I became interested in collecting ECW figures while painting for Hal (esteemed editor and All around good guy) some years ago. After playing in Hal's game at Bayou Wars in 1999, I became hooked on the period. Then came the what scale, which rules and which company debate every gamer has with himself. I settled on the 25mm, no wait it's now 28mm, wait some companies sneak 35mm in on the 28mm tag. Well the large boy scale as I call it now. But the size creep is not limited to the "bigguns". How many 15mm are really closer or actually 20mm? Why the big scale? First, I want to keep my armies small. I am quickly running out of room in my house. At least my wife tells me so. Also the cost of the figures will keep the army on the small side. Second is the release of Warhammer ECW. Yes, the fantasy crowd has released a very good attempt at historical rule writing. Play testing is still underway and some things like saving throws are being debated. But overall a good set of rules, painting guide, campaign organizer and source of figures. After the scale, which company. All are good, Redoubt, Foundry, Renegade, Bicorne and Perry. Renegade and Bicorne are just starting their ranges, Redoubt has an extensive and establish range. Foundry, well, if you believe the company I have a bridge for sale. Foundry has good figures, but availability is poor. Blunt I know. I have found only on ebay and bartertown. You can order from them on a grab-bag issue or visit the store in England. Perry is also available only from England, but you get to order what you want and they have a good turnaround time. The Perry review is my first in a line of reviews on some of the 28mm ECW ranges. I am starting with Perry by luck of the draw. The others to follow in no particular order. The Perry brothers of the Foundry have started Perry Miniatures, for those who do not know. They have left and the hobby is better for it, due to some very good figures. These figures meet the high standard we have become used to in their figures. Though from England, they do lack the roundness disease that seems to have infected some companies. The Perry's are able to pack much animation and detail on the figures without sacrificing proportions. I must tell you that even the clothing on the figures seems to flow more naturally. A general description is a follows. All the figures are in bonnets and trousers. Sorry no kilted Highlanders. These are lowland Scots. Though a few will have the plaid cloak wrapped around them. They can be used for either side and also for some of the regiments from Northern England. All pike men and ensigns come with open hands. Pikes are separate. Most of the figures are within the 28mm to the eyes, but some creep past 30mm. All are over 30mm if measured to the top of the Bonnet. SW1 Mounted Commanders 3 figures All three figures come with a horse, but are detached. You chose which horse to Rider. All are unarmored except for buff coats. All nicely proportioned, i.e. not having a figure looking too big on a horse, or having bodybuilding horses. The figures are 1 saluting, 1 doffing his bonnet and the last staring ahead with hand on Hip. You get a standing horse, prancing and walking horse. SW2 Standing foot Cmd 2 officers, ensigns, 1 drummer and 1 piper. A goodlooking package, the ensigns are flourishing colors, the piper playing and the drummer is just standing. The two officers are very animated like the reason of the pack. One is saluting with a halberd and the other has a sword on his shoulder as if directing his troops. SW5 Musketeers loading You get 6 figures in various stages of loading their firelocks. Well sculpted. The Match coils can be easily seem in the figures off hand. Get one blowing on a match. Reaching for a round, loading, priming, cocking. SW 4 Musketeers firing 6 figures in a mix of clothing. Each is leaning into the shot without using a musketeer rest. All left foot forward, but a slight differences in spacing. No cookie cutter images of the figures. All have slight differences. SW6 Musketeers advancing 6 figures advancing at what I call port arms. 45degree angle across the chest. But not all at a precise 45-degree angle. Another nice touch. Also some of the figures seem to be leaning on one foot more than the other. Appearance of a natural gait. SW7 Early Musketeers with musket rest 6 figures at left should arms with the rest in the right hand being used as a walking cane. The figures are looking around while marching as if looking on a Sunday stroll or trying to find some hidden dragoons. Could be used for militia troops. SW8 Pike man standing All unarmored and in slightly different poses. Very relaxed. Some with Facial hair. The facial expressions on a couple are very good. The bored look Every soldier gets with the hurry and wait issue. SW9 Pike man Marching The usual variance in the figures. All have the pike in the right hand with the Arm fully extended down the right side. 2 figures have open mouths as if yelling. Very good set of figures. Overall, the Perry's have surpassed the standard that has come to be expected from them. I compared them to the Foundry ECW I have. What a great improvement. Now the cost is not as high as many English companies. When I wrote this the GBP was 1.70 to the USD. Making a pack of infantry $8.50. If I got the math correct. Very Highly recommended range. Back to MWAN # 122 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2003 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com