Dixon

25mm and 15mm Japanese Samurai

Reviewed by Lance McKenzie

Dixon 25mm Japanese Samurai

Some very fine additions to the already extensive line of Dixon 25mm Samurai have recently been released. Nine different Ninja are now available, along with 2 women and a bandit figure. Also released, but not reviewed, is a nice selection of Ronin, unarmoured Samurai, and some characters representing a Merchant/in n keeper and a Sumo wrestler. It would seem that Dixon has certainly exhausted all the possibilities for Japanese!

These particular figures are apparently created for role-playing games, for which they are well-suited, but they will certainly add color and appeal to a wargames army. Casting, metal quality, and detailing are all good. The many folds in the clothing are well done, and the action poses are realistic and lifelike. I especially like the crispness to the folds in the clothing worn by the two female figures.

Unlike other Dixon Samurai, these figures are highly compatible with other 25mm figures, and are anatomically well-proportioned. It will be interesting to see what Dixon will add next to their 25mm Samurai line. Also, watch for 15mm Samurai to be released very soon by Dixon. Dixon Samurai are available from "Wargames", 1410 Promenade Bank Center, Richardson, TX 75070

Dixon 15mm Samurai

Dixon Miniatures has entered the realm of 15mm miniatures! Their first releasing being Samurai (we'd never have guessed) likely to become very popular with those gaming in this scale. The Samurai released to date comprise 11 different order numbers, all of which are on foot. The mounted Samurai to complete this range are slated for release in the near future. The lack of mounted troops for these late-Medieval to Renaissance era figures is no real handicap as their fighting capabilities are generally much better on foot. Even though they are listed as 15mm, they are actually more in the range of 18mm scale.

As a result of the slightly larger size much detail has been incorporated and is stark enough that paintability is much enhanced. Metal quality is good and mold lines being minimal, so it appears that the quality of the "25mm" Dixon figures will also be typical of their 15's. The weapons are well done and cast in-hand.

Also, each figure has a hole in the back to facilitate attachment of the Sashimono banners which are available separately. I have shown these fellows to my friends and have received all favorable comments. I feel that these figures will become a popular selling item for Dixon.

In summary, they have the important strong points of: good detailing, sufficient animation, character, and three- dimensionality. Retail price is $2.49 per pack of 10 ordinary foot or 5 foot command. Also, a 1000 pt (WRG) army can be purchased for $24.50. Dixon 15mm Samurai are available exclusively in the states through: Wargames, 1410 Promenade Bank Center, Richardson, TX 75080.

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