these figures are exceptionally detailed. Particu/ar/y impressive is the historical accuracy of the uniform detail. Their ranges of British and Hanoverians might be released by the time this review appears in print. I've found Freikorps to be very prompt in their service to American customers.

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