Frei Korps

15mm American Civil War

Reviewed by Paul Koch

To many of my fellow hobbyists the present scene appears to be a golden age. New figure companies blossom right and left offering a seemingly endless array of new lines of castings. This is particulary true in 15mm scale.

Alas, I do not share completely in either the "golden age" vision or in being a 15mm collector. Perhaps one has a great deal to do with the other. My own collection ru ns to the small 30s, or large 25s or more economically to extensively converted plastics in something a little over 20mm. There are several reasons for this. First, at the time 15s were first introduced by Peter Liang (if memory serves), they were both of poor quality and quite expensive vis-a-vis my Airfix. As a struggling graduate fellow every penny was dear. My lingering distaste for the scale still abides. They are not miniature figures but cartoons of misshapen soldiery; their proportions too squat and weapons entirely too thick. Whenever I review a 15mm product, I do so with these prejudices. Now, however, I have seen Frei Korps latest releases in their American Civil War range. I must give up a sneer that I have had for years. These figures are outstanding, almost exquisite. They are not at all cartooned, but rather perfect tiny statues. Their rifles are long and thin, actually resembling a Springfield rather than a cap and ball bazooka.

Moreover the range offers unusual and graceful posing which is a big plus for frustrated dioramists like myself. They include casualty figures which I prize as morale markers and to add realism to my stands. Most wargamers have an aversion to casualty figures, but since folks do get hurt in the real thing we really should do a little something to remind us of its horror lest as Gen'l Lee said, "We should grow too fond of it". One could well grow too fond of these splendid little fellows from Frei Korps. There is, as far as I can see, only one drawback to this range virtue of their fine detailing and perfect proportions; they are very brittle. Rifles, ankles, and even heads and arms may be easily broken off, so treat them with care, they do deserve it.

Frei Korps has a history of dealing most promptly and politely with American customers, even taking payment in US dollars. For all this their prices are competitive with other 15mm products. Available from Frei Korps 15; 25 Princetown Road, Bangor, Co. Down BT20 3TA, Northern Ireland. Cost: Casualties and command sets, $1; infantry sets, $2. Price includes airmail P & P. Highly recommended.

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