This highly versatile 28mm (1/56) scale plastic model kit contains 38 French infantrymen plus casualties, allowing historical wargamers to field the spirited "élan" of the Second French Empire during the pivotal campaigns of 1870–1871.
Recreate the iconic defense and counter-attacks of the Imperial and Republican French forces with this masterfully sculpted set from Perry Miniatures. This kit captures the aesthetic of the French line infantry, characterized by their distinct képis and long capotes, as they faced the Prussian needle guns with their superior Chassepot rifles.
Designed for maximum tactical variety, this set focuses on infantry in forward motion. Figures can be assembled at 'porte' (leaning forward in a spirited advance) or marching in a 'right shoulder shift'—the standard drill positions for moving rapidly under fire. The box is highly comprehensive, containing 38 figures in total, featuring a mix of advancing soldiers, 10 skirmishers in specialized firing and loading poses, and a full French Command frame. Whether you are modeling the veteran Imperial troops of Sedan or the later Republican Armies of National Defense, this set provides the historical accuracy and anatomical realism required for professional-grade wargaming.
Specifications
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Scale: 1:56 (28mm)
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Product Type: Infantry Box Set
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Era / Faction: Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) – Second French Empire / French Republic
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Material: Unpainted Gray Plastic
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Figure Count: 38 figures (including advancing/marching, firing line skirmishers, command, and casualties)
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Customization Options: Assemble in 'porte' or 'right shoulder shift' poses; includes a full French command frame
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Inclusions: Plastic bases and detailed historical information sheet with flags
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Packaging Dimensions: 9” L x 6” W x 2.75” H
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Recommended Age: 14 years and above (Assembly with glue and paint required)
Tip: When assembling the command frame, ensure the flag-bearer's arm is set at a slight forward angle; the French colors were often thrust forward during an advance to serve as a rallying point for the battalion during the chaos of a bayonet charge.
Recommended Finishing Essentials
The Professional Palette (Realism & Detail)
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Primary Uniform (French Blue): AK11189 Dark Prussian Blue provides the rich, deep blue required for the French capote (greatcoat).
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Trousers (Madder Red): AK11213 Red is the perfect match for the iconic "Pantalon Rouge" that made the French infantry so distinctive on the battlefield.
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Leather Gear: AK11029 Black offers the ultra-matte finish needed for the blackened leather gaiters and cartridge boxes.
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Metallic Details: AK11191 Gold is ideal for the brass eagle plates on the shako and officer button details.
The Speed Painting Path (Fast-to-Table)
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Base Coat: The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Highlord Blue for the coats and Sanguine Crimson for the trousers. Apply over a light gray primer for instant depth and shading in one pass.
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Quick Detailing: Use The Army Painter Fanatic Pure Red for collar facings and Plate Mail Metal for the long French bayonets.
Basing, Tufts & Scenics
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Terrain Foundation: Use Krautcover Scenics Meadows of Purity (KCS-91008) or European Grassland for a realistic, multi-toned dirt and grass floor representative of the French countryside.
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Foliage & Tufts: Add Gamers Grass wild tufts (such as Wild Flowers or Dry Steppe) to recreate the unkempt fields of the late summer and autumn campaigns of 1870.
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Campaign Weathering: Apply AK Interactive European Earth weathering pigments to the bottom of the greatcoats to simulate the mud and dust of a retreating or advancing army.
