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Revell

Set 02574

Austrian Infantry

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All figures are supplied unpainted    (Numbers of each pose in brackets)
Stats
Date Released 1993
Contents 47 figures, 1 horse
Poses 13 foot poses, 1 mounted pose and 1 horse pose
Material Plastic (Medium Consistency)
Colours White
Average Height 24 mm (= 1.73 m)

Review

In some quarters the Seven Years War has been called the first truly world war, with campaigns in Europe, North America and India. Though most of the European powers and their colonies were involved at one point or another, Revell chose to include just two nations in its range - Austria and Prussia. The first infantry set, that of Prussia, had proved to be of quite poor quality, so this set of Austrians had to demonstrate Revell could still produce good figures, and rescue the range as a whole.

As with the Prussian set, this one has a mix of regular line infantry and grenadiers, which instantly limits the number of poses available for each. Rather than try and cover all possibilities with both troop types, Revell made all their fusiliers standing still and all their grenadiers advancing. The choice of poses for each is pretty good, since by deciding that all fusiliers would be in the firing line it is easier to depict all the necessary positions, though this is little comfort if you want your fusiliers to move forward or march. The fusilier biting his cartridge is an unusual but appropriate pose, but we felt that two foot officers plus one mounted was a bit excessive. The sapper is a nice touch, and the flag bearer has been well done. Notice that if the Austrian and Prussian flag bearers are put face to face, both flags are flapping in the same direction, an obvious detail when you consider it, but one that shows some thought by the manufacturer. All the grenadier poses, which include the only marching figure, are also well done.

The uniform and equipment on these men is correct in all respects. It is fairly typical of its time, thus allowing the figures to be used for the armies of several nations. Even small details like the shifting of the tricorn so the front corner was over the left eye are correctly depicted here, as is the sprig of green foliage, the Feldzeichen, which was an Austrian trademark for so long. More distinctive is the uniform of the grenadiers, or in particular their bearskin caps with a hanging cloth bag. The only other real difference between fusilier and grenadier uniform is the curved sabre carried only by grenadiers, as shown on these models.

Thankfully these figures are in a different league to the poorly defined Prussian infantry. Detail is clear and sharp, and there are no problems with proportions. The mounted officer fits his horse well, and the drummer is particularly well done despite coming in one piece with his drum. The flag is not engraved with any pattern, allowing complete freedom for the customer to choose whatever design they wish.

To our mind the only down side to this set is that it depicts two different troop types, though perhaps hoping that Revell would provide two separate sets for them instead of one might be a bit unrealistic. Otherwise this is a quality set both in design and manufacture.



Ratings

Historical Accuracy 10
Pose Quality 9
Pose Number 5
Sculpting 9
Mould 9

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