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Willie Figures make a comeback
Fusilier Roly Hermans reports some samples from the remodelled range of Edward Suren's 30mm Willie figures (article updated with painted figures 18 August 2006).
These are the same figures that were used by Peter Young in his iconic book Charge! or How to Play Wargames. The masters have now been cleaned up, some slight errors on the original figures have been rectified, and they are now being made available by Willie France.
"These
classic figures were born of one man's enthusiasm for lifelike military
figures full of dash and movement whilst respecting anatomy," says
co-owner David Wilson (right). "Which gives these figures their
slender, willowy style unlike modern large, dumpy figures overburdened
with detail which one would not see at a distance on a real human being."
David has a huge list of mainly 18th century 30mm figures that he will be gradually adding to the restored range. Two to three new packs will be released each month. A box of seven to eight unpainted foot figures costs 15 Euros.
Some of the promised figures make very enticing reading: two hunt scenes, complete with hunting dogs and a stag or fox; various peasant women; in camp characters; the Irish Brigade charging; a highlander on a windy day (the mind boggles!) and many of the more standard poses for armies of the 18th century period.
David adds that any suggestions for additions to the range, both military and civilian, will be seriously considered.
Personally, I'm rather sold on the women - they, and the other promised civilian sets, will make lively background vignettes for my wargames table.
You can make further enquires about this range to David Wilson at jacdaw@free.fr
Here are the first few Willie figures I have painted. I am quite taken with the way they really reflect the Rococo character of the 18th century.
The High Command: mounted Louis XV, mounted infantry officer, mounted aide de camp and a major/general on foot. The horses are supplied with wire to make the reins.
The Foot Command: an officer saluting, a major, a captain and a sergeant. Note that the weapons are separate, so the figures can be animated into various positions.
The Foot Advancing: Three fusiliers and a grenadier advancing. Again, they have separate weapons.
The Ladies: these come with separate fans or a parasol. The young lady on the right is in rather deshabille!
