Although described as 20mm these original Garrison figures were more properly 1/72nd, or HO/OO and made so as to be more or less compatible with the Airfix figures of the day. So, in the case of Garrison, a 20mm figure is more like 23-24mm.
In 1973 Garrison began to replace their older 20mm range with a newly designed 25mm range by John Braithwaite.
When the revised ancients were introduced, Garrison reused their old code numbers, which can make catalogue lists a little confusing. The first models to be released were the Gladiators and a selection of Greeks: these new models are reviewed in Military Modelling of June 1973.
Garrison figures carry their code numbers underneath the base. This is G4 Hoplite Corinthian helmet attacking (G for Greece). Because of the way the code numbers are incised underneath the base, these can sometimes be found filed away where a base has been levelled flat. Cavalry figures have the code number under the horse's base: Garrison made a specific horse for each rider rather than have separate rider and horse codes as did Minifigs.
Although both are described as 25mm there is an obvious difference in size between the offerings from the two manufacturers.
This is a comparison between the Minifigs Mercenary Hoplite from the PB range and the Garrison Hoplite in Corinthian helmet from the Greek range. They are in similar poses, although the Garrison figure more properly represents a Hoplite of the Persian wars period.
The Garrison figure starts off with a height advantage courtesy of his chunkier base, in both instances typical of their manufacturers. Measuring from foot to top of where the head would be - I make the Minifigs 25mm and the Garrison 27mm - proving that, when it comes to rival wargames manufacturers, scale creep is nothing new.
These Garrison hoplites are my favourite. I have a batch undergoing cleaning just now, along with a Spartan type too. How do you clean the paint off? I've got a ultrasonic cleaner that I use with Methylated spirit, but it still can be a slog with the brush at times, depends on the paint, cheers.
ReplyDeleteYou are not kidding - some paint just sloughs away - some dissolves and some just goes a bit soft - you never quite know. I've tried regular paint stripper (Nitromors not as good as it used to be) but by far the best thing I've found is just Dettol. Plastic tuppaware type tub with a lid - pour in enough to cover the figures plus a bit - leave it for a few days and then see how things are going. If there's a good layer of varnish or if the paint is falling away, I just use the toothbrush and brush away the crud - rinse the figure in water - and pop it back in the Dettol for a few days more. Usually, after a week, most figures are good enough - any heavy undercoat or thick paint I pick out with a big darning needle - and that usually does it. I find the glue is often harder to deal with than the paint! I do quite a few at a time - maybe 20 - got a batch of Garrison Hoplites on the go at the moment including a few Spartans plus some Garrison Spanish Cavalry - lovely horses.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, you mean I can't use a machine ;-) I'm going to have to try this then. Glue is no problem for the spirt, it goes like jelly, but the paint does take longer, I had a particularly nasty case of black and purple crests on said hoplites! Looking forward to seeing your hoplites, feeling inspired, must progress my phalanx this weekend, toodles.
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