Expeditionary Force Next Release Napoleonic French Peter Bergner pass along to me the latest press release of Expeditionary Force. Their next release is going to be Napoleonic French Fusiliers. Also Expeditionary Force has announce a price increase.
Expeditionary Force Next Release Napoleonic French The Press Release
Dear All,
Note we removed the prices as that is for dealers their wholsale prices.
It is our policy to keep prices stable for at least 18 months notwithstanding currency fluctuations and costs inflation during the intervening period and cap our increase to +/- 5% each time to avoid excessive deviation from underlying costs movements. Your kind understanding and support is most appreciated.
The next range to be released is the Napoleonic Wars range with the first 2 sets in production. There has been much complication in the production of this range due to the extensive troop types involved and the need to balance economic viability for the more limited but essential components such as drummers, buglers, sergeants and ensigns. Nonetheless, the problems have since been resolved and the sets will be released in a steady stream from late August onwards.
The following set is in production pending packing:-
54 FRN 01 Fusiliers (1 Sergeant + 8 Fusiliers in 5 body poses and multiple action arm poses to allow for two tactical postures: Advancing and Defending)
The sets should be available for shipping in a week or two’s time.
Cheers,
Scott
Expeditionary Force Next Release Napoleonic French My Thoughts
I feel these figures will be a welcome additions not only for Napoleonic Wars. The French could be used for Alamo. Many of the poses will be new to this period. Let’s us know your thoughts.
I got to get some of those, most of you can probably guess why.
British Marines look the best.
As i notice before here..
The soldiers are caring Bardin (new redesigned 1812 uniform simple cuts and less fancy from early period) ,same goes for hat(shako) plus new regimental short banner introduced in 1811-1812/ These uniform were been used in part by some troops already in field for the Russian 1812 invasion and Spaniard long campaign too but were not fully implement till 1813.
The figures-soldiers are wearing also field accurate more used trousers-pantalons that had been ignored by other makers . Because the simple less fancy later uniforms, many poses could be converted or used as Mexican or any South American army.
But noticed that the chest double sided bottom ornate coat was not used by most Mexican in Alamo unless officers.
These uniforms could,may and were used until the 1840’s.
In the other bad side the soldiers should not be used for any french Napoleonic period previews 1810/11 unless you can convert then or paint over better.
While they may have some use as Americans in the 1812/14 war w minor conversion
MY thoughts..
They are doing American war of 1812 Americans, so no need to convert.
The earlier French habit -veste will come at some point in the future, Exforce are starting with figures to do the later Waterloo campaign as it is the most widely known and also the American War of 1812 as it hasn’t been done before in plastic and is another enemy for the British to fight.
The American regulars will have the ‘tombstone’ shako and ’round about’ jackets. There will be Kentucky riflemen in fringed buckskin jackets , mounted and dismounted ,and at a later date Shawnee Indians. So plenty to look forward to
That sounds Great, can’t wait to see those. I expect they will try to touch every major period in history, only time will tell.
That’s right, it’s only going to be a matter of time and patience on the collectors behalf.
Scott has worked out a plan to create many more historical ranges and it will simply come down to money as to when they are all produced.
So the more we buy the quicker it will happen, I expect 🙂
Also some early British and late British infantry plus RM and French Dragons are announced in the future release page .You can see them here ..
http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/release.php
They remind me of Airfix sculpts. Nice poses and sculpting. I may have to get some of those into my Mexican armies.
Those double breasted buttons can easily be removed, they are not very prominent on all of the figures. The only bummer is the dreaded backpacks, however enough of the other manufacturers included backpacks too, so I can live with them. I don’t see any submachine guns or automatic rifles, so they will do.
In any case they look to be some nice figures and a welcome addition to whatever range you use them in.
I have impression back pack are removable as done separated mold ,like most HAT brand done.Aso recommended if want historical correct figures done as back pack ofte were drop/left before battle in rearguard field.
Im sure the breasted buttons can be sand off of or else by you Ed.
