Wargame Foundry

25mm ACW Figures

Reviewed by Craig Martelle and Rhett Scott

The Foundry LTD, Huberts Lane, Off Doyle Rd. St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, Great Britain, GY1 1RG ph. 01481 714241 or in the states

The Foundry LTD, 1549 Marview Drive, Westlake, OH, 44145, USA, ph (216) 871-4587

General Comments: In late September, Neville Carre from Wargames Foundry/Guernsey Foundry (The Foundry) sent a large selection of sample figures for review from their ACW line designed by Alan & Michael Perry. The figures represented a good cross-section of the Union Reinforcements Deal, Wild Confederate Horde Deal, More Danged Rebs Deal, and the Rebel Rearguard Deal.

To sum up, these are the best 25mm ACW figures on the market! This statement isn't made lightly or as an easy way to review a group of figures, but as a statement of fact. The figures come in realistic poses, wearing a variety of clothing appropriate for the period. If you'll think back, the Foundry's first 25mm ACW offering was nice, but nearly all the Union figures were wearing the same foul-weather raincoat. This is no longer the case. The varieties of dress are as appealing as the detail on the individual accoutrements of each soldier. Flash was nearly non-existent on the figures and models that needed assembly, fit together perfectly. These figures are Highly Recommended! Even if you don't game the period, buy some of these figures and build a diorama. Now for the specifics.

From the Wild Confederate Horde Deal:

ACW H1 – Confederate Officer leading the attack. Two part figure, leaning forward, in double-breasted frock coat, right arm has sword raised. The right arm was separate and when removed, fit perfectly onto the shoulder. At various angles raising the sword, there still wasn't any discernible gap in where the two pieces fit together. The scabbard, other accoutrements, moustache, and even piping on the sleeves and trouser legs are very clearly discernible.

ACW H2 – Drummer. Floppy hat, bedroll, canteen, pouches, and full beard. One piece figure – no flash. This drummer has cuffed trousers and gives the appearance of a grizzled veteran. Figure details even behind the bedroll and the drum are apparent with deep lines.

ACW H4 – (2 of 8 variants sent) Infantry Charging. Fixed bayonets, cuffed trousers, forward at the double quick, unique hats & expressions, and giving the Rebel Yell! The detail on the rifles is so good, you can see how the stock cradles the barrel, the trigger, the matchlock, the retainers… Once these charging figures are painted and mounted three to a stand, their realism will be even more apparent.

ACW H7 – (2 of 8 variants sent) Determined Advance, Right Shoulder Shift. Both samples were two-piece figures, but once again fit together cleanly. These soldiers give the appearance of a bedraggled crew determined to continue advancing, regardless of cost. The separate right arm with rifle will make it easier to paint to the level of detail that the rifle has.

From the More Danged Rebs Deal:

ACW H9 – (2 of 8 variants sent) Running to the Attack. The pose is more like loping, a restrained, heads-up running style that will carry you into the attack. The figures are at right shoulder arms, but appear as if they're scanning the enemy's position looking for targets. Both samples were two-part figures, the right arm with rifle being attached to the base. Once again, the fit was perfect without filing or filling. The soldiers are equipped with their bedrolls and full war gear. Both have some facial hair and are wearing short coats and uncuffed trousers.

ACW H27 – Kneeling, Loading. Two part figure, with superb detail, right down to the laces on the boots. The second part is only the soldier's left hand and the musket. Painting the musket is easily done in this manner.

ACW H35 – Standard Bearer Attacking. Two part figure. The flag staff is separate. Having a vested interest in flag staffs (Regimental Colours – best flags on the market), I like this arrangement as the soft and pliable lead flag staff can be readily replaced by piano wire or other stiffer staff material. The detail of this figure shows an older, bearded man in the midst of a rebel yell as he troops forward at the double quick. Wearing a short coat, the floppy hat completes the pose and the figure carries only a shoulder bag and his canteen.

ACW H36 – Drummer Standing. This figure must have come from a slightly older mold as the detail is not as crisp as the other figures. This is still a superb figure of the bearded drummer. He carries his drum, bag, and canteen, waiting for the next order to be given.

From the Rebel Rearguard Deal:

ACW H10 – At ready, right shoulder shift (2 of 8 variants). Two part figures, second part is the arm and musket. Nicely accoutered figures with one having a bedroll and the other without. Both carry an ammo pouch in addition to the shoulder bag and canteen. Superior figures with pieces that fit together nicely.

