Expeditionary Forces British at East Pacific, we have the latest from Scott of Expeditionary Forces. He is giving a look at the British forces in the East Pacific.
Expeditionary Forces British at East Pacific
Greetings from Singapore!
Very pleased to inform you of the launching of three new sets for the “54mm WW2 Pacific War” range as follows:-
54mm Pacific War British at the Far East :
54 BFE 01 Rifles Assault Section (MkIII Turtle Helmets)
54 AST 01 Australian Infantry Attacking (Slouch Hats)
54 IND 01 Indian Infantry Attacking (Indian Sikh Turbans)
All models are supplied unpainted.
54 BFE 01 Rifles Assault Section (Mk III Turtle Helmets)
The set contains 9 model soldiers comprising of 1 section leader, 1 light machine gunner, and 7 infantrymen.
The MKIII helmet is a redesigned pattern more suited for WW2 prone combat with the front higher and rears extended as compared to the Brodie helmet which is more suited for WW1 trench combat.
The BFE series are as follows:-
BFE 01 Rifles Assault Section (MkIII Turtle Helmets, netted)
BFE 02 Rifles Defense Section (MkII Brodie Helmets, netted)
BFE 03 Machine-Gun Section (Turtle Plain Helmets)
BFE 04 Mortar Section (Brodie Plain Helmets)
BFE 05 HQ Section, including support weapons. (Berets and Bonnets)
Australian Forces
54 AST 01 Australian Infantry Attacking (Slouch Hats)
The set contains 9 model soldiers comprising of 1 section leader, 1 light machine gunner, and 7 infantrymen. The weapons are the Thompson sub-machine gun, the Owen sub-machine gun, the Sten gun, the Bren light machine gun, and SMLE rifles with bayonets. Except for the headwear and the Owen gun, the models are the same as that of the 54 BFE 01 box-set. We design this set as an option for those collectors who wish to recreate the battles of the Australians and similarly dressed troops on Far East battlefields. The main series of the range is that of the British Troops. Detached machete is provided as spare parts in the sets for enhanced assembly with glue.
The AST series are as follows:-
AST 01 Infantry Attacking
AST 02 Infantry on Defence
AST 03 Machine-Gun Section
AST 04 Mortar Section
AST 05 HQ Section, include support weapons
Expeditionary Forces British at East Pacific Indian Army
The set contains 9 model soldiers comprising of 1 section leader, 1 light machine gunner, and 7 infantrymen. The weapons are the Thompson sub-machine gun, the Sten gun, the Bren light machine gun, and SMLE rifles with bayonet. Except for the headwear, the models are the same as that of the 54 BFE 01 box-set.
Many battles of the Far East see the participation of Indian soldiers is part of the British Empire. Of the Indian soldiers, the most famous are the Sikhs and the Nepali Gurkhas. We are happy to provide at least a representation of the Indian soldiers in our range.
IND 01 Infantry Attacking
IND 02 Infantry on Defence
IND 03 Machine-Gun Section
IND 04 Mortar Section
IND 05 HQ Section, include support weapons IND 02 to be released with AST 02
Next Release
The next set in the production queue is the 54mm French Fusiliers (1803-1812)
Looking forward to your kind support.
Stay safe.
Cheers,
Scott
One More Thing
Great nice addition.
The “Indian” should be Sikhs as they have full beard and turbans.Only Muslim units in India army are allowed to do so. So this can not be used as typical Indus ethics units of course.
Nice addition, indeed! So much world History most people never think of (including me). So many great details in these figures. Hats ‘n’ Shakos off to Expeditionary Forces.
As I always say—Stad’s– the BEST site for the hobby news (And he and Miss Laurie are so modest about it).
One more thing… a note to makers: Many of us collectors come down on the side of flat bases ( we just called ’em stands in the ’60’s). There has been lots of discussion on this sight about bases/stands/mountains/volcanos/garbage heaps that the figs are standing on…
If the figure is standing on bricks/debris/ skulls/mossy logs/used cars/ dinosaurs ( it could happen…), then the figure is limited to “that” scenario.
These EP figures are terrific, and the flat bases let me put them in the set-ups and paint schemes I need.
And–as an added bonus– the manufacturers can save gobs of plastic by just having the “sojers” on flat stands. The collectors will do the rest.