I think they will go very well as mexican in most ..the amount separated arms and body poses are great x plenty conversion ,now don not forget EXF are 60 mm scale and with these hat they may go a bit high too.Will be great see a sample side by side with other better known figures pictures x those looking at scale match .
best
The Napoleonic Range are going to be 54mm according to Scott at Exforce. Using their Zulu war figures as a guide I’d say actual size will be 54 -56mm so compatible with a few ranges, although it’s worth while waiting for5 an actual comparison pic.
Back packs, arms, heads and some equipment are separate pieces.
built in price increase with a new release,,,here we are told inflation is so low there is none practically
The price increase was announced some time ago ,so it’s not an increase specifically for this range but across all ranges.
Well, if the backpacks are optional all the better. I think they’ll blend in size wise as long as they are not too thick and they don’t look too thick. Thye are nice enough anyway, so worth the effort.
The back packs are separate but the shoulder straps are moulded on to the figure.
They will also be doing Voltigeurs/Grenadiers with the double cross belts and more head options, so you may find something more suitable for your Alamo setup.
I’ll buy some anyway, I’m a hard headed German and I think I can make them work. Besides they look good.
The Kentucky riflemen they are doing will fit in nicely with your Alamo setup in buckskins and beaver hats. Plus the 1812 Americans will have jackets suitable for the period, so changing the heads to ‘pork pie caps’ will get you some New Orleans Greys.
Cool I look forward to them, I have a customer looking for me to make him some NOGS.
They are a bit costly for conversions though. I guess I’ll just have to up my price a little.
Though I have admired this company, the prices have been a real turn-off for me. I came close to buying the ancients, but the thought of laying out 100’s of dollars for all the sets, and an amount I’d need to actually use for an acceptable set up discouraged me from jumping in. Then came the prices of all the other new stuff – especially the beautiful stuff from Russia. I realized that this was simply going to be the new normal for a specialized hobby like ours. But I still held back – until I saw that they were doing WW 2. I was ready to pull the trigger. But when the WW 2 figures came out, I knew they just wouldn’t work with my 54mm (or so) soldiers – and I’m not picky about that. So I still have abstained from EP. However, it looks (and sounds) like I’ll be diving in all the way with this new series, if the size is reasonably compatible.
They have a release date on Kentucky Riflemen and 1812 guys?
Ed,
No release date for the Kentucky riflemen yet, just keep a look out for the future announcement when the American War of 1812 sets start to come out sometime this year.
If the size is right I think I can swallow hard and pay the price for these. If nothing else perhaps I can mingle them with my HaT and Airfix figures to vary poses until I can collect enough to form separate formations on their own. I have always been a fan of their style of sculpting it’s just the cost and problems in scale of some of the sets were a turn-off for me. I DO hope these guys are a size that will mix well with my other figures – either Alamo Mexicans or Napoleonics.
One minor point – kneeling firing was not part of the Napoleonic French manual of arms (unusual in other nations, too) – except for skirmishers. So that pose is limited, but still of use.
Wayne. Sorry and with all respect please .But I have to disagree partially here as I did before when saw same comment.
There plenty infantry many manuals showed at books the kneeling pose was described and practiced from 1730 till 1810 for French ,1809 for Austrian ,1812 for Prussian and 1808 for Russian
The manuals clearly indicating kneeling firing poses was Indeed part of general infantry training .It was complete implement in all column formation firing after 10 step in mid hasty advance drill and when repulsing cavalry there were specifically train to form two or one row knelling and two standing with one retreating as other fire
Same was used in square formation against cavalry with first in kneeling position after firing staying in kneeling pointing long musket in up pose as to spear to stab horses as possible .
French used massively first when repulsing the Egyptian and Turks cavalry at battle of Pyramids,many others such Waterloo were British/Germans infantry used then massive in their square as well.
Now of course during advance or hasty advance of line and column was obvious not used and abolished by years manuals above indicated .However was complete kept in all light infantry manuals and regiments,sharpshooters and any infantry column when standing or square repelling cavalry well till after Crimea.
The Scottish used it in Crimea when taking hill in forward advance to give then less target as well when repelling the cavalry attacks in other actions during same war.
Square formation was not used only by Wellington in Waterloo,in fact two day before he used too at Quatre Bras.
