Valiant Minaitures - 28mm German Infantry 1943/45

The second release in Valiant Miniatures range, this set builds on all the good work achieved in their first set but also continues the scale issue discussed in that review. These are 'small' 28mm, way too big to mix with other 20mm figures.

The set contains four frames, all exactly the same, which allow the building of 68 figures in a wide variety of poses and weapon variants. Additionally Valiant have taken advantage of this to provide a number of figures with separate or optional parts which expands the basic 13 poses seen on each frame (picture to come).

Each frame has five torsos/legs combined plus a variety of left arms carrying binoculars, an ammunition box, a Panzerschreck, a rifle (x2) and empty-handed (x2) . The right arms on the frame have a mortar bomb, a Panzerfaust (x2), an MP44 assault rifle (x2) and empty handed (x2).

Also included on each frame is a MG42 mounted on a Lafayette tripod and a 81mm Mortar, both well modelled. 

Again this set is designed with the 'Rapid Fire!' wargames system in mind, this means al the elements required to build a German Infantry Battalion under the rules of that system are available and as such the set represents great value for money.

We have already mentioned the fact that the sculpting style and figure size are not a good mix with other manufacturers ranges - so we won't dwell on this. It is quite feasible to build your whole collection from these boxed sets, very little else would be needed.

Valiant Miniatures - 25mm American G.I.s 1942/44

Box Art

Valiant Miniatures again provide a great many options with a number of the figures having a choice of separate arms and weapons as well as other equipment items to provide a wide range of pose possibilities.

As with other releases in this range the figures are designed to be used with the 'Rapid Fire!' system and as such you are able to construct all the key elements of a battalion, as depicted by that system.

Each frame comes with a huge variety options and the number of actual poses that are possible is astounding.

The figures can be equipped with a number of different weapons, including - M1 Garand rifles, M1 Carbines, Submachine guns, BARs, Bazookas, 60mm mortars and even a Browning .30 calibre MG.

Again as with other boxed sets from Valiant, the figures are not compatible with other manufacturer's ranges, that said - given the low cost and quality of the figures, there is every possibility you can build the force you want just using these figures.Definitely 28mm in scale - rather than the 1/72 (20mm) as labelled on the box - be warned!

Valiant Miniatures - 28Box Artmm British Tommies 1944/45

Box Art

This is Valiant's first release into the plastics arena, and a very good set they have produced, however, as with all Valiant figures, the issue is the size of the figures, too big to blend seamlessly into 20mm ranges and maybe a little small for the newer 28mm ranges.

That said real people are different sizes, and mixing thes echaps with other figures will not look that out of place, if done well.

The set contains 68 figures where some of the figures are multi-pose, allowing for the selection of separate arms to hold a variety of weapons and accessories.

Additionally separate heads, back packs, spare weapons, and other valuable items of equipment are liberally included on each frame. See contents list below....

Officer with Binoculars (4)

Officer with Map, pointing (4)
Officer/NCO Forward Observer, kneeling (4)
NCO with Sten SMG (4)
Signaller with Sten SMG, kneeling (4)
Wireless Set WS-18 Mk.III (4)
Machine-Gunner with Vickers HMG (4)
Mortarman/Anti-Tank Gunner (4)
Mortarman No. 1 with 2" Mortar (4)
Mortarman No. 2 with with Bomb Case (4)
Rifleman (multi-pose), kneeling (4)
Separate right Arm, firing PIAT (4)
Separate right Arm, firing Bren LMG (4)
Separate left Arm, supporting PIAT or Bren LMG (4)
Stone Wall Section with Bren Bipod (4)
Separate Figure Base (4)
Rifleman (multi-pose), advancing (4)
Separate right Arm, holding Bren LMG (4)
Separate right Arm, holding Lee Enfield Rifle (4)
Separate right Arm, holding Mortar Bomb Case (4)
Rifleman advancing (8)
Rifleman running (8)
Separate Head with Steel Helmet (8)
Separate Head with Officer’s Cap (8)
Separate Head with Beret (8)
Separate Head bareheaded (8)
3" Mortar (4)
Vickers .303 Heavy Machine-Gun (4)
Back Pack (40)

The figures are constructed in good, useful wargame poses and there are enough figures and weapons in this box to recruit a complete infantry battalion, and supporting elements for RAPID FIRE! wargames.

Note that the figures are not the usual chunky fellows and may appear to be thin but are actually correctly proportioned.