a round-up of makers

We had a Mud and Blood game yesterday in which Mr Sherwood and I introduced a few more of our friends to Mud & Blood. Mr Taylor, who had participated in a previous Winter Sports skirmish, hosted, and Mr Johnson and Mr Myers were given command of a German infantry attack (on which more later). The upshot was that the hook was well seated in at least one of our fresh fish, and I was asked about manufacturers of Great War 25/28mm figures. I complied this list, but it can probably be added to.

Great War Miniatures: The link is to NorthStar, their UK distributor, just because, IMO, it's easier to view the figures on their site, but order from Brigade Games in the US. American, Belgian (EW), French (EW), British (EW/LW), German (EW/LW), artillery, British and German tanks.

Renegade: The bulk of my troops and Mr Sherwood's so far are Renegade. The link is to their site for best viewing, but we think they can be obtained in the US from Legends in Time. British (EW, LW) German (EW, LW), Frenc (EW), Austro-Hungarian (EW).

Brigade Games: They also distribute GWM, Woodbine, and Copplestone. Their own lines include British and French tanks, and armoured train, and French, British, German, and American troops for the Western Front; Austrian and Italian troops for the Italian front; ANZAC, Turkish and German troops for the war in Palestine; Arabs for the Arab Revolt; and British, German, and Belgian troops for the war in Africa.

Old Glory 25s: Extensive, as always with OG. British, French, German, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, Italian, Serbian (!), Montenegrin (!!), American. Also lines for the Pershing Expedition to Mexico (which might be cool to game with M&B) and some Arab figures in their "Sons of the Desert" FFL line that might in a pinch be used as Arabs for the Arab Revolt. Most of the lines include downed pilots, medical teams, scouts/signallers, field guns, and some armoured vehicles. Not many photos, so I can't speak to the quality. The *reputation* they have is that they are much smaller (closer to true 25mm) and less well sculpted than the dominant lines like GWM and Renegde.

Copplestone Castings: Turkish and British for the Middle East and (in their "Back of Beyond" line), Russian Civil War Red and White troops, most of whom would be fine to use as regulars on the Eastern Front.

1st Corps: Nice looking figures, have yet to acquire any myself. British (LW), German (LW), three ACs and a Whippet light tank.

Wargames Foundry: British (EW, LW), French (EW, LW), German (EW, LW). Some very generic packs, and some special characters. As Bryan mentioned, may be a bit small in comparison to the newer lines.

Eureka: Russian MGs, MG carts, and mounted officers. Odd little sideline.

Ebor: Belgian (EW), French (EW)

Woodbine (a subdivision of Gripping Beast): British (including Australians and Indians) for the Mid East campaigns, Turks, and French colonial troops. Available in the US from Brigade Games and from Architects of War, right up the road in Ellicott City, MD.

Scarab: Austro-Hungarian (LW), Italians (LW), French (LW), British (special characters), German (special characters), some vehicles (possibly all other manufacturers) plus resell Woodbine and GWM.

Musketeer Miniatures: Very nice figures but very difficult to get hold of; order in the US from Brigade Games, but the manufacturers appear to be very flaky in producing figures and filling orders. British (EW), Russian

Brigade Models UK: Belgian (EW)

There are a couple of other lines that I know of (Irregular, Reviresco, Alphacast, Tradition) but their figures do not look nice enough that I feel I could recommend them to anyone.