Chintoys Marathon

Chintoys is a Russian manufacturer of toy soldiers. They are known mostly for their eclectic range of 1/32 scale figures, but their most recent release are two sets of figures in 1/72 scale representing the two sides from the Battle of Marathon.

Datis vs Callimachus (detail)
Reconstruction of painting
from the Stoa Poikile.

An interview with Igor Basevich of Engineer Basevich by Warhorse Miniatures includes some tangential details about Chintoys for anyone who is interested.

The art design on the boxes is similar to the ones used for their larger figures, and repeats the same image on both sides.

The first set of miniatures represent the Persians.

The set contains one sprue of command figures and five sprues of infantry, all in gray plastic.

Persian command

Persian infantry

Persian infantry

The figures have a bit of flash to clean up, and are not particularly stable on their bases, requiring some bending to keep from falling over (particularly the fighting poses which are rather flat).

Otherwise, the figures are are nicely sculpted, and detailed down to the patterns on their clothing.

The second set is of the Greek forces.

The box contains eight sprues in green plastic, each with six figures.

Greek hoplites

Greek hoplites

Greek psiloi

The hoplites are really tall at ~28mm in height. I suppose they are meant to be heroic representations, but having so many 6' 8" hoplites seems a bit much. The psiloi, being mere commoners are a bit more reasonable in height.

The sculpts, like those of the Persians are a bit on the flat side, but are nicely detailed. There was quite a bit of flash to clean up.

Overall, I think these sets were a decent first effort from Chintoys. I hope they will consider producing some of their Mesoamerican and other more obscure figures in 1/72 scale.