Ral Partha

RAFM Hellenistics

By Lance McKenzie

Last April, RAFM Miniatures of Canada released a line of excellent 25mm Hellenistic figures. These figures come with separate heads, shields, and weapons. Each pack contains the same head and accessories, but by mixing these between packs (as well as with the separate head and accessory packs), an interesting variety can be created on the same basic pose. Other highlights of this line include accuracy, variety, excellent detailing, and cleanness of casting.

Minor discrepancies include an overall stiffness of pose, questionable metal quality in some figures, a lack of variety among the horses, and a massiveness of some of the weapons and accessories. The thickness of the imitation legionary pilum adds weight to the WRG designation of "heavy-throwing-weapon". The armored elephant is very well done, but expensive.

Also, it should be mentioned that the tower crew for this elephant are cut off just below the waist, rather than being complete figures. All of the figures are very well done, but two of my favorites are the Extra Heavy Companion, whose mount has a finely rendered transverse crest, and the pikeman in quilted armour. This line is recommended for anyone interested in building one of the armies of the Diadochi, and hopefully, additions will be forthcoming.

As a footnote, I used to shy away from figures with separate heads and shields because of the frustration when they would fall off the figures during a game. But I have found a product that remedies this problem. It's called ZAP-A-GAP, CA+, Gapfilling Glue by Parker Technology and Resources of California. This product does not turn brittle over time as do other "Super" type glues. For best results apply just enough to hold the item, such as a shield, in place. After a minute or so, add more glue at the point of attachment to insure a permanent hold. With this product, the RAFM figures will hold their shields for years to come.

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