It’s been a long time since Aussies in plastic for WW2 have been done, collectors “Down under” will be looking forward to these. Really like the chainmail knight on horseback but the helmet on the standing Knight looks odd I haven’t seen that helmet in any Osprey books or online. Hoping there are more helmet options in that set.
Helmet in particular evolved from the many nasal helmet types conical or bucket type and the Spangenhelm type helmets as well .Call early enclosed helmet or partially enclosed helmets (Not closed helmet please) .The face part is fix and was used also in other types helmets since early IX-X centuries ,this in return evolved later in the later fully enclosed not visor helmet also known great helmet /pot helmet /bucket helmet .Normans post England invasions been depicted with it in some mediaeval original paintings as well early crusaders too historical painting and church knight tombs shows it .
There some books either osprey or other series depicting it as well in several .
variations. A quickly search let me to this YT video that shows some books images of recently made books with images in minutes 5:23 to 5:26 .I bet if look more you may find some others .
best
I still do not see an exact version of the helmet in the above video. I am familiar with the differences and evolution of the medieval helmet but again have never seen the one on the XForce figure as Wayne mentioned it looks like a facial mask welded on to a helm. The helm part looks like an early 14th Century one, also used in the 100 Year War sets issued by Ex Force. Just odd that’s all. I would like to see the reference for it.
I did not say you will see specific model in video .I post video not to show the talk but just the images in particular minutes. You may ask Scott from EXG I bet he will get direct reference if respond .I seen before just not time to get direct reference off my head now .
Yes all those face cover helmet had the face protection part welded or attached to main frame of helmet as other models show and I mentioned before .That is were full enclosed helmet come from after .
The helmet part looks as early XII century to me as many others it appear to have edge riveted folded all around lower ends and center support inner frame .I don’t follow Osprey much as often are just mix arts painting made up by artist illustrators that even after do research have tendency to mix way too much in one figure along .
I know EXF uses partially it as well others for their references .Medieval times were by far not fully illustrated and helmets were custom made in mass as well million mixing by local blacksmith. Most medieval armor conserved unfortunately are very late period and often after being updated and preserved during Renaissance period .
Early 100 years wars many helmets come from previews century uses as well .
So I guess if not convince you can always cut, change off head !?
best
Again, EF have produced an excellent line. As for the medieval helmet, it looks familiar but I can’t place it off the top of my head, so won’t say for sure when or where. If nothing else, it might represent what we used to call a “Field Expedient” or makeshif face protection with the mask welded onto a regular helm. That’s quite possible – if so, I don’t think I’d want a full regiment of them.
Thanks for the eye candy – I am particularly drawn to the Nappies!
They do indeed look lovely figures. Can anyone show a comparison picture between these figures and Airfix / Matchbox troops. Or direct me to an older thread if one is available.
Thanks . Andy.
I don’t think they’ll match with the older guys; I was thinking I’d love to have some reinforcements for my Airfix Aussies and even Ghurkas; I could chalk the differences in girth to differences in individuals but I think the height thing will kill it.
Thank you for the info folks.
I fear my existing platoons may be made to feel inadequate when placed next to this plastic giants 😁. Still, they are cool figures. Mars 1/32 British to the rescue 👍
I have the first set of Ex Force British. They are to large to go with any other 1-32 Brits that I currently have. However they will work with the so called 60MM Germans by Ex Force. The Brits are a bit smaller but will work.
No EXF are way too thick in volume built versus all Airfix ,maybe a bit closet to Matchbox as Matchbox are thicker and bulky than Airfix ,yet not quite match either ,they blend with any 60 mm range .EXF bases and volume of body make figures steroid type versus traditionally 1/32 .Their view of 1/32 is not quite correct and very miss lead .I support hobby but people should be aware of it if want be perfect match blend ,if don’t care go for then.
my thoughts
I agree with Erwin. If new makers/ sculptors want to satisfy the market, why not do some basic research ( like reading Stad’s Stuff…??). Typical 1/32 54mm/ 1960’s figs are readily available… bring out the calipers and copy away ( and keep the bases/stands flat, hee-hee)!
EX FORCES needs to photograph the poses Clearly and not in a Cluster. What are the poses??!!!! Show us PROPERLY!!!! Are they still OVER SIZED?!