A recent visit to my neighborhood gaming store uncovered an interesting new line of 25mrn WWII gaming figures. I say new as 1st Corps is new to me and these are the first 25mm WWII figures I've seen. 20mm is the usual scale with 25mm making a strong showing.

The figures looked good in the bag, well animated and the line had a good variety. I actually purchased 4 packs of them, more for the art of painting than the usefulness of gaming. I got a good deal on both accounts.

On the Barrett measurement scale, measuring from the feet to eyes, the figures actually measure 28mm and rate a hefty on their appearance. Their stature rates equal to my Dixon and Front Rank figures from other periods. I won't have to worry about mixing these figures in with other manufacturer's lines since this is the only ball game in town.

The figures are extremely well sculpted. The anatomy proportions are done well and the animation is excellent. Each figure is individually posed. There are some similarities in basic pose but the heads, arms and, equipment is mixed up so no two figures are the same. These figures are for a skirmish game so individual poses are important. My only problem with the sculpting was the eyes which were holes poked in the face with a dental tool. This prevented painting in eyeballs. However a brown-red wash over suntan highlighted with light flesh did just fine.

The only real downside to the figures was the scale of equipment. It was just too darn big. I compared it to some 54mm equipment and it was the same size. It did tend to give the figures a "boys with weapons" look. I guess I'll call this my Hitler Youth Squad.

The figures I purchased were all SS figures in camo smock. The large size of the figures screamed out for a three or four tone camo pattern. With the nice variety of hats and by varying the paint jobs I increased the diversity of the appearance of my squad. I gave some full came outfits and some field gray pants. Several of the figures had side caps which also came in came pattern or field gray. The figures with side caps had helmets strapped to their gear harness which also allowed more camouflage painting.

This scale is compatible with 1/48th modeling so with the re-release of the Bandai armor collection vehicles will be available. 1st Corps is rumored to be releasing Russian figures and a squad of Germans based on the legendary Sgt. Steiner from the movie "Crosses of Iron." Figures are available from the Emperor's outpost or Brookhurst Hobbies. Figures are $4.50 for three. Not such a bad deal for these truly unique figures. This is the first of what should be a regular series of submission to the Rebel Yell.