Trooper, 17th Lancers, Crimea, 1854 from FeR Miniatures

Today I take a bit of time to have a good look over the second August 2019 release from FeR Miniatures. This time we are still on the British side of the Crimean War with the 17th Lancers who were part of the ill fated Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava on October 25th, 1854.

As expected from FeR Miniatures, all pieces are secure in a clear plastic clamshell packet. Nothing fancy but practical and protective. As always the title, range the miniature comes from (54mm Collectors Series), Sculptor (Eduard Pérez), box art painter (Jaume Ortiz), and scale (54mm in this case) are all shown on the full colour label on the front so you know who has been involved in creating the miniature shown. Details I always like to know.

All parts were found inside two ziploc bags. The smaller of the two containing all the smaller bits. 

Not sure if you can tell but the sword blade had quite a curve to it. I say "had" because I fixed it while making a coffee using hot water and a bone saw for something flat and solid to rest against. Took no time at all to do.

Something that I wasn't expecting when I saw this figure online was the groundwork to be included too. Think part of that comes from too many years with many gaming miniatures coming on plain generic bases. Not so here as you will see.

Plenty of parts to look over. Good to see a solid piece of resin keeping the scabbard straight, and the thin cracked part was nothing to worry about (like I initially did) as it is to be removed anyway. And as already mentioned; the blade on the light cavalry sword was simple to straighten. 

Few bits of excess from pour holes to clean up but nothing major and the resin is good too so cuts and sands really well making prep enjoyable.

Starting from the head and working down seems the most straight forward. Shown wearing a lighter foul-weather version of the Czapka cap rather than the more elaborate dress version adopted by lancer regiments. These are also known as "lance caps".

Now I love the detail here. The cloth material of the cap, high starched collar, chin strap, and of course the face and hair. Eduard has done a great job sculpting these in 54mm. And the caster has also done top class work reproducing that in resin without mould lines getting in the way.

I have to take a closer look at the sword. Bare in mind the photo is likely larger that the actual part but the hilt has great shape to it and only needs minimal clean up.

One little worry I did spot was the tiny bubble in the middle of the blade though. Something that would need to be filled by hollowing out one side and working on some putty. Fixable but keep an eye out for things like this in any kits you get from anyone.

Above is the only odd placed gate (don't forget, I'm not a caster), though while cleaning up I realised that actually it was a good spot as you can get to that part of the belt easily as with other details like you can see it was a good way to really avoid losing any definition in other places.

Like I said. A great scene is already supplied right out of the packet. This is fantastic if you just want to clean up and get painting and not then have to try and make something that really sets the figure off. I usually just toss pre-made basing parts in a bits box and scratch build but this would have to get used as it just looks so good.

Now then... I cannot really show a historical figure without something visual to really get you even more fired up, so...

I thought this would be fitting. 17th Lancers at Balaclava painted by Chris Collingwood. I'd comfortably picture this as part of what led up to Eduard's sculpted figures situation which seems to be one of defence after the failed Charge of the Light Brigade. 

Assembly in most places was really simple, but bare in mind this was only with blutac to test fit everything. 

The only part which kept fighting me were the contacts for the scabbard as it comes into contact with the scenery behind him. This contact is something I actually like however as it gives a little more interaction than usually seen in regards to basing.

All parts really sit into their positions exceptionally well and the way the bag hangs over the scabbard straps as a great bit of sculpting and cutting.

The attention to detail and level of Eduard Pérez's sculpting ability on display here is excellent and even though I'm not usually drawn to the more uniform type military eras I'm actually tempted here. I put that down to the choices made in sculpting. The pose and attention to materials is just top quality all round. 

In case you hadn't realised by now, I'm impressed with this piece as a whole. There's plenty for a painter to get to grips with, fantastic historical detail and research has obviously been done, and frankly it is just a great looking miniature and I really hope to see many appearing in different contests and shows.

If you would like to add one of these 17th Lancers to your collection (and I cannot blame you), it will only set you back 28€ (including tax) from FeR Miniatures though I wish you luck not finding other items to add to your shopping list too.

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