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

The Polish and Dutch Lancers of the Guard are among the most famous units in the annals of Napoleonic warfare. So these new releases are a welcomed addition to the AB line. They are among the finest Tony Barton has produced to date and all are rated 10's. Finding research and uniform information is exceedingly easy.

I received trooper, officer and trumpeter in my last order from Eureka Miniatures. Unfortunately, I don't have the figure numbers in my catalogue, but whether you're ordering from Michael or Nic, I'm sure they'll be able to take care of you. To my knowledge there is no guidon bearer available, which is unfortunate. The first impression was how easy it is to discern detail on these figures. There are two reasons:

(1) They are large. Measuring 18mm from foot to eye-level while seated in the saddle, these figures standing would probably weigh in at 20mm.

(2) They appear a little more stocky than other AB's, yet are perfectly proportioned.

Officer, trumpeter and trooper

The larger size obviously provides Tony Barton with a larger canvas on which to sculpt and increases the collector's ability to 'see' the figures on the gaming table (a gripe I've had with 15mm's). The downside is their appearance is somewhat larger than other AB's in the range and, of more concern, they are too large for their mounts (see our critique of AB in the "Rants" section). I have asked Tony (through Nic Robson) to please produce horses proportional to these larger figures. We'll let you know when and if a reply comes. The horses pictured don't look bad as they are among the largest AB produces, and as such, are passable (H1 variations). I welcome the larger sized figures as it amplifies Tony's skill, but the issue of how they fit in with previous AB releases remains one that has been left unaddressed.

The czapska's rising sun plate is a wonderful piece of detail, bearing a very legible "N". They are portrayed in service dress and paint up very nicely. Figure animation is not a strong suite for the Lancers. But I like the fact. I prefer a good match between those in a given unit, and these are well matched. They appear to be waiting in reserve vs. galloping -- like everyone else -- across the field. The positioning of the officer's left hand on his valise for balance is a subtle, nice touch.

A painted example of a trooper (See what Mike means by "colourful"?).

Were it not for the size issue, I'd suggest painting regiments of Polish or Red Lancers will be among the real treats for those collecting AB's. They augment a hole in the Imperial Guard Cavalry that needed to be filled. I plan to add a regiment to my French force in the near future. They're just too colorful to pass up.

Good Gaming!

Mike