Hello '1st502Strike'. Thanks for your comment. It's an interesting perspective & worth unpacking I think. I can assure you that my pics are not photo shopped! The figures are what they are so perhaps it's a case of a reasonable paintjob and basing hides a multitude of sins. The Russian infantry range are quite different from the French, Austrian & Prussian in that they carry little equipment or 'furniture'. This leaves more exposed space and perhaps it is this that lends itself to a perception that the figs are rough and ready by comparison.
Truth be known, one undercoated, I found them to be very straightforward to paint with little interference of canteen, pack, ammo box etc. Just a 'bum bag' in front. I too have read some of the feedback and comparisons online. Some of the pics I have seen of bare lead show figures leaning forward at an exaggerated angle. I have not had that problem with my 357 figs and as you can see, they are bolt upright and instilling fear in Frederick himself. So yes, what is going on here?
Today we are spoilt for choice figure wise and perhaps our expectations are much higher, and folk have become too discerning, if that's possible. I take a range at face value, slap on a consistent and reasonable paint job, put some effort into the basing and before you know it, you have force that you are proud of, ready to steamroll those fancy pants, better volleying Prussians!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In investing in the Russian range, I took a longer term view of the raw lead in front of me and tried to visualise the finished product I was aiming for. Can't say I was disappointed. Start with the end goal and then work your way backwards.
Having said all this, wait till you see my French!
paints brigs for the British fleet.
