Well, they've done it again! It seem as though every time I'm just about done painting a new 25mm army some figure manufacture releases a new product that puts what I have been painting to shame. First, I had just finished painting the last unit of my Philistine & Later Canaanite army when Ral Partha's entry into the the realm of ancient Egypt and her enemies hit the market. Now as I near completion of my Carthaginian/Garbaginian army Wargames Foundry has unleashed a smorgasbord of fantastic figures for the consumption of all us haters of those Roman sewer slugs.

As a side note I would be reviewing their Republican Romans too, but who cares? So anyway, Wargames Foundry has thus far released 10 Spanish foot, 5 Spanish cavalry, 3 Balearics, 11 Carthaginian foot, 4 Carthaginian cavalry and an elephant with howdaw and crew. I was given four Spanish foot, two Spanish cavalry, Two Balearics, four Carthaginian foot, and two Carthaginian cavalry from Cleveland's own Pendragon Miniatures, the main importer of these figures in the States. So now the review folks!

First the general things. These figures are finely sculpted with excellent animation and personality. The Spanish definitely come right off the pages of osprey's fine book Rome's Enemies (4): Spanish Armies. Needless to say Angus McBride would be proud. The sculptor's source for his inspiration on the Carthaginians is unknown to this writer, but the results are stunning none the less. The castings themselves are made with a high grade metal, and I noted no casting flaws and very little flash on the figures received.

All the figures come with separate shields, and you can specify if you want small round or large oval shields with your Spanish, and some Carthaginians are available with the option of round Hoplite shields or the Scutum. The figures requiring javelins, spears, or heavy throwing weapons come open handed, but these weapons are not supplied. Those described with sword or flacata have these cast in hand. Size wise these figures should mix well with any of the small to medium sized 25mm figures. Being well proportioned means they are a slender figure compared to some other manufactures but, they are also a tall figure by the same standards about 28mm from foot to the top of the head. Still, they are compatible with most other Carthaginian or Spanish figures currently available with the exception of Essex or maybe Britannia (both make 'excellent but stocky figures).

The horses are of average height but are a bit stockier than others, still no problem mixing here with the same exceptions. More importantly these figures all maintain a consistent size within the line itself, so no runts mixed with giants. 

I will now give a brief description of each of the figures submitted. Keep in mind though that there are others available in the line. This sampling is just that, a sample. The entire line is well represented here, and the quality of the castings and consistency in historical accuracy will not disappoint you no matter which ones you choose.

RR61 Spanish Warrior advancing, bascinet helmet: This figure is listed as having an attic helmet, but the figure definitely has the Spanish bascinet helmet. The tight fitting helmet worn by many Spanish warriors in many ways remains a mystery to us today, in that no one is really sure of what material it was constructed. This of course gives the painter the option of painting it as leather, iron, bronze, or an off white as a sinew cap. This is one of the things that make the Spanish a colourful unit or army. Besides the helmet this figure wears a tunic, belted at the waist, with sheathed flacata hung from a shoulder strap. The flacata has a horse headed pommel, and the scabbard even has the weapons pack with extra blades and spearheads, both features add a special touch. He would hold his javelin or HTW overhand and his shield would be waist high. You therefore have the makings of an excellent Scutarii or Caetrati, depending on which shield you choose.

RR63 Spanish Warrior throwing javelin, bascinet helmet: This figure would make a fine Caetrati. The helmet and equipment are the same as RR61, but he is in the act of hurtling his weapon. The only exception to this is the sword which is the straight Hispanic gladius with an atrophied antennae pommel.

RR64 Spanish Warrior throwing javelin, sinew hood: This figure is identical to RR63, except for his head gear and facial expression. He also would make a fine Caetrati. The crested sinew hood is exceptional and is really what the Spanish wargamer needs to give a really unique look to his army.

RR68 Spanish Warrior standing with flacata, sinew hood: A defiant looking figure with his flacata held underarm ready to thrust and his shield hand held to cover his torso. This guy would make the perfect Scutarii, or maybe a Caetrati officer. His tunic is tied at the waist by a belt with a decorative metal buckle. The scabbard with weapons pack is hung from a shoulder strap, as do all of the Spanish figures. The beautiful sinew hood and the pose make this my favorite Spaniard in the line. If you want to make your Spanish in Carthaginian service "Regular" and prefer all the same pose, then this is your man. RR71 Spanish Cavalry, spear underarm, bascinet helmet: Almost identical to RR61 but mounted. The exception is his flacata pommel, which is the fully enclosed "horse head" variety. The nice action pose would make this a nice light cavalryman. I recommend the small round shield for this and all the Spanish cavalry figures, since the large oval shield overpowers the figure, and hides the detailed work of the sculptor.

RR75 Spanish Cavalry, spear underarm, scale armour, crested bascinet helmet: A stunning piece of work, the crested helmet is unique, the scale armour is very well done and the scales lay naturally around the torso so that they can be painted as either leather or metal. The facial expression is one of stoic dignity and makes for a proud looking warrior. Both horses designed for the Spanish are a match in design and detail, though RR 75 looks better on the walking horse, and RR 71 works better on the running horse.

