Essex

30mm Napoleonics

By Jim Arnold

A few years ago I recall reading in these pages catastrophic predictions of the demise of the lead soldier industry. Since that time, it seems we have been blessed with a deluge of new figures in a variety of scales. Essex joins the fray with their release of some very animated, 30mm French Napoleonics. Six samples sit before me: one fusilier, three grenadiers, and two officers. One officer wears a shako, the other five wear bicornes.

The shako was introduced in 1804 to replace the bicorne, although the latter continued in service for most troops at least through Jena in 1806. It is a pleasure to see soldiers in uniforms suitable for the glory days of the French Republic and the early days of the Empire. Stout troops in the less familiar, early uniforms. And make no mistake about it, these lads are well fed.

They are apparently extremely proficient foragers showing wide waists and in several cases jutting bottoms! But all is forgiven when you look at their faces. A kneeling grenadier sights down his musket, his eyes squinting, moustache seemingly quivering with excitement, the plume on his bicorne hanging limply. A marching fusilier shows anxiety on his clean shorn face, a smirking officer with fine side burns and moustache stands with arms folded behind him.

The figures are equipped with standard gear - backpack, cartridge box, and sword belt (one almost wishes they had a spoon stuck in hat, a chicken tied to a blanket roll, and a bottle bulging from their pack to compliment their fine animation). From an historical standpoint, they pass my muster. From a painting standpoint, their raised belting, recessed eyes, and similar prominent detail promotes easy painting. It's nice not to have to create the detail with paint, but rather merely follow the lines already carved by the sculptor. They are remarkably free of flash.

Most of my sample costs $0.75, the officer $0.85, while some special figures go for $1.10. The current range includes line and imperial Guard infantry for the period 1804 to 1812. The manufacturer notes that after a line of French cavalry, he plans on making British next (these may be out already). Watch for their advts. in this magazine for future announcements.

I'm tempted to paint up a few of these nicely animated figures for a couple of skirmish actions.

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