How to Collect British Napoleonic Figures
Step One: Choosing a Scale
Nov 5, 2008 Joseph Allen McCullough
Size vs Scale
Napoleonic figures are normally divided into categories based on the size of an individual figure. There are two ways of writing size: either in millimetres (such as 15mm) or as a modelling scale (such as 1/72). In general, figures listed in millimetres are made of metal and intended for wargaming. Figures listed with a modelling scale are normally in plastic and can be either intended for wargaming or for modelling. It is worth noting that, in general, figures measured in millimetres do not conform to human proportions and tend to have exaggerated features including big hands, slightly large heads, and large guns. These make figures easier to paint and detail easier to see. Figures with a modelling scale are usually depicted in normal human proportions. These days there are numerous sizes and scales available, the most common of which are listed below.
Choosing a Figure Size
15mm Napoleonic Figures
Although there are Napoleonic figures smaller than 15mm, these are so small as to be left for specialists. For most people, 15mm is the smallest of the common figure sizes. These tiny figures which are always in metal are great for anyone who wants to create a vast army with lots of different units. Although they are very small, they can be painted easily because the detail of individual figures matters less than the appearance of the unit as a whole. Normally figures of this size are based in small units of four, six, or more figures on little rectangles of wood.
1/72 Napoleonic Figures
1/72 scale means that the average 6 foot man scales down to exactly one inch tall, or, approximately 25mm. Thus these figures stand significantly taller than 15mm. Collectors of 1/72 miniatures claim two major advantages to this scale. First the figures are correctly proportioned, and thus more ‘realistic’ looking and two, they are cheap. Since 1/72 figures are universally made in plastic, they cost significantly less than their metal counterparts, and a large army of figures can be assembled cheaply. However, it should be noted that plastic has its drawbacks. First it is harder to paint. Plastic does not hold paint as well as metal, and because plastic figures can bend easier, the paint is always in danger of chipping off.
25mm and 28mm Napoleonic Figures
25/28mm figures are by far the most common used by wargamers, and the list of manufactures who cater to this size is extensive. For that reason alone, it is worth considering. The reason this size is written as 25/28 is because of a concept known as ‘scale creep’. Basically, years ago, most metal wargaming figures were 25mm high, however, over the years as manufacturers tried to add more and more detail to their figures, the figures got slightly larger. Most of today’s 28mm figures are significantly larger than the 25mm figures of several decades ago. Confusingly the sizes 25mm and 28mm are often used interchangeably. Although in height these figures are only slightly bigger than 1/72 figures, they are very different in appearance. 28mm figures are much, much broader than their 1/72 cousins. Infact, 28mm figures probably look more like ‘toy soldiers’ than they do accurate representations of human anatomy.
That said, many of these metal figurines are little works of art cast in metal. They paint up beautifully and have a satisfying heft. They can be mounted on bases with other figures to form little blocks or they can be based individually.
54mm and 1/35 Scale Napoleonic Figures
Long ago, toy soldiers were universally made at about 54mm in height. Today figures of this size can still be purchased. Usually they are available in metal, and, unlike any of the other figures mentioned they often come painted. However, these figures tend to be very expensive and the paint jobs are not as good as can be achieved by anyone with just a bit of practice. They are also so big that to play wargames with them requires a huge amount of space. That said, they still appeal to a certain nostalgia and remain available. Compared to other figures listed by size, 54mm figures tend to be closer to human proportions. 1/35 Scale figures are also about 54mm in height, however they are proportionate. They tend to be available as plastic kits which must be assembled.
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