And in many battles the were the French who used it first and plenty time as well .As Napoleonic battles and wars rage from 1797 till 1815 ,it let a big period of years(most) that were in training and used ..
The skirmish line formation act in entire regiment splits by semi- platoon of 20 men approx split in first 10 kneeling and second row of 10 in 5 passe back standing ,repeatedly in forward or retreat combat action .It could be varied of course in smaller groups generally or larger too.
As last like mention that it was practical recommended and used when attacking or approaching buildings or fortification as expose less your body while possible forcing the opposing shooter expose himself more .
The observation of AIRFIX ,ESCI and Britain artist was base in historical manual books from era .
That is why still been repeated by every single maker if toy soldier .
I had noticed some others mentioning it and I assume is a base in some books that had not deep study it and assume base in few paintings. While implemented in action constantly there is of course not way to be proved used at every battle ; yet it had been show in many paintings too and described by officers who use them at battles.
Some the tactic Manual had been already posted or and published in following books/links .
Beskrovniy – “Materials of Russian Military History”, Military Publishing House of The Armed Forces of the USSR, Moscow, 1947. Chapter 11. The War of Year 1812. The Manual For Infantry Officers
Muir – “Tactics and the Experience of Battle in the Age of Napoleon”
Nafziger – “Imperial Bayonets: Tactics of the Napoleonic Battery, Battalion and Brigade
as Found in Contemporary Regulations”.
Nosworthy – “With Musket, Cannon and Sword: Battle Tactics of Napoleon and His Enemies”
My thoughts.
Best ..
Erwin, I appreciate your comments. I was referring mainly to the French, which are the troops in question. I went through this discussion years ago on another forum when the question was brought up as to why there were no kneeling firing figures in HaT’s French Line Infantry sets. I did mention other armies, but was specifically talking about the French. At the same time remember, after having their clocks cleaned time and again by Napoleon they began altering their tactics to match the French.
My own instincts ( wrong, as it turned out) that with the weapons available at the time the optimum formation for maximizing firepower would have been to have four ranks with the front two firing (front kneeling and second rank standing) while the third and fourth rank were either at ready or reloading. I figured that would keep up a steady rate of almost constant fire making the enemy at least duck his head.
What I discovered in researching a paper on the Peninsular Campaign this was seldom – if ever – used. Wellington instead relied on the “Thin Red Line” of two ranks so all his troops could fire while French tactics called for deployment in three ranks – all standing and firing and reloading at the same time. This caused problems for the French as there were numerous instances of French Fusiliers in the front ranks having their thumbs shot off by the ranks behind them. Napoleon even suspected many of intentionally shooting their thumbs off to avoid further combat. I guess it was the early 19th Century equivalent of shooting oneself in the foot? Who knows?
There were several learned individuals who participated in the aforementioned discussion – some of whom wrote books used by many in their research. Amazing the folks you run in to on toy soldier forums over the years.
It was not my intention to cover every aspect of Napoleonic warfare; had I known my comments would be subject to peer review and I would be required to provide footnotes I might have written a longer comment – then again, I might have exercise more discretion and kept my trap shut.
Yes, the kneeling figures (as I said) would be of value in skirmishing and perhaps even a square (though the kneeling guys ideally would have their muskets with fixed bayonets pointed outward, buttstock anchored in the ground to ward off enemy cavalry – that is not to say that troops didn’t occasionally pop off a shot or two at the charging hordes. I know I would be sorely tempted.
I will stand by the gist of my first assertion that the French didn’t use kneeling firing pose (though I think they would have been better served if they had) – perhaps I shouldn’t have said “French Manual of Arms” as I had not read EVERY page of EVERY French Manual of Arms during the period. I do know that in my research in the last three decades on the subject I have discovered the pose wasn’t part of their normal tactics and that is why other companies such as HaT, who have done their research don’t include the pose in their LINE infantry (or Fusiliers) offerings. As far as the accuracy of Airfix and ESCI – sadly, I love those figures as they are the ones I “grew” up with – particularly in 1/72 scale, but they are not known for their accuracy in several areas I won’t go into here.
