Editions Brokaw

15mm Age of Marlborough

review by Mitch Allen

The Marlburian era has not received much attention from either figure manufacturers or wargamers to date. However, Editions Brokaw has gone a long way towards rectifying this, with their 15mm ranges for the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and with their very helpful booklets on the armies and uniforms of the period. This range offers a wide selection that enables one to recreate the British, French, Austrian, Dutch, Spanish, Bavarian, Russian, and Swedish forces both by providing the figures and showing the purchaser what to do with them!

While most Marlburian soldiers seem to look pretty much the same, a quick glance at the Editions Brokaw catalogue reveals a wide range of detail. The varied headgear and positioning of the belts are all clearly outlined, as is any interchangeability. This enables the painter to have an army in which not every soldier of a given type has the same pose - and greatly increases the utility of each figure.

In general, the figures are slightly smaller than Minifigs or Friekorps 15mm figures, but since virtually no one else markets a Marlburian range, this is of small importance. Nonetheless, many of the figures, particularly the French, can be used right through the Seven Year's War. The'Senior Mounted Officers'of two poses could also be quite useful for any general that retained the old periwig. The muskets and limbs of a few figuresseern a bit thin, but look quite proportional to the figure and are deceptively sturdy. Further, the designer seems to have positioned the musket­barrels, spontoons, and the like in such a manner as to prevent breakage.

The figures are well sculpted and easy to paint. There are few annoying undercuts or awkward poses that cause the painter to contort himself like a gymnast, as many ranges do. Detail, as might be expected from a Marlburian range, is rather limited, but is both accurate and precise. There are none of the Napoleonic style backpacks that seem to crop up a lot. Facial detail is minimal, but the overall effect is quite soldierly.

In terms of variety, there is little else that one could desire. Prussian grenadiers come in four assorted hat styles, French cavalry comes with swords drawn or with pistols, and so forth. There is even a Russian bombardier armed with the peculiar "hand-mortar", barrel resting on a poleaxe, that is exquisitely done. Certain types are missing - such as Cossacks or Streltzy - but as the catalogue points out, these types are readily available elsewhere.

Information on this era is somewhat sparse. However, Editions Brokaw fills this gap with their Wargamer's Introduction to the Age of Marlborough series of booklets. Compiled by noted authority Pat Condray, these slim but information-packed booklets supply detailed information on the various combatants. Volume I covers the French, British, Dutch, and Austrian armies ($3.50); Volume II covers the Danish, Bavarian, and Prussian forces ($3.00); and Volume III covers the Great Northern War combatants of Russia and Sweden ($3.50). In addition, Pat Condray's Wargaming in the Age of Marlborough, a starter set of rules, is available for $2.50. All four are more than worth their inexpensive cost - the f lag information alone is nearly impossible to find.

Editions Brokaw figures are sold in sets of 20 infantry (including cadre) for $3.50 a pack. Artillery comes in units of either 8 gunners and 2 guns or 6 gunners and 3 guns for $3.50 as well. Cavalry lists at 10 figures with cadre for $4.00, and the two Senior Mounted Officers can be had for $1.50. Those interested may write Editions Brokaw c/o Pat Condray, 8234 Kings Arm Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308

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