Some time in the fall of 2004 I placed an order for a large (for me) number of AB Napoleonic figures. On a bit of a whim I ordered some sample figures from the Crimena War range as well. Like many others, these figures are “tweeners” - being neither 15s nor 20s but, rather, 18s. As such they compare in size to the AB and Fantassin Napoleonics and other similar figures.

That said, they are gorgeous. Eureka are fast becoming one of the most exciting miniatures companies out there. First of all, the figures are immaculately cast. Mold lines are barely noticeable if at all. Flash is very minor and quickly dealt with. “Oh sure,” you say “manufacturer’s samples would be wouldn’t they?” I’d be inclined to agree with you if I hadn’t also purchased hundreds of other figures cast by Eureka with exactly similar quality. One quibble with the infantry: the bayonets are extremely thin and likely to suffer over time. (It is highly likely I’ll get to painting these some day, in which case I will post pics of the painted figures then).

The Russians

300CMW 051 Russian Infantry in greatcoat and helmet, at the ready

This figure comes in three variants. While the variations are relatively small, I think they give units that “true-to-life” look. I’ve never been a fan of units comprised of a single pose. The anatomy on the figures is very good. While all three seem to have slightly shortened upper arms, the difference is very small, and will certainly never be noticed on the game table. The facial features are well done and, in fact, the overall level of detail is excellent. I particularly like the detail contrast - just enough to be seen, but not so great as to make one think their cross-straps are two inches thick.

The same excellent sculpting is seen in the helmet detail, rifle, and scabbard. I only wish I had thought to order more interesting samples than men in greatcoats!

300CMW 067 Russian Lancer Charging

There are three variants to this pack, I ordered two. The lancers had slightly more flash around the lances but overall flash was still very minor. I was surprised to see that these are single piece castings, as other cavalry in the Eureka range I’ve seen are separate horse and rider. The horses are very good, with strong anatomy, and animated poses. There’s no mistaking that these are charging troopers! The level of detail and contrast is again excellent. I like the use of inscribed lines for details on the scabbard, lance and some equipment. I find this a bit harder to paint as there is no raised surface to guide the brush, but the end results are better (even for a mediocre painter like me).

Amazingly, on both castings the mold line runs through the face, but is invisible anyway!

The Turks

300CMW 140 Turkish Infantry Advancing

Like their Russian counterparts, these come in three variants - I ordered two. These sculpts are not quite as strong as the Russians. The arms seem disconnected from the torso, and some of the proportions are a bit off. I also find the pose of the figure in the short coat a bit awkward. However we again have outstanding facial details (I’m sure Nic’ll cry when I paint them), uniform and equipment detail, and a good sense of how to use contrast to best advantage.

I admit my quibbles are like complaining about a lousy frame on the Mona Lisa, but, hey, that’s my job. I still wouldn’t kick them out of bed for eating crackers.

The British

300CMW 01 17th Lancer, Charging

Yes, the 17th are part of the “Light Brigade.” Again, these come in three variants of which I was supplied two. My first thought was that these two figures are not from the same unit. The first is still moving slowly, gathering itself for the final gallop. The second is speeding toward the enemy. Looking at the picture from the Eureka site, the third seems ready to crash into the enemy line. I’m not sure I’d like using all these in the same unit, and ordering by pose might be problematic.

On the other hand, they’re very well done figures. Energetic without being overdone, they look impressive even in bare metal. The detail is very strong, especially the faces and horse furniture. The mold lines are so small I had trouble finding them! The only shortcoming I can see are the horses’ noses are a bit obscured by the tack. One other quibble, strictly personal: I hate horses with tufts of grass sued to support the hooves and usually snip them off. In this case I fear the figure would be too delicate and would probably leave them intact.

300CMW 014 93rd Highlander, At the Ready

These come in the two variants shown. Not only are the poses different but there are even variations in the equipment. A nice touch. These are excellent figures. The anatomy is spot on, the faces and detail are wonderful, and the poses solid and realistic. The bayonets are very delicate, but otherwise the figures are outstanding.

300CMW 20 Sir Colin Campbell (Mounted)

This is a really interesting figure. The extravagant uniform concedes nothing to the Napoleonic period! Once again a beautiful cast - I could barely find the mold line, even upon close examination. The figure detail is exceptional and the face is one of the best I’ve seen in this scale. The sword is very thin, and the horse’s nose could be stronger, but otherwise the kind of figure that makes you want an army to put him in front of!

The French

300CMW 100 Chasseur d’Afrique, charging

These are again one-piece sculpts. Of the samples, these seem to be the crudest. Some of the detail is not as subtle as on the others, and there are a few rough spots here and there. For example, on the trooper with raised sword, there is a large piece of flash from left hand to reins that will require careful removal.  On the same rider, the right arm joins at the horse’s head and will need special care to make this look good. The other horse’s pose doe snot look natural to me, but stilted and disjointed. The front legs don’t seem to match the rear. Also, the detail on both horse heads is only mediocre - the eyes and forelocks especially. As a result I think these are only slightly better than average figures.

In sum, my pocket book is very glad I have no interest in the period, otherwise I would be in real trouble.....

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