Red Wing Miniatures

Boxer Rebellion

by Bob Beattie

The extensive range of Red Wing Miniatures (The Hobby Center, 187 Huxton Street, London NI 6NL, England) presents me with something of a dilemma. There are some positive aspects and some negative ones. Some reviewers prefer not to mention any negative considerations, but I will touch on my impressions of that aspect. I must first say that it is almost as if two different designers were at work here. The native figures - Boxers and Imperial Chinese - are, for the most part, excellent; able to hold their own with the offerings of Frontier, Falcon, Iron Brigade, MiniFigs, etc. The new Boxer offerings are in turban and straw hats. These are in poses similar to the fine early releases with shaved heads. BX6 (turban/ attacking with sword), BX7 (straw hat/attacking with sword), BX9 (turban/ throwing spear), and BX8 (standing with "lung Chucks") are as good as any Boxer figures I've seen (although I have never seen a picture or reference to "lung Chucks"). Also good are the new Imperials with banner and pike. The pike figure is a bit awkward but a few would look nice in any unit. The new "advancing with halbard" and "running with sword" are less well sculpted and proportioned.

On the European side, this firm must be given high marks for attempting to bring variety to this little conflict. They offer 10 different poses for the Italians, 7 Royal marines, 8 French, 7 Russians (plus a mounted Cossack), 6 Japanese, and 5 American infantry plus a trooper and officer mounted. The Royal Marines have the side cap and so are good for the legation defense. The Italians are Besaglieri with plumed sun helmets (except for the officer in field cap as pictured in Tradition No. 62 who has the most Italian pose I have ever seen in a figure).

My overall opinion of the Europeans is negative. They are overly heavy compared to the other manufacturers mentioned above and are stilted in appearance. laskedan artist friend her opinion and she felt they did not look right. Moreover, they just do not mix in well with other lines. There are some important exceptions including the Italian officer and the Russian seaman with slung rifle. But, do not take my word for all this; order a few sample figures. Much of my review is personal opinion. Wetryto relateonesetof figures to others for the benefit of those who like to create mixed units. These Europeans might suit the fancy of someone who had only Red Wing figures. If onlytheywerea little slimmer and trimmerthey would bevery good. So, order a large supply of the Boxers and Imperials and check out the Europeans. Contending opinions are always welcome.

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