Having received my first figure from Empire MM (Belgian 10th line infantry advancing at the trail) here are my thoughts, I'd be interested in what others think-
Pose:
Good representation of ‘Advancing at the Trail’ very natural in movement.
Proportions:
• Anatomical-
Anatomical features are in proportion to the eye, figure suggests a young soldier.
• Equipment/weapons-
These are relative to the figure and correct.
Sculpt:
Nice clean sculpt, good detailing present.
Casting detail:
Clean casting, no obvious seam lines present, no loss of sculpt detail seen.
Painting & detailing:
Good quality painting, sculpt detailing picked out nicely, appropriate shading/shadowing of uniform creases suggesting movement, nice skin tones. Thoughtful application of weathering on boots & lower coat, not over stated.
Figure base:
Base size balanced to figure providing good stability. The application of grass flocking does not appear to be as well done as seen in stock photographs.
Scale:
Packaging states 1/32nd, visual comparison of the miniature with an Andrea Miniatures 1/32nd figure and with 1/30th miniatures by William Britain, John Jenkins Designs, Kronprinz and First Legion would suggest the scale is 1/30th . Proportionally the figure matches perfectly with First Legion and almost with William Britain, it is similar in height to John Jenkins Designs, however it is slimmer. Collectors who mix figures from various manufactures could easily utilise Empire Military Miniatures alongside First Legion & William Britain.
Packaging:
First class sturdy packaging, distinctive branding and colouring, good quality foam insert snuggly fitted to figure outline.
Box Art/information:
Clean lines, clear branding and information on box end.
Overall evaluation with similar price range/style of miniatures in my collection:
The figure stands equal to William Britain & John Jenkins Designs in sculpt, casting, painting and detailing.
The same is applicable for some of the newer Kronprinz figures in some respects although older Kronprinz figures in my collection do exhibit casting issues e.g. pitting & loss of detail and poor paint application.
Overall value for money:
Excellent value for money, I look forward to adding further figures to my collection.
Advertised Scale:
This may be the single most important factor deterring potential collectors who purchase via the internet and who don’t have the opportunity to see the figures in person beforehand such as me. Many will be collecting figures stated as 1/30th (discounting the King & Country and Thomas Gunn interpretation of 1/30th ) and will not consider anything advertised at 1/32nd. Interestingly I have a few Russian figures stated as 1/32nd and they are actually 1/30th.
It may be worth considering adding a size comparison page to the website to enable collectors to do a visual comparison with figures from other manufacturers.
Brian
Pose:
Good representation of ‘Advancing at the Trail’ very natural in movement.
Proportions:
• Anatomical-
Anatomical features are in proportion to the eye, figure suggests a young soldier.
• Equipment/weapons-
These are relative to the figure and correct.
Sculpt:
Nice clean sculpt, good detailing present.
Casting detail:
Clean casting, no obvious seam lines present, no loss of sculpt detail seen.
Painting & detailing:
Good quality painting, sculpt detailing picked out nicely, appropriate shading/shadowing of uniform creases suggesting movement, nice skin tones. Thoughtful application of weathering on boots & lower coat, not over stated.
Figure base:
Base size balanced to figure providing good stability. The application of grass flocking does not appear to be as well done as seen in stock photographs.
Scale:
Packaging states 1/32nd, visual comparison of the miniature with an Andrea Miniatures 1/32nd figure and with 1/30th miniatures by William Britain, John Jenkins Designs, Kronprinz and First Legion would suggest the scale is 1/30th . Proportionally the figure matches perfectly with First Legion and almost with William Britain, it is similar in height to John Jenkins Designs, however it is slimmer. Collectors who mix figures from various manufactures could easily utilise Empire Military Miniatures alongside First Legion & William Britain.
Packaging:
First class sturdy packaging, distinctive branding and colouring, good quality foam insert snuggly fitted to figure outline.
Box Art/information:
Clean lines, clear branding and information on box end.
Overall evaluation with similar price range/style of miniatures in my collection:
The figure stands equal to William Britain & John Jenkins Designs in sculpt, casting, painting and detailing.
The same is applicable for some of the newer Kronprinz figures in some respects although older Kronprinz figures in my collection do exhibit casting issues e.g. pitting & loss of detail and poor paint application.
Overall value for money:
Excellent value for money, I look forward to adding further figures to my collection.
Advertised Scale:
This may be the single most important factor deterring potential collectors who purchase via the internet and who don’t have the opportunity to see the figures in person beforehand such as me. Many will be collecting figures stated as 1/30th (discounting the King & Country and Thomas Gunn interpretation of 1/30th ) and will not consider anything advertised at 1/32nd. Interestingly I have a few Russian figures stated as 1/32nd and they are actually 1/30th.
It may be worth considering adding a size comparison page to the website to enable collectors to do a visual comparison with figures from other manufacturers.
Brian
