"18mm Blue Moon & AB Napoleonics" Topic

Just received my first order of Blue Moon Napoleonics. I have a rather substantial AB/Eureka 18mm Napoleonic collection, and was interested to see whether they would be good fit together in the same units (i.e. on the same move stands). I don't have comparison photos to post (assuming someone will shortly), but here's my first impression …

The Blue Moon figures are very nicely sculpted, and compare very favorably with the AB's in quality. In my opinion, however, they seem to be smaller in build than AB's. This is evident in the sizing of the bodies, shakos, as well as in the bayonets along with accouterments like backpacks and cartridge boxes.

I know it's a matter of taste, but I have decided not to mix my AB and Blue Moon together in the SAME unit. However, they will look fine organized into separate units on the same table.

I'd be interested to hear what others think. I have not had a chance to view the whole new line up of Blue Moons, so my observations may be limited to what I have on hand.

Sounds good enough for me to order some.

Thanks for the review. I wonder how the Blue Moon would look alonside Fantassin/Warmodelling? These are also largish 15/18mm.

Once Blue Moon releases British riflemen I'll buy some for games of 'Sharp Practice'. It would be nice to have Blue Moon, Fantassin, and AB riflemen. No two figures alike.

Since you mention it, I have selectively included some Fantassin miniatures alongside my ABs. Each Fantassin pack comes with a variety of poses, and I find that the sizes vary considerably. Some fit right in, others are either too small or too large. Probably the same would apply with putting them into the mix with Blue Moon.

I don't have any Blue Moon Napoleonics yet, but intend to have a look at some at whichever UK shows Old Glory UK are attending this season. Initial photos suggest that they are worth considering, telegraph pole flagstaffs and pikes notwithstanding. Always worth having a few extra variants for command, skirmishers, gun crews, vignettes etc etc.

I find Fantassin/Warmodelling to be a very mixed bag – some items are poorly sculpted, especially their horses; many seem to be very (very) similar to their AB equivalents; however, the more recent releases are very good – certainly a match for AB (eg the French infantry in bicorne), and in one or two cases superior to the AB version, especially the early ABs which were a cross-over from Battle Honours (eg the Austrian casualty pack).