Look, we’ll just have to agree to disagree. Sorry I’ve run on so long. It’s really not that important. It’s YOUR Army, if you want them ALL to be kneeling swell. But based on my extensive research I’ll use the poses as skirmishers. Best.
Bottom line is these are some excellent figures and I’m tempted to swallow hard and spend on them. I’ll make use of the kneeling poses.
I understand your points Wayne.Thanks for responding .
yes i had seen those blogs but often some non cordial person jump and start going off hand were i really have to back up or else…
Generally those blogs are used my amateurs historians ,collectors ,readers,re enactors and others ,so it created a big dilemma write there.
Other uses links .
I rather look at books that described manuals or officer in campaign with tactics that were present and their memories from battles too.
From actual era direct extracted.
That is the first ever hand account from era to be use as proof in my opinion.
Unfortunately many so call modern writers just use or reuse what has ben wrote and make a self opinion conclusion creating new histories views by condensing paragraph from others .
Yes in peninsular war the british use the line more often also as terrain was in most occasion not quite plane and very hill or else .
Wile French as less trainer mass recruited soldiers compere to more professional well trained british/german allied often were easy manipulated by commanders in column formation or others.
Is plenty to talk and chat about not doubt.I would not use this blog x that as we could get here x hours off topic.
Thank you for your response and clarification of your views Sir
About kneeling
I will have plenty use x then in my case so far …
The kneeling not firing pointing up musket may be could be done using the extra arms from others as they come separated in the EXF.
About scale I will soon have few samples ship to me and will post pictures here next to more traditional well known scale to compare.
Any ways as i had seen Ed say and agree as far figure looks a bit taller but weapons or hands practical about same with minor difference scales could blend well.But if not there is an issue.
We can not or should not have two Charleville” muskets of different caliber in one platoon or with a 5-10 mm length difference as will looks very odd.
Because Napoleonic in 1.30 scale in plastic had been cover by few such Jecsan,Reamsa,PH ,Starlux and chinese made recently it would be hard to match more unless they follow it up now.
But then will disappoint those with traditional 1.32 scale were ESCI and some Airfix run in the 1/35 scale more or less already versus HAT,ITALERI ATA ,AIP and Britain.
So to really match scales had always been a nightmare as every body go up and down,never consistent
My thoughts.
I collect mainly Wild West cowboys and ACW, but I bought a set of Natal/Boer Volunteers to convert to Western figures. The horses with separate bases and saddles are some of my favorites and the figures are good quality, except the heads and faces weren’t that distinctive. Also bought a Naval landing party with Gatling guns to convert to ACW. Guns were decent. (I know some here think that Gatling guns aren’t really conventional for ACW, but check the scene in Josey Wales with the Union Gatling gun mounted inside the covered supply wagon.) The figures are easy to dissect because of the separate pieces that form the figures. I recommend buying direct from the Singapore company via website for best prices and low shipping. Delivery was less than two weeks on both orders.
Andy, with all these outstanding (but admittedly expensive) lines being released by Expeditionary Force, you may just have to bite the bullet and increase your collecting repetoire beyond the Civil War and the Wild West. I would recommend the ExForce Zulu War range, as a nice large but manageable time period. But if you want to start a move expansive third topic, you could start with these new Ex Force Napoleonics.
But remember, if you like Ex Force and do the Civil War, Ex Force early on in their debut released several American Civil War sets, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry, which were quite good.
The excellent Ex Force Greek/Persian line was also very extensive, and I noticed the Thracian and Greek Mercenary sets make excellent Trojans as add-ons to the LOD Trojan War line.
But Len Hardt was right: when you start on one of these ExForce lines, they are so extensive that you know it’s going to a few hundred dollars to complete the project and acquire the whole line. And I’m inclined to agree with Len’s comment that unfortunately these prices may soon become the “new normal”.
But there’s no denying that Ex Force makes quality plastic figures — good plastic, well-designed/sculpted, historically correct, and a full-range for each time period (infantry, artillery, cavalry, line and auxilliaries), always including the opponents as well. Other than the prices, it’s everything adult toy soldier collectors have been demanding. And now we know what the price tag is when a manufacturer satisfies those demands.
