UKReb
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2007
- Messages
- 2,436
When I posted the picture below on a previous thread my concerns on it's accuracy were confirmed from the discussions that followed There were indeed a few errors with the set primarily the brass cannon and the "linstock" firer. I then wrote to Thor Johnson at AeroArt and quoted thus:-
I hope you dont mind me writing to you but last Saturday at the Toy Soldier Show in London (UK) I purchased a set of ACW Artillery figures under the name of Marco Polo which are being released through Figarti. Clive the Figarti UK Dealer/Distributor informed me that this particular piece and the other two sets of ACW general officers were in fact re-issues of original AeroArt sets. If this is the case could I ask what type of field gun is supplied with the Confederate artillery set? I am a bit of a ACW nerd and at first glance thought it to be an 1854 Model Naploeon Bronze cannon. But when I got it home and examined it more closely the breech and the bore are all wrong for a Nap but appears to be more inclined toward a 10 pounder "Parrot" which if it is, was in fact made of wrought iron (black barrel). Also the Reb firer is actually holding a lighted linstock rather than a lanyard for the friction primer cap which would have been used on both aforementioned cannons. I am fully aware of the diligent research that AeroArt undertake with each of their models and was just curious on how and why the sculptor came up with the set (as mentioned) and if there is a particular story behind such a cannon and linstock firer. Yours respectfully Bob.J.
I very swiftly received a concise and detailed reply from Thor explaning the problems they had had of casting solid brass barrels for various cannons for quite a number of artillery sets that were part of The St Petersburg Collection and unfortunately for this particular set some regrettable compromises had to be made with its absolute accuracy. He then concluded with thus:-
As for our presentation of the Gunnery Sergeant with the linstock rather than the ubiquitous lanyard: As you correctly pointed out, the lanyard was the principle ignition force used. However, the Confederates continued to use the older linstock method with their varied armaments for some time. We had a choice and have always thought the presentation of the figure in the coat with the linstock looks better/more interesting as part of the artillery set.
We will take your comments Bob under review and assess the need for possible future modifications.
With best regards,
Thor
Whilst fully appreciating Thor's choice of presentation of the figure holding a linstock....for me personally although liking the pose he reflected more one of my Alamo defenders rather than ACW. Subsequently, I decided a mini-conversion was required-simple task first the gun barrel received a coat of sateen black followed by a thin coat of varnish to reflect an iron sheen.
Gunners arm was removed, hand cut off, new hand molded holding a T bar handle lanyard.
The gunner's coat and hat were the next problem as they leaned more toward Union/Federal kit rather than Reb. The shoulder scales were ground off the coat, as were the crown badge and crossed sabres from his hat. Retained the single star pin holding up the side brim as that was a Confederate trait. Repaint of coat and pants-overpainting the red piping as seen in the original
Having only a three man set I need some more artillerists to make up a full gun crew. Next shot is experimental but has possibilities using an old Britains limber and one of their newer spike men. Next job on the list.
I hope you dont mind me writing to you but last Saturday at the Toy Soldier Show in London (UK) I purchased a set of ACW Artillery figures under the name of Marco Polo which are being released through Figarti. Clive the Figarti UK Dealer/Distributor informed me that this particular piece and the other two sets of ACW general officers were in fact re-issues of original AeroArt sets. If this is the case could I ask what type of field gun is supplied with the Confederate artillery set? I am a bit of a ACW nerd and at first glance thought it to be an 1854 Model Naploeon Bronze cannon. But when I got it home and examined it more closely the breech and the bore are all wrong for a Nap but appears to be more inclined toward a 10 pounder "Parrot" which if it is, was in fact made of wrought iron (black barrel). Also the Reb firer is actually holding a lighted linstock rather than a lanyard for the friction primer cap which would have been used on both aforementioned cannons. I am fully aware of the diligent research that AeroArt undertake with each of their models and was just curious on how and why the sculptor came up with the set (as mentioned) and if there is a particular story behind such a cannon and linstock firer. Yours respectfully Bob.J.
I very swiftly received a concise and detailed reply from Thor explaning the problems they had had of casting solid brass barrels for various cannons for quite a number of artillery sets that were part of The St Petersburg Collection and unfortunately for this particular set some regrettable compromises had to be made with its absolute accuracy. He then concluded with thus:-
As for our presentation of the Gunnery Sergeant with the linstock rather than the ubiquitous lanyard: As you correctly pointed out, the lanyard was the principle ignition force used. However, the Confederates continued to use the older linstock method with their varied armaments for some time. We had a choice and have always thought the presentation of the figure in the coat with the linstock looks better/more interesting as part of the artillery set.
We will take your comments Bob under review and assess the need for possible future modifications.
With best regards,
Thor
Whilst fully appreciating Thor's choice of presentation of the figure holding a linstock....for me personally although liking the pose he reflected more one of my Alamo defenders rather than ACW. Subsequently, I decided a mini-conversion was required-simple task first the gun barrel received a coat of sateen black followed by a thin coat of varnish to reflect an iron sheen.
Gunners arm was removed, hand cut off, new hand molded holding a T bar handle lanyard.
The gunner's coat and hat were the next problem as they leaned more toward Union/Federal kit rather than Reb. The shoulder scales were ground off the coat, as were the crown badge and crossed sabres from his hat. Retained the single star pin holding up the side brim as that was a Confederate trait. Repaint of coat and pants-overpainting the red piping as seen in the original
Having only a three man set I need some more artillerists to make up a full gun crew. Next shot is experimental but has possibilities using an old Britains limber and one of their newer spike men. Next job on the list.
