Good morning everyone!
I would like to try my hand at buying and paint a figure of that greatest of all Prussian kings, Frederick the Great. I have never detailed a figure before ( with the exception of several 1/35 Dragon and Tamiya military plastic soldiers ), and was wondering what figures of Frederick are on the market just now? Is white metal better than resin or plastic, or does it even make a difference? Thanks in advance for any leads and info you can give me.

March 16, 2009

Hi, Gordon: I don't know what figures are available, but would try Google. If not Frederick, you might find one of his soldiers, and use that as a trial. I prefer metal over resin, but that's because I started with metal years ago; only have to glue on a couple of parts, generally speaking, and can concentrate on the painting. Depending on your experience, you might want to invest in a book or two on figure painting. If you start off blind like I did, paint the figure as if you were dressing it; shirt, then jacket, belt, pack, etc. And, remember, speed is for the race track.

HTH,

Horton

Im not sure if they are still available, but Puchala from Germany had a nice Frederick the Great (actually several) in 54mm. They were white metal. For figures, I would check The Red Lancers, and Colorado Miniatures. Between them, they cover most of what is out there of any quality. Squadron Mail Order has some good figures too.

Nowdays you find more figures in resin than metal. It has less seams, sharp(er) detail, and less clean up. Some companies still sell metal, like Andrea, but you pay a premium for it. I would buy a figure based on how it looks over what it was cast in.