SYW range - Progress & Future plans

Back in February 2023 we discussed a list of suggestions for new moulds for inclusion in the SYW range. At that time we noted that PA had produced 34 moulds in 10 years. In the time since then PA have (or are about to) released the British highlanders (3), British infantry (4) and Prussian cuirassiers (4) another 11 moulds, so actually releasing moulds at a slightly faster (or less slow😊) rate. 

Seven Years War in Europe

Central & Eastern  Europe

When I started working with Chris Tubb and Prince August (in 2012!) the initial aim was to produce a range of figures to (allow me to) fight wargames battles in the central European theatre, so primarily the Prussian, Austrian and Russian armies. With figures for these armies, any minor German states etc could be produced from the closest moulds in the major armies.

With the inclusion of my conversions for Austrian (Karoliner) and Prussian (Rossbach) cuirassiers, I produced my Prussian and Austrian armies a few years ago. The Russians are still a future project.

Austrian (& Russian) cuirassiers

The 'missing' Prussian cuirassiers have now been released, so that just leaves the Austrians. There are already some Austrian moulds in the range, however although nice figures, they are way too big to mix with the rest of the castings in the armies, so I don't use them (even though I have some cast & painted).

For my own gaming purposes I have converted Karoliner figures (just a head swap), which do the job nicely.

However this is an important hole in the range. Assuming the new Prussian cuirassier castings come out OK, I think the best way of filling the gap would be to modify the new Prussian figures. I will keep asking for these as it is an important omission.

Artillery in Coats

I've manned all my guns with crews in shirt sleeves, and am quite happy with them - however it would be nice to add a couple of moulds for crew in coats, so I will keep suggesting.

Cossacks

A few Cossack moulds would be nice.

Western Europe

Although my personal interest is in the central theatre, comments on the blog indicated a clear desire for the French and British armies. As a result of this, the project got side tracked and PA produced the French infantry before completing the cavalry and artillery for the central theatre.

With the recent addition of the British highlanders and infantry it is now possible to produce armies for this theatre as well.

Potential future moulds for the European Theatre

So in summary, apart from the figures discussed above, I think that the range for the European theatres is almost complete. Below are listed the remaining moulds which I will continue to suggest PA produce to fill the gaps:

• Austrian cuirassiers - possibly based on the Prussians (3/4 moulds)
• Artillery in coats (2 moulds)
• Standing 'Prussian' infantry command (2 moulds)
• Cosacks (3/4 moulds?)
• Pioneers/Civilians (2 moulds?)

Seven Years War in North America

The North American theatre was as important to the British and French as what was happening in Europe. The currently available moulds for the British and French soldiers can be used for their armies regular troops,, however there was also a lot more 'irregular' fighting in that conflict. Plans are therefore underway to produce figures for some of these irregulars, current thinking is:

• British (Rogers) rangers
• French militia
• Native Americans 

As always comments are welcome.

British Standard Bearer and NCO

Just a quick update to show what is next on PA's release schedule. Chris is currently working on a mould to the British standard bearer and NCO, which will finish the British infantry in the European theatre.

Standard Bearer

In the British army the standards were carried by junior officers (ensigns), so has the sash over his shoulder. He is  in the usual pose, requiring the hands to be drilled out for the standard pole. 

NCO

I suggested that an NCO is included to fill the mould, and for the pose I suggested go with something similar to the original Prussian one, which I think is a really nice figure, he will have a separate hand/pole arm, which will allow other options  such as sword or musket.

I have suggested sculpting a sergeant.

Franklin's book on the British uniforms states that after 1752 there should be a fringed epaulet on each shoulder (not yet finalised on figure), however I have been unable to find any prints showing an NCO wearing one, and am coming to the conclusion that they were not introduced until later - can anyone help?