RR76 & RR78 Balearic Slingers: Both of these figures are similar in equipment except for their poses and swords. RR76 is advancing with his loaded sling held waist high, with a dagger side arm. RR78 is loading his sling and carries a Spanish sword in his scabbard. Both have the extra sling as a headband and are shieldless. The lack of shields can cause a problem in some army lists since most require your Balearics to be shielded. Still, you can mix them in with shielded figures (RR77 is a shielded Balearic) for a blend, and if you're not a total purist, that should work.

RR79 Libyan tribesman, throwing javelin: A real interesting looking character with his hair cropped short on top, while long in back. The facial features and expression gives the figure a personality all his own. His tunic is short sleeved and unbelted in Libyan style. He carries a short sword slung from a shoulder strap, and comes with a medium sized round shield. The nice action pose adds the final touch to this choice light infantryman.

RR82 Carthaginian spearman, advancing, linen armour, later Attic helmet, and RR83 same, later Thracian helmet: Both of these figures are the same except for the helmets and the fact the RR82 wears greaves. Both come with the hoplite shield and are advancing with the spear to be held in the overhand thrusting position. The linen cuirass is exceptionally well done and fits nicely over the tunic. The grim facial expressions along with the excellent detail makes these guys a must have. The only drawback is that the short sword side arm seems a bit too large, now with most figures this would not even bear mentioning, and is noted here only to prove that no one is perfect. As a side note either, or both of these figures would also make fine Hypaspists, so you Hellenes may want to take a look see too.

RR85 Carthaginian spearman, advancing, mail armour, Montefortinc helmet, round or scutum shield: Here you have your Libyan in captured Roman armour, or an Italian veteran. The slightly crouching stance and the underhand thrusting position makes this figure more prone to the scutum than the hoplite style shield, so since you have the choice, opt for the scutum here. A great figure if you like later Carthaginians. He could also double as an imitation legionary.

RR86 Carthaginian cavalryman , muscled cuirass, later Thracian helmet: I can hardly wait to get some paint on this one. The short muscled cavalry cuirass is subtly done, and the details aid proportions are top notch. The weapons hand is in a overhand throwing or stabbing position. He comes with a large hop1ite shield which fits nicely to his forearm. The helmet is a bit plain lacking a horsehair crest, but the facial expression aid the action pose makes for a fine looking Poeni noble.

RR87 Carthaginian cavalryman, linen cuirass, Thracian helmet: I esome from the top of his helmet to the tip of his sandaled feet. The figure would hold his spear, javelin, or standard in 'tin upright position, and since the shield comes separately he can be fielded either with or without such. The Thracian helmet is the Phrygian cap style and is beautifully done, as is the lien cuirass. These Carthaginians would have no problem riding into battle on the mounts supplied, as either choice of horse listed for them would be very dignified. Either of these horsemen would also be able to be fielded as Hellenistic, or Italian cavalry.

DRAWBACKS

Thus far I have been telling you how excellent these figures are, and even though the figures themselves are unparalleled, there are a few problems or potential problems that should be stated. First, and perhaps the biggest problem is one of price, for at $1.10 per figure and an additional $1.40 for each horse, we are talking top shelf pricing here. An army of all Wargames Foundry Spanish or Carthaginians, even with a volume discount will give many out there sticker shock. I do not know what the prices in England are like, but I assume that they are priced similarly on the high end. Tied into this is the problem of having to supply your own weapons.

In my opinion, at the above mentioned prices I would think the spears and javelins could be supplied, or at least offered as a weapons pack. Then, the idea of offering the shields separate from the figures, even though it offers some nice options regarding the Spanish and the cavalry, has some serious drawbacks. Gluing on shields, not only slows down the painting procedure, but it is very frustrating to do all that work, only to have large numbers pop loose in transport to games. The fact that on some figures the shields did not fit perfectly means that this is all too likely to occur. Heck, loosing spears is bad enough. I'm sure that the idea was to maximize the options available, but the line has so many choices, that may not have been a needed feature.

You also lose one of the distinctive features on the Spanish Caetrati since the leather straps that were attached to the shield had to be deleted so that all could double as Scutarii. I would also have liked to see a Hannibal figure, officers, and standard bearers, especially considering the excellence of the other figures. This line is still expanding and I hope that they rectify this shortly. You will also be well advised to be a bit careful with your pairing of mounts with riders, some combinations are slightly awkward.

CONCLUSION

My apologies to the other manufactures out there but even with the above mentioned glitches, these are THE BEST Spaniards and Carthaginians on the market, period. Even though a little pricey, these figures are "state of the art". Add the large selection available here to the previously released Republican Romans and Celts, and you could be painting for a long time to come. I would strongly recommend that if you are interested in either army, that you pick up at least a few as leaders. While an all Wargames Foundry army of either Spanish or Carthaginians, if adequately painted would be stunning. If well done, a work of art. No, a masterpiece!

These figures are available in the United States from Pendragon Miniatures 1549 Marview Drive, Westlake, Ohio 44145 (216) 871-4587. In England from "The Foundry" Mount St., New Basford, Nottingham NG7 7HX, 0602 792002.