SKT

15mm and 25mm Ancients and Medievals

review by John Boehm

25mm

SKT supplied several of their 25 and 15 millimeter figures for review. The 25mm figures were from their Medieval ranges. These include an English Currier (LEC 10) which is a medium cavalryman in leather armor with some mail face and neck protection and a kettle helmet. He is equipped with a separate lance and mounted on a nicely prancing and armored horse. Two figures were included from their Burgundian 15th Century Wars range. BW 3 is a hand gunner or crossbowman, in a nice advancing pose and equipped with either a crossbow or a handgun (your choice). The figure is essentially unarmored except for a helmet.

Also included is a pikeman (BW 1) in leather armor reinforced with mail and wearing leg protection and a sallet. Unfortunately this figure is cast in an exaggerated running position reminiscent of old 54mm Britain's figures. This is a pose which I find somewhat unrealistic. Also included are two figures from the Catalan Amughave range including a spearman (CA 2) who is running looking back over his shoulder, and holding a javelin, and wearing a Phrygian type of hat. A Turkish style horseman is also included (CAC 3) wearing a turban, light canvas armor and equipped with bowcase, shield and javelin. He is nicely animated, although his legs appear to be somewhat short, perhaps not all that unusual foraTurkish horseman. The horse is a nicely galloping unarmored horse. The figure, however, appears to be slightly somewhat too large for the horse itself. The figures are approximately 27 to 28 millimeters high with the exception of the Catalan figures which are slightly largerthan the others. They are well detailed and generally free from flash, with the exception of the Burgundian pikeman. These figures are 70 cents for infantry and $1.75 for cavalry and are available from Soldier World USA, P.O. Box 175, Shrewsbury, PA 173610175.

15mm

The 15mm figures consist of samples from the Sumer, Irish, and Burmese ranges. These figures are between 15 and 16 millimeters high, generally free of flash but perhaps not as well detailed as some other 15 mm ranges. Included in the Sumer range are spearman (SU 1 A&B). The first is in kilt and the second in fleece. Both are standing with spears thrust forward in an underarm position and are wearing typical Sumerian headgear. The standard bearers (SU 3) are standingwith kilt, bare chested, and the same type of headgear. The levy slingers (SU 7) are standing with slings raised ready to throw and wearing a long ankle length kilt. The pose seems somewhat wooden for the act of hurling a sling bullet. The Chariot (SU 20) comes in several pieces, and is atypical 4 wheeled chariot drawn by 4 asses. It includes a standard,javelin case, and two warriors, one in kilt and helmet with a javelin, and one in kilt holdinga large axe and wearing a distinctly different type of headgear.

The Medieval Irish included a Galloglaich heavy infantryman (MI 1) in mail armor, helmet, and wielding a two handed axe above his head. This figure is well animated, but somewhat besetwith flash problems. A much nicer figure is the light cavalryman (MI 15) in a hooded cape hurling a javelin. The running horse appears to be somewhat short and definitely not a thoroughbred.

The Burmese were represented by a light medium javelinman, running and hurling his javelin. He is equipped with a rectangular shield, quilted armor, and a helmet. The figure is somewhat flat, and not well cast as the mold lines are very distinct. Much more impressive was the war elephant and crew (BU 16). The elephant is nicely cast, and has platforms that can be attached to the sides for the warriors. The head is separate and the elephant is well animated. The figures consist of a driver with shield and elephant goad, 4 archers and two javelin men. All are seated in some fashion; two of the archers are firing and two are reaching back over their shoulders to draw an arrow from their quivers. The last two figures are particularly well done. Some of the legs on these figures appearto be a little short, but overall they are the best of the 15mm samples. These figures sell for 25 cents for infantry figures and 50 cents for cavalry figures, and are again available from Soldier World USA.,

I noted in a recent issue of an English wargame magazine that the entire Garrison 25mm range of figures, some 1,300 masters and molds, which are currently produced by SKT figures, is up for sale. What this will do to the supply of those 25mm figures in the immediate future, I have no idea, but individuals contemplating purchasing these figures may wish to be aware of this development and follow it in the trade press before making a major investment.

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