Hi Don. As Mom would have said “why do you need all this junk?!?!” LOL. After I win the lottery, my next venture beyond Wild West and ACW will probably be to replace my vintage Marx Alaska and Arctic Explorer, Jungle Jim, and Untouchables sets that were sacrificed for the wedding fund 4 years ago this September. I also sold a GREAT assortment of Linemar 54mm tin litho construction vehicles including several types of steam shovels in orange and gray and a battery operated bulldozer, as well as any other piece of power equipment imaginable, that I found here & there over 25 years. THEN, maybe more Xforce.
Best bet is direct and have then ship once all sets are ready so you save in both amount sets-ordered and shipping cost discount.As Andy mention shipping from Singapore or China as they often ship from China factory direct too is fast.
The price will increase every 6 month and or a years x every body as well shipping
Shipping cost is global issue and out of hand x any maker.While production is increase cost material every year.Unfortunately these are not run across border as many before and some still.
Yet South the border are become more aware of our interest in the past 10 years and demanding more as is logic and fare x them as well.
So far EXF is only making from 10 -16 sets per years in two wars thematics least and w exception of LOD ,not other is doing long run x long period time.
If we don not support it much longer i doubt many others will have stomach adventure unless a millionaire willing spend a lot .
Leaving all to real future of hobby (short run production) Once again started in commercial way by Replicants in 90s and still active today .
I understand sets are getting expensive but this hobby (particular toy soldiers collectors ,no gamers) are demanding and buying less every years.EXF focus much its production to gamers too but their prices i heard is hurting then too as they require much larger amount figures= (extracted from gamers two blogs i’m part of )
My thoughts
There is a bit limited option i MAY propose .This will and should be take in consideration.
I as seller/dealer just x sake of hobby can and could make better deal off large amount purchases .
Would several collectors unite and do a large purchase via shipped to one point convenience to most to drive and pick up it may resolve saving in long way.Yet has to be considered and though before as require your personal likes amounts and place where to be ship.
For instance x east north area Hackensack show would be a distribution point of sets once arrived,While Chicago x central.
Now this to help free of all.Yet i will not do such amount order with out money ahead as i have to paid in advance and this require a lot trust from each other of course.
At this moment i’m not in this disposition as personal business to resolve firs but could may be considered x those in hobby if is acceptable.
The way i see this hobby x me is way less business and more fellowship.
Yet i know i can be take w salt or abused by some not true collectors.And nothing personal direct to any in this forum please as i know all you guys are long trusted .
my thoughts..
Again just an idea and not present x now but could provide in future only on large bulk orders as that what Scott-EXF offer me and others dealers.
best..
Sounds like a great offer, Erwin. Get them wholesale and pass along the savings.
I hate to nitpick the ExForce Napoleonics so early, but, if I recall correctly, French Line Fusiliers were not allowed to grow mustaches, only Line Grenadiers and Voltigeurs were allowed that privilege.
The next set is the elite companies.
http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/54mm-Napoleonic-French/54-FRN-02-Grenadier
More cavalry and the French artillery have been added to the future releases page.
http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/release.php?osCsid=0a1ofiadtmqq2ighhn5cf71ok5
Set 54 FRN 03, French line infantry officers, is now available.
http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/54mm-Napoleonic-French/54-FRN-03-Line-Infantry-Officers-p-268.html
Just beautiful. I’m tempted to buy these – if only the officers to go with my other figures.
If I could afford to purchase every single one of the Expeditionary Force sets, I would immediately do so. They are all outstanding, and like Conte’s plastic releases when they came out, they’re are just about the pinnacle of plastic toy soldiers — today, about as good as Engineer Bassevich, but at half the price.
Expeditionary Force has released the French Cavalry. Dragoons, Lancers and Chasseurs. They offer a choice of Officer or Trumpeter.
http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/54mmnapoleonicfrench-c-9_47.html
XForce has posted new photos to the Future Releases page. More cavalry, French and British artillery, Highlanders, what appear to be US militia and command figures.
http://www.expeditionaryforce.com.sg/release.php?osCsid=9fs07onhk1m31o4lt76laaluh3
Yes interesting the U.S. milita will have to be on my purchase list.