Originally Published on the Spanner and the Yank Web Site. Used by permission.

AB French Napoleonic Infantry

I don't have many French figures and no infantry at all as the armies I am building are from different countries. So it's great to have someone like Mike cover these trouble makers for me. ;-)

AB French Line Grenadier, Marching, 1798-06 (F2)

There appear to be only two poses for this figure and I'm not hot on one of them. Note three of the painted figs in the picture (couldn't locate unpainted ones) are the same; and they uncomfortably remind me of Popeye. The other picky peeve is Tony's beefed up the mustaches which are certainly appropriate for grenadiers. But the loop up across the face is pronounced and limits the ability to vary expressions. It's reminiscent of Foundry.

The figures are a standard 18mm from foot to eye-level and perhaps, due to the poses, appear a wee bit taller than their fusilier counterparts, a plus of course. I'd rate the figs with an "8".

On the left is the French officer in bicorne and on the right the grenadiers.

Mounted Officer, bicorne- (F17)

I like this figure. It has a calm demeanor, with the officer's hands lightly gripping the reins. The face can be painted several ways- somewhat reflective and quizzical. I selected an H1 horse, walking, which is one of my favorite Barton mounts for its utility and it pairs up nicely with the figure. I rate the officer a "9" and the horse a "9".

AB French Line in Greatcoats, 1798-06 (F3)

These are delightful figures to paint. There were four variants in the order I received from Eureka. The detail is crisp and each face is unique. I particularly like the one at the far left and there is another with a pug nose that looks as if he could lose some weight. Measuring in at 18mm from foot to eyes, they blend in well with the rest of the range.

The greatcoats have nice folds that can be accented and needless to say, they can be painted at greater speed. Depending on the pose, I'd rate these "8" to "9". The only cautionary note is in respect to the dates given. The painted samples shown here were done for the 1798-99 campaign in Switzerland. The accoutrement really doesn't lend itself well to this period, but can be made acceptable, if not entirely authentic. The figures more accurately depict the years from 1803-1807.

AB French Line Fusiliers, shako, advancing IF1a

These fusiliers, much like the AB Austrian line reviewed, are winners. Give me a good line figure any day, as they are the bread-and-butter figs for building a French army c.1807-1815. You'll be painting these again, and again and.... you'd better like'em!

Measuring in at the standard 18mm foot to eye-level, I received four variations in my last order and I believe there are several more. The faces allow for a variety of expressions and can be painted to show grit or fear. Barton has intelligently positioned the musket at an angle that is realistic but not so far extended as to make potential breakage a concern. (This hasn't been a problem for me, but I do know some people collect solely "march attack " figs over this issue.) \

The only negative is the detail in the chest area. It was not as crisp as that normally associated with AB's. It's hard to tell if it is the master or a sub-par batch, but the latter would be rare indeed for Eureka Miniatures. That said, the overall detail is fine -- and needs to be -- considering the cordons, equipment and animated pose. I would rate these "8" and would have put them at 8.5 had it not been for the latter issue.

Your basic French grunt, advancing.

Good Gaming!

Mike MacGillivray