Perry Miniatures Franco-Prussian War 1870–1871 French Infantry Firing 28mm (1/56) Scale Plastic Figures

This highly versatile 28mm (1/56) scale plastic model kit contains 38 French infantrymen plus casualties, allowing historical wargamers to construct the defensive lines of the Second French Empire.

Recreate the stalwart defense of the French Imperial and Republican forces with this masterfully sculpted set from Perry Miniatures. This kit captures the aesthetic of the French line infantry during the pivotal battles of 1870–1871, characterized by their distinct képis and long capotes (greatcoats) as they utilized the superior range of the Chassepot rifle to repel Prussian assaults.

Designed for tactical flexibility, this set focuses on a firing line posture. The box contains components to assemble a diverse unit of 38 figures in total, including 25 soldiers in standing and kneeling firing/loading poses and 10 in dynamic advancing stances. A full French Command frame is included to lead your battalion, featuring officers, musicians, and standard bearers. Whether you are modeling the veteran troops of the early campaign or the desperate resistance of the later months, this set provides the historical accuracy and anatomical realism required for professional-grade wargaming and dioramas.

Specifications

• Scale: 1:56 (28mm)
• Product Type: Infantry Box Set
• Era / Faction: Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) – Second French Empire / French Republic
• Material: Unpainted Gray Plastic
• Figure Count: 38 figures total (25 firing/loading, 10 advancing, 3 command figures, plus casualties)
• Customization Options: Includes multiple head variants (képis) and a full French command frame
• Inclusions: Unit bases and a historical information sheet with flags
• Packaging Dimensions: 9” L x 6” W x 2.75” H
• Recommended Age: 14 years and above (Assembly with glue and paint required)

Tip: When assembling the firing line, mix standing and kneeling poses to create a realistic, multi-rank defensive position; ensure the Chassepot rifles are aligned carefully with the shoulder for a natural shooting stance as depicted in the historical drill manuals.

Recommended Finishing Essentials

The Professional Palette (Realism & Detail)

• Primary Uniform (French Blue): AK11189 Dark Prussian Blue provides the rich, deep blue required for the French capote (greatcoat).
• Trousers (Madder Red): AK11213 Red is the perfect match for the iconic "Pantalon Rouge" that made the French infantry so distinctive on the battlefield.
• Leather Gear: AK11029 Black offers the ultra-matte finish needed for the blackened leather gaiters and cartridge boxes.
• 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)

• 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.
• Quick Detailing: Use The Army Painter Fanatic Matte Black for leather peaks and Plate Mail Metal for the long French bayonets.

Basing, Tufts & Scenics

• Terrain Foundation: Use Krautcover Scenics Meadows of Purity (KCS-91008) for a lush European battlefield or Krautcover Scenics Eternal Fields for a more weathered, campaign look.
• Foliage & Tufts: Add Gamers Grass wild tufts (such as Dry Green or Wild Flowers) to recreate the unkempt fields of a 19th-century battleground.
• Campaign Weathering: Apply AK Interactive European Earth weathering pigments to the bottom of the greatcoats to simulate the mud and dust of the summer and autumn campaigns of 1870.