After about four years of building my American Civil War armies, I would like to comment on one manufacturer that I've been very pleased with: Empire Miniatures.
While I started my figure collection with Stone Mountain and Minifigs, I eventually came across some of Empire's figures in a local hobby store. I was immediately impressed and have been so pleased that I've started a Napoleonic collection exclusively with Empire miniatures.
Empire, formerly known as Heritage, has been distributing their line of ACW "Confederettes" for a good number of years. Infantry and cavalry currently cost $4.98 for 24 and 9 figures respectively. Artillery are a little more expensive, $5.98 for 6 guns. While not inexpensive, I do feel these are not badly over-priced for the quality of miniatures involved.
From a positive perspective, these figures are well proportioned. Extremities are neither too long or too short and the head, rifle and equipment are in proportion to the rest of the body. Although the quantity of poses is not as extensive as what Stone Mountain offers, Empire does have a sufficient selection which includes some attractive dismounted cavalry, artillery crews and CSA militia. I particularly like the gun castings and the mounted general reading a map. The artillery range includes seven types, from 12 pound Napoleons to 24 pound howitzers.
Each casting looks as though it is in battle, with enough detail to satisfy the average to above average painter. The skilled painter might prefer a few more uniform wrinkles and folds, but will be pleased to find that faces do exist and can support a little detail. Each casting also reflects a consistently high level of strength. I've experienced no breakages and have found the bayonets, flags and swords to be quite durable.
Of all the Empire miniatures I've acquired, I have found them to require a very minimal amount of preparation time prior to painting. Only rarely have I found even a small amount of flashing on these figures.
Unlike Minifigs, Stone Mountain and a few others, these figures are truly 15mm tall. Although they may appear to be smaller than most other brands of figures, any height differences are quickly lost when miniatures are out on the wargame table.
In order to try and maintain some degree of objectivity, I would like to highlight those weaknesses which I feel are most prevalent. First and most significant is the availability issue. For some reason there appears to be a consistent level of frustration being experienced by individuals and retail, shops in trying to acquire and stock these figures. I tried to discuss this problem with an Empire representative at a local convention, but this individual claimed that orders are being addressed promptly and unusual availability problems do not e x is t . Personally, I had nothing but frustration until I started ordering directly from Empire in Arlington, Texas. While I've placed no large orders, I have been experiencing a two to three week turn around time on my orders. This appears to be the most dependable route for obtaining these figures, and I hope your experiences parallel mine.
My remaining concerns are much less significant in nature. Those who enjoy the flexibility of painting the cavalry horses and riders separately will be disappointed to find that the cavalry are cast as one figure. This is also true of the standard bearers as each comes only with a cast flag that would have to be carefully removed if a paper decal flag were desired.
The cavalry figures look quite nice, and each pack contains a variety of poses (sword, pistol and carbine). To obtain a group of figures of just one pose would require a special order directly from Empire.
While the current variety of all figures is good, this does not appear to be a line that Empire is supporting with new releases. There have been some new additions, but not on a real frequent basis. This is a disappointment as other figure manufacturers have shown some innovative ideas in this period. I obviously rate Empire's Confederettes series high. These are quality figures and despite some limitations, can be used to build a very complete and attractive Civil. War wargaming collection.
EDITOR'S NOTE: I have some Empire figures in my Confederate army (of course, they were known as 'Heritage Figures' back then) and find that they are, for the most part, totally compatible as units when viewed alongside my Freikorps or Stone, Mountain units. If you combine the Empire castings in the same unit with either of the other two companies' figures, they appear to be a bit smaller. The address of Empire Miniatures is: 806 E. Abram St. , Suite 439 / Arlington, TX 76010
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