"AB British Infantry" Topic

I've finally decided to form an RF British Battalion using AB Figures. I'm reasonably happy that I can get the riflemen, Brens, etc but I've struck a problem with the officers, radio operators and mortar crews. It looks to me that I'd have to buy 22 figures and spend £29.00 GBP to get the 9 ones I need. This looks a bit steep so does anyone have any suggestions on alternative manufacturers who sell their figures individually or in smaller packs which are compatible in size and style with AB?

SHQ are thinner but they are cheaper and the figures you're looking for are in smaller packs enabling you to mix and match for a lower price.

Britannia Miniatures are a bit chunkier but fine size wise, although I haven't seen their British range.

I think you face a choice between a) paying the money and b) a compromise you will regret. My own British forces forces are predominantly AB. I tried occasionally to blend in a few others for variety but none of them worked well with AB e.g. SHQ (different style and proportions), Raventhorpe (too large), Battlefield (less detailed), FAA and CP/TQD (just different).

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I eventually decided that cost would fade as an issue soon enough but I would be annoyed by the different style/ proportions etc every time I looked at them!

That said, I did find that SHQ British paratroopers worked reasonably well (AB hadn't bought theirs out when I took the plunge) although the 1944-45 infantry didn't. Also, if you are looking to build a German force as well, Fantassin SS figures are a good match for AB.

…… and you might like to have a look at the current "New range of Normandy British" thread which has a link to Lancer Miniatures. New to me and I've no idea about proportions, but they look like nice figures.

Thanks for getting back so quickly. I had discounted Britannia as being too chunky and SHQ as being too thin. I'd had a look at Lancer but their heads look too big to me and the riflemen have MkI rather than MkIV rifles. Does anyone have any thoughts about Kelly's Heroes and Wartime?

Some people don't mind the mix (upper pic features Kelly's and Wartime, while the lower TQD, Wartime and AB):

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Kelly's Heroes MP with AB platoon commanders:

Kelly's Heroes, AB, and Britannia:

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Warmodelling, Britannia and Kelly's Heroes:

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Mad Monarchist – if you are responsible for the brushwork on those figures I take my hat off to you sir. Breathtakingly good!

I wish they were, but no! They belong to none other than the one and only Piers Brand. To see more of his stuff check out the Guild, a haven (and, by extension, encyclopaedia) for all 20mm fans:

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MM – that man seems to get everywhere! Lovely work though, particularly on the MP.

It was some years ago, but I think I got my AB British as a "platoon deal" so that for example you only got one officer and signaller.

The end of the story-I went to Milicast and had a look before I bought. I managed to get suitable figures for everything I wanted although I will have to make up a 2" mortar team and a radio for the operator. I will also have to use 1 PSC figure but overall not too much of a sacrifice. I reckon I saved about 80% of the extra I though I had to spend.

Reiver?

I have some Reiver Russians and am happy with them but their British have a very small helmet which I don't like.

@ Trockledockle;
There's something to that. Some sculptors make it too big , as well.

Mad Monarchist

lovely figures mate! Has inspired me to my own WW2 British.

Could you point us towards some information of the West Kents? Having lived a in a few places in Kent over the years, seems fitting I do them!

Hi
I tried to register at the Guild….but it keeps telling me I got the final answer wrong
checked several times and I am sure the answer is 1914-1918
but I am told its wrong
any ideas??
Barry

First World War