ACW H22 – Firing. Another very good pose. Standing and shooting, the rebel wears a shell jacket and a wide-brimmed hat. This is the kind of figure you order an extra quantity of to mount three to a stand and give that impression of massed firepower.

ACW H24 – Reaching for a Round. Superb detail of a rebel in a short coat, bed roll, full accouterments, rifle butt on the ground, pulling ammunition from his pouch. The Confederate soldier keeps his eyes on his target at all times, not needing to look away in order to reload.

ACW H30 – Hit, knocked off feet. Two part figure, second part is the arm and rifle. The arm was attached to the brim of the hat and had enough overlap where the two needed to be separated using an exacto knife and great care. This is the first figure where that was the case – all other separate pieces readily detached with no damage. This minor shortcoming cannot take away from the detail on the figure. You can readily share in the soldier's pain. This figure is a must have for skirmish games; instead of simply knocking a figure over, replace him with one of these beauties! The overall appearance of your game will be greatly improved.

ACW H40 – Bugler, charging. Full accouterments and yet again, superb detail and pose. He yells with the same force as the standard bearer reviewed above. This figure is at a full run and secures his slung rifle with his left hand, carrying his bugle in the right. As someone who has had to run with full gear and a slung rifle, this pose captures the encumbered running technique perfectly!

Other Figures / Models reviewed:

ACW Artillery Crew 2 – six figure pack will make for a large stand of figures or possibly two artillery crew of three figures each. There is one standing carrying the ramrod, one firing, one with a bore brush, one crew commander, and one general with sword and binoculars. All figures wear the kepi and short shell jackets or plain shirts showing suspenders. Detail is superb.

SSG80 – 12pnd 'Napoleon' Smooth Bore Cannon – Four part model. Detail is incredible. The wood grain in the carriage is clear, ropes are neat and orderly, bolts, mounts, and brackets are all perfect. The barrel is bored (beats painting a black dot on the end). After building this model, it appears as a better than new copy! These artillery pieces are highly recommended! and a battery of these is a must have in any 25mm ACW game!!

25mm Foundry ACW figures reviewed by Rhett Scott:

SSG 81 - ACW 10 pdr Parrott Gun

Artillery Crew 1

ACW H3 - Advancing (part of Wild Confederate Horde Deal)

(the following are from the Union Reinforcements Deal - Infantry in Kepi and Sack Coat)

ACW K3 - Officer Advancing Gesturing with Sword

ACW K6 - Standard Bearer Advancing, open sack coat

ACW K8 - Drummer boy standing, playing drum

ACW K17 - Advancing, open sack coat (variants)

ACW K24 - Kneeling, Firing

ACW K26 - Prone, reaching into cap box

(the following are from the Union Reinforcements Deal - Infantry in Kepi and Great Coat)

ACW K32 - Officer Drawing Sword

ACW K35 - Standard Bearer Advancing

ACW K36 - Drummer standing

ACW K42 - Loading, Ramming down

Let me preface my comments by saying that I am a 20+ year gamer, almost entirely in 15mm, first due to price at a young age; then space constraints. As a result, I've never paid much attention to all the 25mm figure lines out there. I recently had the opportunity to review several newer offerings from The Foundry. I looked at 18 ACW figures, 1 artillery piece, and 4 Napoleonic Prussian Cavalry Figures. All are consistently 27-28mm tall using the Barrett scale from sole of shoe to eye level. None of the ACW figs had any flash whatsoever. These figures are simply some of the best miniatures I have seen in any scale, of any period, at any price. I am particularly taken with ACWK 32, 35, 36, & 42 from the Union in Overcoats Deal. Normally figs in overcoat are not all that special; these are just plain wow! The amount of detail on each figure will make for an easy paint job that will yield great figs even for a novice. The Parrott gun has some flash to work off, but has geat detail and wood grain that is there, but not over-powering.

On the Napoleonic Prussian Cavalry there is some flash on the feet from the sprues, but this is normal, easily carved off, and not detectable. The horses needed a little cleaning on their tummy seams but overall, they are fantastic, and all four are different. These Foundry figures are giving me new, previously unfelt itch for 25mm. The figures are a little pricey individually, but The Foundry offers great "Deals" with a batch of figs for a cheaper per figure price. They are worth the price and deserve the best paint jobs possible. - Rhett D. Scott

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© Copyright 1997 by Craig Martelle Publications
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