ESCI – 213 – Zulu Warriors

Description:

Unpainted plastic soldiers in 1/72 scale depicting the fearsome Zulu warriors.

This box contains 48 figures in 12 different poses. Many weapons (spears and cubs) are separated parts as well as shields. The weapons attach to hands (ring shape) pretty well, while shields has two hooks to attach to the arm, leaving a square gap in the front of the shield that might be filled if you are using these figures for something serious.

Some of the figures wear captured British equipment, weapons or uniforms which looks fine. Experts note a couple of important inaccuracy problems, by one side, most of the figures wear feathers on head, something not used in battle but on ceremonies, and the second one is about the spears, all are long spears, rather than the shorter iklwa. The shields are all also big, while at the time, a shorter one was preferred.

Sculpture, detail and cast of the figures is perfect, another more example of the quality ESCI achieved in the 80s, often not seen in makers decades later. This set was later issued under Italeri brand as Italeri – 6051 – Zulu Warriors, and decades later HäT expanded the options for the Zulu contingent.