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Reviews of Falcon Figures (U.K.)

Not to be confused with Falcon Miniatures (US)

Russell Thompson on Falcon Figures

I hadn't heard too much about this line. So I sent The Quartermaster an e-mail requesting samples. I was surprised to find a web site, catalog and figs covering from Biblical to Napoleonic eras, 15mm and 25mm. Best of all Michael Gustar is truly a gentleman and loves our hobby.

ELM8 Hussite Flailmen, Pavise Shield - A wonderful figure with flail ready to smack a teutonic overlord. These figs cry out to have a red chalice painted on their hoods. Modeled straight out of Ian Heath's Armies of the Middle Ages, Vol. II. The figure has clean, crisp details, no flash. 16mm from eyes to feet. Two poses in the bag. The only difference is the type of flail. This one is my favorite.

ELM19 Polish Militia, with Berdische Axe - Nice figure, lacking some of the details as described in "Armies, Vol. II". The figure is clean with only small amounts of flash only one pose in the bag. Very peasant looking, suitable for all those hordes.

ELM6 Hussite Cav. Crossbow, Shield - These are great poses. Lots of action, good lines and nice detail. Two poses in the bag. I love this fig!

ELM4 or 5 (?) Hussite Cav. Axe, Lance - These figures are o.k. Detail on them is fine, but the horses look a bit small. May not blend in with larger miniatures on the same stand. One piece casting.

WOR9 Medium Spearmen - Marching with spear on the shoulder. 17mm, quilted armor and sallet. Detail is good. Flash near tip on each spear. Two poses in bag. The second one doesn't have armor, wearing belted tunic. Not as good as the armored pose, but only two of this second pose in a bag of eight.

OTT12 Foot Command - Leader pointing. Nice detail, no flash. But is smaller/thinner than the other two poses in the bag. Noticeable, but not distracting. 16mm from eyes to feet. The standard bearer figure has a big feather sweeping out from his ak bork (sleeve cap). His kaftan is pulled up and tucked through his waist belt for ease of movement. Figure is holding a spear-like flag pole. Trumpeter, nice looking, no flash with a great looking scimitar hanging from his belt. Both hands holding trumpet to lips. 16mm tall.

OTT24 Souverali Cav - Not knowing much about the Turkish Cav., I have no idea if this figure is historical so I will discuss it's artistic merit only. No variation in bag, but that's fine when it's as nice of a figure as this is. Great action, good lines, very little to no flash. Perfect proportions, great detail. Easily one of the best horsemen I've seen. One piece casting. 24mm from eye to hoof tall. Remember, this fig is crouching down, not sitting upright.

OTT29 Camel Gunner - After looking at OTT24, I'm tempted to say these are rather average. The camel is o.k., with only limited detail and no flash. The rider is the weak point. No facial details, arms a bit big and legs a bit small. No wonder this guy is riding. Would probably paint up just fine. Used for art. (F) in the Ottoman list.

OTT30 Heavy Gun - Good detail on carriage and gun. Spoked wheel, very clean with no flash. Makes for a good looking piece. Yes, very much a heavy gun with a 33mm long barrel.

Overall this line of figures does deserve more attention. The foot figures will blend in nicely with Essex, Peter Pig, and Museum. The cav. Being a bit smaller would not fit in very well with Museum sized figs. Bargain bags are quite a deal.

Chris Brantley on Pict/Dark Ages Civilians

I picked up blisters of Falcon's 15mm Celtic/Pictish (CUB1) and Dark Age/Viking (CUB2) Civilians from The Quartermaster and am pleased with the contents.

CUB1: The blister consists of six miniatures, cleanly cast with no flash, of bright pewter. There are two men walking with a pair of short logs or posts over their right shoulder (as if carrying a load of wood, except it doesn't quite look like wood). There is a man standing with a well-sculpted cloak thrown back over his right shoulder. There are two youngish looking women, both with braids, in a standing/watching pose. One is in a simple dress, carrying a baby in her arms. The other has a cloak over her dress and is standing with a large walking stick. Finally, there are two children, a small boy standing in front of his older sister who has her left hand on his shoulder. This is an appealing figure and coupled with the mom and baby will make a heart-rending camp scene, capable of melting the hard heart of even the most barbaric Viking raider.

CUB2: The blister consists of six miniatures. There is a man with long hair and head band walking briskly with a quarter staff. There is a merchant kneeling over a small chest and several parcels who seems to have a small scales in his right hand. There is a man standing with a long cloak thrown back over his shoulder with his hands on his waist. There are two women, both standing; one with long ponytails and her hands clasped before her, the other draped with a mantle and scarf with her hands at her side. Finally, there is a young girl with flying hair, running forward with what appears to be a long stick in her outstretched right hand. This last pose is a bit puzzling; it could be that she is rolling a hoop with her stick, sans the hoop.

Figures are well cast, with minimal flash (only a bit of flash between the legs of the man with cloak in CUB2). The adult men and women stand 16-18mm from bottom of foot to crown of head. They are fairly generic in look and features, and both blisters would be suitable for any Dark Ages European civilian. My only criticism is that many of the men and almost all of the women miniatures are carved in very static "standing and watching" poses.

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Last Updated: Nov. 11, 2000

Comments, suggested additions, and/or critiques welcome. Direct them to Chris Brantley at brant@erols.com.