A couple of years ago at Advance the Colors, I bought a few packs of HLBSC's 28mm German Colonial figures from the fine folks at RLBPS. It wasn't as if I needed these figures, but hey, they're colonials and Germans -- you can't beat that! Besides, I wanted some additional figures for Brian O'Leary's Ponape extravaganza (SO addictive!). The packs I bought were German Seebattalion figures, and nice figures they are.

The first pack is code GC3. These are "marines" in sun helmet. Five different riflemen come in this pack, and two of the rifles have to be attached at the wrist to two of the figures. I am not sure why HLBSC decided to cast three of the figures with rifles already attached and two without, but the rifles attach easily, so this is not a major concern. All of the poses are in an advancing/scouting mode, and are widely varied. Equipment is limited to cartridge pouches and belts.

The next pack I have is code GC3a, command group. Three officers grace this pack, and are nicely done. The first officer is holding a pair of binoculars, and has large sideburns and a mustache. The second officer is bare-headed, holding his sun helmet under his right hand, his left hand on his hip. The last officer is standing with his arms crossed as if he is listening to a mundane report from one of his NCOs. All three officers have pistol holsters on their waist belts.

The last pack I have is GC8, which is a two crew Maxim gun team. The Maxim gun is cleanly cast, and is of two-part construction. The gunner is a two piece casting, he glues together at the waist, while the loader is a one piece figure. The loader is feeding a belt of ammo into the Maxim.

The figures scale out to 28mm (sole to eye) using the Barrett Scale. I would have to say they are of medium heft, but on the light side of medium. They are far thinner than Old Glory, Copplestone Castings, and Pulp Figures, and would look a bit undernourished compared to these other lines (these companies all make German Seebattalion figures). However, on their own they are excellent figures with good detail and animated poses. Very little flash or mold lines will be found. The only real problems I see are a lack of facial detail/animation, and the inability to be used with the other lines of Seebattalion figures available today.

HLBSC also make Schutztruppen (in slouch hat, peaked cap, or Tropenhelm), Askaris, Camel Corps, and mounted infantry to fill out their German Colonial range (currently 28 packs are available). The packs range from $4.50 to $7.50 in price (infantry average $1.50 per figure). You can reach the good people at RLBPS by writing to 4827 Treeview Terrace, Rockford, IL 61109, or visit their website at www.rlbps.com. There are a few photos of the HLBSC figures on their site.