Newsflash! New Figures in the Works!

Some Hessian mercenaries retreating during the Saratoga Campaign of 1777.

A new line of realistic, life-like 1/56th, or 32mm, figures with human proportions (in campaign dress as they actually appeared, no less) is in the works for the American War of Independence! The sculptor is -- Wait for it! -- the famous Richard Ansell, who has also done yeoman's work for Frank Hammond's Minden Miniatures among others.

You can view several photographs of Richard's greens in-progress by visiting the Hesse-Seewald blog, whose own Alte Fritz is heavily involved in the project. You can also click on Battleroad Games & Hobbies, to be transported directly to the website of the U.S.-based producer and distributor of these figures-to-be. Or, you can scroll down the page and look for the links to both at the bottom right of this page.

While the American Revolution is not exactly my period of interest, you cannot help but feel excited and inspired by these wonderful previews of the planned range. And hey, with any luck, maybe some Hessians or other German mercenary figures might come along soon that would be a good fit for an extra unit in the Grand Duchy of Stollen's growing army?

Comments

Steve-the-Wargamer said…

"mercenaries"....hmmm.... whilst strictly speaking accurate, a mite pejorative perhaps??? :o))

6:56 AM

Big Andy said…

I can see me buying some of those. Incidentally Mercenaries has only BECOME a perjorative in the modern world because of Les Affreus in the 60s and of course beciuse government don't one anyone but them to control the violence. Anyhow they are called PMC's now...

6:27 AM

Bloggerator said…

I don't want to be a wet blanket or start a fight with anyone, but isn't this ground pretty well covered in both breadth and quality by the Perrys?

Curious minds want to know...

Greg

3:36 AM

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said…

Yes, Greg, but to my eyes the hands, heads, and legs on many of the Perry's figures, nice as they are, are always a bit too large/fat. Now, that's just me, but the slimmer figures sculpted by Richard Ansell seem to be what many wargamers are looking for. Maybe Alte Fritz himself will weigh in here with additional explanation and rationale?

Best Regards,

Stokes

10:54 AM

Steve-the-Wargamer said…

Stokes is right - the Perry figures are also very "static" or un-animated to my eyes.. the marching infantry always look like they have piles.. :o))

12:23 PM

And We're Off!!!

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Warboss Green Bases. . .

I t's amazing how something as simple as applying two coats of Citadel 'Warboss Green' (ex-Games Workshop 'Goblin Green') can enliven a unit of figures and get 'em that much closer to glossing and completion. In much the same way that applying fleshtone early in painting process helps bring the figures to life. Just some limited dry-brushing to bring out the manes, tails, and some equine musculature, and I'm calling my version of Saxony's von Polenz Cuirassiers, circa 1733, done and dusted. Longtime visitors to the Grand Duchy of Stollen might recall (the blog will turn 19 years old in September) that I generally go for an old school approach when it comes to unit bases and paint them a nice, bright green. Exceptions include command vignettes, skirmishers of one kind or another, transport, camp followers, and various other civilian one-offs. The approach is not to everyone's taste, but I like the cheery toy soldier appearance once everything...

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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