This is the first set in the Legio range, and heralds something quite new in the hobby, therefore we will take a moment to discuss the general characteristics of this product. These will apply to all in this range, and by detailing them here we will avoid repeating them in every review.

Where sets from other manufacturers have each figure as one piece, or occasionally two or three pieces, these figures come in kit form with the deliberate intention of allowing the customer to make various choices about the figure they want. This set contains all the parts necessary to make four figures, with the components of each figure looking like this. This is a similar concept to the larger figure kits from the likes of Historex and Airfix Collectors Series, and like them a choice of parts is available. In this case each figure can be given either a tricorn to make him a musketeer or a cap to create a grenadier. Each figure also has a choice of arms, and our image shows all four being used as suggested by the package notes. Finally both muskets and carbines are provided for all, along with separate bayonets, to further expand the possibilities. The canteen and base complete the parts list.

All the parts are made of resin, and the figures stand about 24mm tall, so it is easy to see that some of the parts are exceptionally small. The bayonets in particular are incredibly thin, which means tweezers are an essential tool, as is a steady hand. Our picture shows two representative figures made up, but of course the quality of the final model will depend to a degree on the skill of the modeller. As kits they allow a lot of flexibility, so having heads at different angles and various combinations of arms is very easy. In addition parts from several sets could be combined to create something quite new. In short, all the benefits of the Historex range. One other feature they share with that range is that the customer is expected to scratch build any straps such as musket slings themselves, though this is easily done with thin paper strips (straps round the body like crossbelts are moulded with the figure).

Some of the parts, particularly the smallest, come attached to bits of sprue, but overall the kit comes as separate parts in a bag. We found some flash on some parts, but being resin this was easily removed, although the size of the parts sometimes made it a very fiddly operation. The detail is pretty good, with some undercutting helping to make equipment stand away from the body in a realistic manner. The parts fitted together quite well, but there are no pegs or slots to guide pieces together, and as with any kit time spent in filling in joins will produce better results, although the figures as seen above have not had this done and represent a basic assembly.

This set is subtitled '4 Musketeers/Grenadiers advancing in close order'. The two suggested poses are as shown, but obviously others are also possible. The figures are accurate in terms of uniform and equipment, although we felt the haversack is a little too square for our liking. However one of the most striking features of these figures is the anatomical proportion. The only other set of this subject currently in existence is that of HaT, and when the two sculpting styles are compared, the difference is immense. Legio say they made a deliberate decision to produce figures in correct proportions and thus avoid the stocky look and large heads found in many sets. Which style the customer prefers, only time will tell.

This is an interesting idea, and it has proved successful in larger scales. While the flexibility is great, there is no doubt that these models are pretty fragile - not helped by the resin material in which they are made. Therefore they are not best suited to games where they may experience rough handling. In addition they are not ready-to-go straight out of the box, so time is required to construct them. This type of product will not suit all tastes, but for some modellers this could be just what they require. It is certainly an impressive effort to start a brand new range.