Figure Review

Askari Miniatures, 17810 Woodhaven Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80908. www.askari-minis.com

Askari Miniatures is a new company who I contacted last December for a sample of their figures for review, when I received them I was so happy I immediately sent off an order, snail mail, and received it back in less than ten days, GREAT SERVICE! So far they are specializing in the French Army in Africa. Askari seem to be moving rapidly with new figures. By the time you read this they will have five more packs ready to ship. These include: D-1 Donkeys (2) with separate loads, the one pictured on the web site are open grain sacks, $4.50; M-1 Pack Mules (4) with separate loads $9.00; FRC-1 French Command Pack contains 1 mounted officer, 1 mounted Chasseur d’Afrique Sgt. Major, and 4 assorted dismounted officers $15.00; FRC-2 Chasseurs d’Afrique 6 mounted figures (2 poses) $21.00; and finally, FRC-5 Chasseurs d’Afrique dismounted skirmishing, 12 figures (2 poses) $21.00.

A typical touch to this colonial web site as some others is the addition of a painting guide made up of original illustrations and hand-tinted photographs, very nice and very useful. Looks like I will be adding to my pack animals and French Officers soon. Don’t let me put you off on the Chasseurs, I really don’t think I need anymore, at least until I paint the ones from Castaway I already have.

I have several of their packs for review. Please remember that the photograph is not to scale.

Tirailleurs Algerian top line, advancing figure (25mm) full pack plus haversack and canteen. The figure firing includes a cartridge box. The officer (27mm) holds a sword, carries a pistol standing with hands on hips. The pack of twenty figures includes an Algerian officer, drummer 9 advancing and 9 firing figures. The photograph is NOT TO SCALE.

Zouaves advancing second line, the left figure shows the typical pack for the Zouaves and the Algerians. The right figure (25mm) is advancing in full pack, plus haversack and canteen. The pack contains a French officer with binoculars, bugler and 18 figures advancing.

Senegalese Tirailleurs two bottom lines. The bottom left figure is advancing at high port (25mm) and carries a haversack, cartridge box (3), canteen and cup, Zouave style pants with closed short jacket. The Sergeant (27mm), bottom right is pointing and carries the same as the Pvts. The pack contains 20 figures including one bugler, one sgt., and one officer. The remaining are split between the advancing figures and that firing.

Overall, I am very pleased with the sculpting and poses available. There is very little flash to cut off. While these figures are small 28s they will fit in very well with any other manufacturer. I like the pack arrangement ready for TSATF.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!