Baccus 6mm is a small outfit, relatively new to producing figures, but with a good track record in 1/300th cast resin accessories. They have established a reputation for excellence with their recent figure releases in the Ancients period, and I was hoping that they would match it with their new redesigned ECW figures. As you will read I was not disappointed.

General Comments

All foot figures come based as a strip of four facing forward on a 20mm wide base. They are modelled individually, so there is none of the 'blockiness' seen with other manufacturers. As with all this range there is little or no moulding flash, and the bases seem free of big lumps of moulding sprue. The figures measure around 7mm, and all are anatomically well-proportioned.

The Mounted figures come three to a strip, mounted one behin dthe other, so unlike the infantry, you have to cut them up and base them before use.

Artillery pieces come as one piece casting including a textured base, with the larger pieces having separate wheels. All artillery crew come as singly based figures.

Detailing is of an exceptionally high quality given the small size of the figures, and facial details, beards, moustaches and even fingers are all quite clear. I must admit that it is highly unlikely that my clumsy painting can ever do justice to these details, but as is pointed out in Baccus's exceptionally helpful free guide to painting 6mm figures, you only need to do a basic job to get a good result.

The English Foot

The armoured pikemen wear the full Civil War equipment of morion, corselet and tassets. Amazingly enough, the designer included such details as buckles, moulding on the tassels and shoulder straps without making them appear overacale or bulky - no mean feat. The unarmoured pikeman wears a morion, and like his colleague is in a static pose with his pike ordered. As the catalogue is at pains to point out, neither these two, nor their musketeer colleagues are wearing buff coats. Huzzah!

The musketeers all carry their muskets at shoulder. Details such as bandoleer charges and even the odd priming flask are clear. Each base contains a mix of figures in different headgear - monteros, two types of Monmouth cap and the occasional Scota bonnet. There are no felt hats in sight, and again as the catalogue points out, no ostrich feathers.

The result looked a little atrange at first sight, as I am used to seeing ECW soldiers in big wide-brimmed hats, but the hatless effect is borne out by the latest research.

Command Stands

The command strips are little gems. Each contains two drummers, an ensign and an officer. The musicians are wearing montero cape and exude arrogance, looking very much like their counterparts from the Farndon window. The ensign is wearing a buff coat or cassock and flouriahes his flag one-handed in the approved fashion. The pole is left bare for you to add your own effort or one of Baccus's own preprinted jobs (qv). The officer looks grim and efficient wearing what I swear is a fluted morion and carrying a partizan. Remember that theae are 6mm figures!

The Dismounted Dragoons come two to a base, holding their muskets at shoulder, wearing Monmouth caps. Their folded-down boots are quite plain to see and facial detail is clear. Each pair of dragoons is accompanied by their horses, but there are as yet no horse holders.

Finally there is a group of armed clubmen, all wearing a variety of clothing and headgear and bearing a wicked assortment of weaponry.

The English Foot

The harquebusiers all come wearing butt' coat, back and breast and I lobster pot helmet. On the latter you can plainly see the bars on the face guard, and the ribbing on the neck guard. They are in a good solid pose, holding the sword upright with the pommel resting on the upper thigh. My only quibble is that these look fine for Roundhead Horse, but seem a little dull for dashing cavaliers. Each pack contains a fey, cornets with which to make up command groups, but no trumpeters.

The stars of this section are the cuirassiers, and no matter what your sympathies you will want to own some of these little masterpieces. Armoured top to toe and with a closed helmet they do look unstoppable and very solid.

The mounted dragoons all wear Monmouth caps and carry their muskets in their right hands with the butts resting on their thighs. They actually look like dragoons, and there is no mistaking them for proper cavalry.

Finally mention must be made of the beautifully detailed and animated mounted officers. There are five different versions in a pack, all differing in dress and pose, each accompanied by their personal cornet.

The Scots Foot

The format and presentation of the Scots are the same as that of their southerly companions. The dour looking Scots pikemen are all unarmoured and are wearing a bonnet rather than a helmet.

The musketeers look good and for some reason are more uniform that the English - a credit to the organisation of the Covenanter army.

The Highlanders come with a variety of dress and weapons and really look the part. One little chap in particular has his targe set against the enemy and with his drawn broadsword appears as if he is about to leap into the fray. Giveln the universal popularity of Montrose's army these will be very much in demand.

The Scots Cavalry

The Scots Horse wear a back and breastplate but no helmet. Instead of their sword they are all holding pistols, presumably having already fired the carbines that can be clearly seen suspended from a crossbelt. Less well equipped but perhaps more effective are the lancers, wearing no armour, but looking far more aggressive. Again the Scots dragoon holds his musket on his right hand, butt resting on thigh.

The Artillery

Artillery is covered with a mortar and three cannon ranging from a diminutive battalion gun to a really hefty siege piece. The two smaller cannon each come with two crew, the largest with four. The Scots artillery crew all wear bonnets, and in addition can use the tiny frame guns, of which a single and multi-barrel version are included.

Flags

Not content with all of this, Baccus 6mm will also provide you with sheets of full colour flags. There are four available; a generic sheet for English armies; Essex's Foot, Oxford Army foot and Covenanter Foot. These are based upon the Partizan Press series of books, and are almost microscopically well detailed. Speaking personally, these are a great boon and at just £ 1.00 for two dozen flags. They represent great value for money.

Conclusion

This review has had to be rewritten, because the first draft was so heavily littered with superlatives and exclamation marks all the way through. It is simply an amazingly well sculpted and designed set of English Civil War figures, with an attention to detail that would have been admirable in 15mm equivalents. For the English Civil War in this scale, they are untouchable by any other range. Baccus is to be congratulated on their efforts and if they continue to set these sorts of standards I can see what is left of my remaining large scale armies will be ending on the Bring and Buy stand.

Send a Stamped Addressed Envelope for a catalogue, or a cheque for £ 2.30 payable to Baccus Buildings tor a set of samples to: Baccus 6mm, 61 Melrose Road, Sheffield, S3 9DN.

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