Should Maria Theresa be allowed to inherit the Hapsburg Empire, or not? With a new line of 15mm figures covering the War of the Austrian Succession, you will be able to decide that question on the tabletop.

These cleanly-cast figures are carried by the latest "Friend of Great Lakes," The Quartermaster, from Ancaster, Canada. Currently, the line is composed of 26 packs of either eight identically-posed infantry or four mounted or three guns. Rider and mount are cast as one piece. Price is U.S. $3.75 per pack. Michael Gustar, owner of The Quartermaster, provided me with five packs for review. They measure exactly 15mm from toes to eyes, and are of medium heft. They are cast from sturdy, lead-free pewter.

WAS2 Austrian/German grenadier. These moustached elites are marching to battle, carrying their muskets at shoulder arms. They wear a fur grenadier's busby, long coat with gaiters above the knee. A solid figure, with musket attached at two points to prevent breakage, and a sturdy, short bayonet that should withstand wear also.

WAS6 Austrian Hussar Trooper. This dandy figure is leaning forward as his horse trots towards the enemy. He sports the classic Hussar fur busby, tight breeches, dolman and fur-trimmed pelisse slung over his left shoulder. In his right hand, the curved saber juts upwards. Like the grenadier's musket above, Falcon has taken care to prevent breakage by centering the sword between the horse's and trooper's heads. Their sturdier metal should absorb any accidental impact. A nice figure that will show off the colorful uniform well.

WAS9 Spanish Infantry, tricorne, high porte. These jaunty soldiers of the Spanish Hapsburg possessions march carrying their muskets angled at high porte. Their tricornes are pulled down to nearly eye level, accentuating the angular, Mediterranean faces. Long coats hang to their knees, with wide, ballooning cuffs. This figure will be a cinch to paint, having a certain haughty air that will look good in Spanish white.

WAS19 Dismounted French Dragoon trooper. One of the nicest figures of the bunch, this guy is sighting down the barrel of his carbine, intent on making some Prussian pay dearly for Silesia. He wears a soft type of forage cap with cloth bag hanging off to the right. His head is tilted with his aim, giving life to this pose. His thigh-length coat is worn without turnbacks, but open to reveal the waistcoat.

WAS20 French Cavalry Trooper. This veteran trooper is the richest detailed of the set. He rides slightly bent in the saddle as his horse walks forward, head high. His long, straight sword rests at an angle on his right shoulder. His left hand is on the reins, not far from his pistol, whose barrel peeks through the saddle holster. All gear is cleanly detailed -- down to protective cap for the carbine and cords on the sword hilt. His level gaze is sure to make green recruits think twice.

I highly recommend these figures for fighting out the gentlemanly wars of the Age of Reason. Contact the Quartermaster at 290 Amberly Blvd., Ancaster, ONT, Canada L9G3Y6. (905) 648-1250, or e-mail: jmichael@interlynx.net. Web site: www.garrison-clubs.org/quartermaster.

Carried by The Quartermaster.

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