Old Britains Crimean vs. New (1 Viewer)

[Dickbuttons]

In a separate thread, several forum members (including myself) asked how the older (1997-1999) Britains Crimean series compared to the new figures presently being produced. The best answer given was that the newer figures are more detailed than the older. But, when comparing size -- are they compatible? For example, here are photos of the Russian artillery from the Limited Edition set in 1997, and the artillery set produced now. But these are photos only. Does anyone have both, and can they share their thoughts on compatibility?

 

[Dickbuttons]

And here are photos of a 17h Lancer from 1999 and a 17th Lancer from today.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Not sure but the 17th Lancer first set was taken from the original lead moulds and the current lancer is a new sculpt. I think there would be a size difference as I have a "new" lead mould figure and also new scuplt figures and there is quite a difference in size.

 

[Dickbuttons]

Not sure but the 17th Lancer first set was taken from the original lead moulds and the current lancer is a new sculpt. I think there would be a size difference as I have a "new" lead mould figure and also new scuplt figures and there is quite a difference in size.

Any chance you could post a photo with a new mould figure and a scuplt figure side by side? thanks,
Dick

 

[thebritfarmer]

Here you go

The figures I refer to are (from left to right No2 and No4)

Both made this Century.

 

[Dickbuttons]

I see the differences in the horses -- do you think there is any difference in the infantry figures?

 

[thebritfarmer]

Do you mean the guys on horse back? or the standing firgures? I do know the rider from horse #4 doesn't fit on horse #1.

If you look behind the horses you will see the Lifeguard band figure. He is fairly recent and I think he is bigger than some of my early lead figures. I will check when I get home tonight.

 

[Dickbuttons]

Do you mean the guys on horse back? or the standing firgures? I do know the rider from horse #4 doesn't fit on horse #1.

If you look behind the horses you will see the Lifeguard band figure. He is fairly recent and I think he is bigger than some of my early lead figures. I will check when I get home tonight.

No I mean the standing figures , like the Russian infantry as depicted in the above photos of the two different artillery scenes-- I know that the cavalrymen wont fit on the smaller horse.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Ok with you now.

I would imagine they are about the same size as neither of them are taken from the old lead moulds.

 

[Dickbuttons]

Thanks. From looking at the photos -- the major differences I note are the different colors and height (or thickness) of the bases (the older ones are thicker) and the newer models have more detail.

Dick

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Dick,

If you look at this thread that The Lt posted he has a mix of the new and old Zulu figures and they seems to go well. Hopefully the same applies to the Russians

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/showpost.php?p=102155&postcount=36

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Hi There! I can tell you that I used a post war Waterloo British Infantryman standing in the 'Order Arms' position as the size and height guide, or standard when I started sculpting the Redcoats and Bluecoats figures. The Crimean and Indian Mutiny figures sculpted by Andrew are also very close to this size. The new horses created are much closer to real life correct proportions than the old hollow cast items however, and unless we do an Archive Set we will maintain the new standard.
We are working very hard to maintain the size and look standards in the new ranges since 1st Gear purchased W. Britain. And by my last count that included 84 figures in just the Redcoats/Bluecoats range alone, counting club and exclusive figures.
Hope this helps,
Ken Osen

 

[thebritfarmer]

Thanks very much for the info Ken.

Good to know and keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing the new items as they are released.


Scott

 

[Dickbuttons]

Hi There! I can tell you that I used a post war Waterloo British Infantryman standing in the 'Order Arms' position as the size and height guide, or standard when I started sculpting the Redcoats and Bluecoats figures. The Crimean and Indian Mutiny figures sculpted by Andrew are also very close to this size. The new horses created are much closer to real life correct proportions than the old hollow cast items however, and unless we do an Archive Set we will maintain the new standard.
We are working very hard to maintain the size and look standards in the new ranges since 1st Gear purchased W. Britain. And by my last count that included 84 figures in just the Redcoats/Bluecoats range alone, counting club and exclusive figures.
Hope this helps,
Ken Osen

Ken: Thanks for the information. For those of us who collected Britians 1997-1999 Charge of the Light Brigade series, what are the chances Britains will go to their archive collection and possibly make a few additional cavalry pieces to fill out the ranks, i.e., a bugler, a flag bearer, etc.

Dick

 

[Dickbuttons]

I finally purchased a set of the "newer" Britains crimean series ( set no. 43062 - Russian Artillery) to add to the older Britains crimean series from 1997-1999. The figures go together and are very close in size. No real noticeable differnces. The only differences are the newer Britains are more detailed and the coats are a shade different color. Nothing really dramatic. The only major difference is the differnt color of the bases -- the older sets had the light green, while the newer sets have a dark green.

 

[Dickbuttons]

The two photos are deceiving -- the colors of the coats are not as different as the photos might lead you to believe.

 

[Cardigan600]

Yo Troopers, Just got my first new Britains today the poor infamous Capt Nolan. Did say I wasn't going to buy any new Britains, but cannot have the Light Brigade Charge, without the guy would caused the Brigade to get wiped out, but the poor chap paid the ultimate price with his life. The horse is slightly larger than the rest of the Brigade but besides that its superb, take my hat off to the people involved with this piece, and the painter deserves a special mention. Then also got the 9th Lancers (Hollowcast) you there Britfarmer its a great set but try and get the drums in the holes on the drumhorse, not a chance in hell, its a good 1/8th of an inch out. How do your drums fit Brit, any closer than mine.
Bernard.

 

[Dickbuttons]

Yo Troopers, Just got my first new Britains today the poor infamous Capt Nolan. Did say I wasn't going to buy any new Britains, but cannot have the Light Brigade Charge, without the guy would caused the Brigade to get wiped out, but the poor chap paid the ultimate price with his life. The horse is slightly larger than the rest of the Brigade but besides that its superb, take my hat off to the people involved with this piece, and the painter deserves a special mention. Then also got the 9th Lancers (Hollowcast) you there Britfarmer its a great set but try and get the drums in the holes on the drumhorse, not a chance in hell, its a good 1/8th of an inch out. How do your drums fit Brit, any closer than mine.
Bernard.

Trooper Bernard -- any chance of you posting a photo of the new Captain Nolan along side one of the older Britains Charge horses. Also, did you turn the drum around on the 9th lancer -- sometimes it works.

Regards,
Dick

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Bernard

I did get the drums to fit. It took a little patience and some careful pressure as I didn't want to to snap the drums in half but I got it. I think I put one peg in the hole first and then wiggled the other side till it went in.

Hope that helps

Scott

 

[Cardigan600]

Yo Trooper Dick, no problem mate will send photo in the morning bit busy now on ebay looking at weiss auction, did try turning drums, they are shaped to go around drum major, so will only go on one way. Was going to try what Britfarmer did but bottled it lol, thought I might snap the drums.
Bernard.