28mm French Foreign Legion

Unfeasibly Miniatures
www.unfeasibly.co.uk

The first of the Character Sets for the Exotic Adventures range by Unfeasibly Miniatures depicting Laurel & Hardy as Legionnaires from their classic French Foreign Legion film Beau Hunks. These two figures (code #FFLCI – New Recruits – £8.00) are in 28mm true scale (1/56) and capture the look of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy perfectly.

The pose chosen for both figures is of their relaxed posture reminiscent of how they appeared on the theatrical poster, and the sculpting is superb, most importantly on the faces (which paint up well) to convey the look of Laurel & Hardy for all that spot them on the tabletop.

The uniform and kit used is for the “classic” dark blue coat French Foreign Legion period. While the figures could be painted for the latter khaki coat Rif War and Druze Rebellion period, if you wish, it would be nice if there was an offering of them without the overcoat, so they could be painted in the normal white clothing or khaki for the latter period.

The figures come with two types of separate backpacks, which are interchangeable. One is the standard backpack, complete with all the kit a Legionnaire had to carry. However, there is a larger one and a smaller one, to reflect the aspect in the film where Ollie begins with the large pack before realizing that he is actually carrying both his kit and Stan’s; there is also a smaller backpack that Stan would be carrying before Ollie passed it over to Stan on their march. Thus, these figures provide versatility.

These figures are highly recommended for anyone that wargames the French Colonial period. However, according to the company website these figures are only limited to 100 castings, so you better hurry!

Now, if only someone would make a set of Abbott and Costello in the French Foreign Legion (from their 1950 movie), and maybe also the Three Stooges as French Foreign Legion (from their 1938 short Wee Wee Monsieur), then that would round out something that is also missing. Hint, hint…nudge, nudge…!