Spitfrnd
Banned
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2008
- Messages
- 6,923
I just received my first set of First Legion 12th Light Dragoons and thought I would pass on my impressions. I was most impressed by the form of the review done by Frank for the FL Stug so I thought I would follow the same pattern. I will warn you that my photography skills are not to his level which is a pity since these figures need to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Packaging
The packing for these figures is virtually the same foam lined boxing used for all FL Napoleonic figures. The figures are secured in a layer of foam cut snugly to their shape to keep them in place with cutouts to allow movement without friction for the more fragile parts like swords. All 4 of mine arrive without any damage except some minor sword bends that were easily straightened. I must say while it is good to have secure packaging, it should be noted that in the case you do have damage, FL is excellent about quickly replacing any with such issues.
Initial Impressions
Honestly while I have quite a small army of FL Napoleonics by now, I was pretty much blown away by these lads and their mounts. My first thought was Connoisseur level and I haven’t changed my mind in the least. These are truly impressive.
Accuracy and Detail
As Frank noted, I expect FL figures to be painstakingly accurate at this point and certainly this release is right on the mark. The uniforms, weapons, emblems, tack and human and equine coloring and features are quite correctly rendered. The pattern 1796 saber is nicely rendered with the correct shape of guard and the buttons and ribbons on the uniforms are just right and amazingly detailed. Notice the detail on the double reins and bit attachments, bridle buckles, horses’ manes and facial structure, human eyes and facial structure. The horses all have different and quite realistic expressions, virtually non existant in this scale. You just don’t see detail like this often in this scale. Of course, figures of this scale are not intended to be viewed at this zoom level but you can see for your self how well these stand up to that degree of scrutiny. For my taste, the cropping of the tails is a bit overly done for this time frame but there are conflicting observations on that. Besides, if it bothers you, it seems quite easy to fix with an extension.
Colors
The uniform and horse colors are excellent and I would judge most correct. The facial colors are a bit on the bright side for me but relatively speaking they are still quite nicely done. The shading nicely simulates some wear appropriate to campaign uniforms. The horse coloring is particular nice and appropriate, including the variation in white on the faces and ankles (socks).
Poses
The poses are reasonably varied and quite suitable for FL’s intended representation of a unit advancing or preparing to advance behind the lines. The officer and sergeant are a bonus however since they are equally at home in a combat role. Note how well they look engaged in combat against some Cuirassiers. I would have preferred another combat capable pose or two for the enlisted men but that is a matter of taste and again, if it bothers me, I will simply change a few to suit.
Scale
As expected, these figures fit perfectly with the other FL Napoleonic figures and are just about right on 1/30 scale. The blade length of a pattern 1796 saber should be 33 inches and these measured 27.45 mm which is equivalent to 32.42 inches at 1/30 and within 2% of the real value. Similarly, the soldiers measured about 58.7 mm which would translate into slightly more than 5 ft, 9 in soldier at 1/30. The horses measured about 50 mm to the top of the hind quarters, which are generally 1 to 2 inches lower than the withers used for horse height. This would yield a 15.2 to 16.2 hand horse, which is quite appropriate for a light cavalry horse of the period.
Conclusion
I am thrilled with this release. It is by far and away the best release of Napoleonic cavalry I have seen and makes me want to see many more from FL, British and French as a priority please.
My only real regret is that the release was not larger since I don’t think I can stop at 4. If you like Napoleonic cavalry, you really need these. I think the value for the price is unbeatable in what I have seen available at this scale.
Packaging
The packing for these figures is virtually the same foam lined boxing used for all FL Napoleonic figures. The figures are secured in a layer of foam cut snugly to their shape to keep them in place with cutouts to allow movement without friction for the more fragile parts like swords. All 4 of mine arrive without any damage except some minor sword bends that were easily straightened. I must say while it is good to have secure packaging, it should be noted that in the case you do have damage, FL is excellent about quickly replacing any with such issues.
Initial Impressions
Honestly while I have quite a small army of FL Napoleonics by now, I was pretty much blown away by these lads and their mounts. My first thought was Connoisseur level and I haven’t changed my mind in the least. These are truly impressive.
Accuracy and Detail
As Frank noted, I expect FL figures to be painstakingly accurate at this point and certainly this release is right on the mark. The uniforms, weapons, emblems, tack and human and equine coloring and features are quite correctly rendered. The pattern 1796 saber is nicely rendered with the correct shape of guard and the buttons and ribbons on the uniforms are just right and amazingly detailed. Notice the detail on the double reins and bit attachments, bridle buckles, horses’ manes and facial structure, human eyes and facial structure. The horses all have different and quite realistic expressions, virtually non existant in this scale. You just don’t see detail like this often in this scale. Of course, figures of this scale are not intended to be viewed at this zoom level but you can see for your self how well these stand up to that degree of scrutiny. For my taste, the cropping of the tails is a bit overly done for this time frame but there are conflicting observations on that. Besides, if it bothers you, it seems quite easy to fix with an extension.
Colors
The uniform and horse colors are excellent and I would judge most correct. The facial colors are a bit on the bright side for me but relatively speaking they are still quite nicely done. The shading nicely simulates some wear appropriate to campaign uniforms. The horse coloring is particular nice and appropriate, including the variation in white on the faces and ankles (socks).
Poses
The poses are reasonably varied and quite suitable for FL’s intended representation of a unit advancing or preparing to advance behind the lines. The officer and sergeant are a bonus however since they are equally at home in a combat role. Note how well they look engaged in combat against some Cuirassiers. I would have preferred another combat capable pose or two for the enlisted men but that is a matter of taste and again, if it bothers me, I will simply change a few to suit.
Scale
As expected, these figures fit perfectly with the other FL Napoleonic figures and are just about right on 1/30 scale. The blade length of a pattern 1796 saber should be 33 inches and these measured 27.45 mm which is equivalent to 32.42 inches at 1/30 and within 2% of the real value. Similarly, the soldiers measured about 58.7 mm which would translate into slightly more than 5 ft, 9 in soldier at 1/30. The horses measured about 50 mm to the top of the hind quarters, which are generally 1 to 2 inches lower than the withers used for horse height. This would yield a 15.2 to 16.2 hand horse, which is quite appropriate for a light cavalry horse of the period.
Conclusion
I am thrilled with this release. It is by far and away the best release of Napoleonic cavalry I have seen and makes me want to see many more from FL, British and French as a priority please.
My only real regret is that the release was not larger since I don’t think I can stop at 4. If you like Napoleonic cavalry, you really need these. I think the value for the price is unbeatable in what I have seen available at this scale. 
