News Update June 5th, 2023 - The American Civil War (1 Viewer)

[Lo1863]

these Rebs have a bit too much "cav yellow" for 1863. I'll pass on these and concentrate on the artillery figs and limbers. Chris

I agree with you, Chris. I'll be passing on these as well as they don't represent Confederate cavalry in 1863. I too will focus on the artillery and limbers that were just released. Plus it helps me save money!

 

[Dragoon]

Well, I still really like these figures, sabers and all. If budget allows, I'm thinking of getting at least this first release and do a little repainting and possibly even swapping out a head or two.

 

[Jefman]

The sculpts are great if they are intended to be Union Cavalry and painted as such. Those when available I intend to purchase and will splice them into my WB sets. As for Confederate Cavalry the yellow kepi's and ornate shell jackets combined with all breech loading matching Sharps Carbines are probably not accurate to portraying Confederate sharpshooters on a dismounted cavalry skirmish line circa 1863. Before the sculpts go to paint consider swapping out some of the kepis for slouch hats or if you keep them paint them only grey. Same for the shell jackets instead go for all grey Richmond depot style and some fading into a tan like butternut. Put some variation into the footwear. Cavalry boots were not that common but were used. Period photos support these assertions. Go through some era photos and tin types and then read up on some regimental histories on equipment procurement. There is a great passage in the story of the 1st and 2nd Maryland obtaining gear. I have a Pinterest board on Civil War Cavalry that I have pinned tons of photos to support these portrayals in an accurate sense. Tone down the saber belts and carbine slings. The Confederates were not that well equipped.The Rebels used tons of muzzle loading carbines too. When Matt at FL rolled out his Union Cavalry I got bbq'd critiquing his prototypes for telling the group that Spencer repeating carbines and their accompanying Blakeslee cartridge boxes did not hit the field until late 1863 early 1864. The push back was uncalled for as I simply wanted to point out that the depiction was inaccurate for Buford's delaying action cavalry fighting dismounted day 1 July 1863 at Gettysburg. For Trevilian Station circa June 1864 they would have been excellent. To his credit Matt made the necessary changes. Point is I like JJD's work. Well done stuff. His portrayal of a dismounted set up X's three is superb. However you just can't take creative license from written regulation descriptions and then try to pass the art off as historically accurate for circa June 1863 at Brandy Station.

 

[lancer]

John is very interested in feedback on his products. If something is wrong, he wants to know. The concerns over the Confederate uniforms is just the kind of thing he wants to hear about. One or more of you all who obviously have the expertise about these things, needs to contact JJD and voice your concerns. -- Al

 

[Terp152]

Since John has chosen to depict the battle of Brandy Station, dare we hope for mounted USA and CSA figs? Been many yrs since any have been released aside from the Black Horse Troop of the Battle of Manassas. Would love to see some mid-war figs (hopefully sans perfectly uniformed figs with the dominant yellow kepis).

 

[Jefman]

In my sophomore year of college 1979-80 I sent a letter to the curator of the Confederate Museum in Richmond, Virginia. I explained I was researching the subject of Confederate Cavalry and how they looked in the ACW. The man who answered my letter was an expert on the subject: Les Jensen. He is the current curator of the West Point Museum. He is incredibly informed on the subject having viewed many examples of period cloth, head gear, weapons and leather. He has authored countless books. If anyone can offer up a more informed expert on the subject it's probably OK to offer that person's name up here on this thread on this really well done site that Treefrog offers. I am really gratified to be able to share knowledge on a subject that I have invested many hours into. In Les's response to me he said he had not seen any period cloth in his viewings of Confederate Cavalry haberdashery wearing private or depot issued uniforms that had a pronounced yellow look to the collars, cuffs or piping much less on head gear. He explained at the time in the Museums collection was an enlisted CSA cavalryman's nine button frock coat supposedly belonging to a trooper of the 14th Virginia Cavalry. The collars and cuffs were both black on the cadet grey jacket. If one digs deep enough that coat is out their on the internet to be viewed. Black is a common color on period Confederate cloth. ACW branch wise black denoting militia not artillery (red), cavalry (yellow) or infantry. (light blue) The uniform stayed with the enlistee regardless of branch transfer. I have personally observed a well preserved frock coat of a Confederate Cavalry Captain supposedly served in the 7th Georgia. That coat was collected by a friend, a deceased attorney, who went to school at Muhlenberg College in PA and knew the subject of Civil War uniforms on par with the best experts. His collection was incredible. He even owned a period Union four button jacket. The 7th Georgia Cavalry's claim to fame was being attached to Gen. MC Butler's Brigade at Trevilian Station. That frock coat had an almost buff colored collar denoting perhaps a staff issue as that color denoted. I hope the talented people at JJD view this forum. It's comprised of some really well informed people on a myriad of subjects some general some specialized. The conjectures and viewpoints can hopefully be gleaned into crafting super high quality toy soldiers that we all collect and enjoy. To me it's a cool hobby.

 

[Terp152]

John is very interested in feedback on his products. If something is wrong, he wants to know. The concerns over the Confederate uniforms is just the kind of thing he wants to hear about. One or more of you all who obviously have the expertise about these things, needs to contact JJD and voice your concerns. -- Al

Al, since you have been in somewhat regular contact with John concerning his acft releases, maybe you could recommend he read this thread.

 

[lancer]

Al, since you have been in somewhat regular contact with John concerning his acft releases, maybe you could recommend he read this thread.

Chris, in past discussions that very subject has been mentioned, with John responding he simply doesn't have time to peruse forums. Of course, things change but e-mailing him would probably be the best way to get him the info. -- Al

 

[Jedburgh]

I thought it was just me that saw these releases as just too neat,tidy and well equipped but with the traffic on this thread it seems I'm not alone. I passed on the K&C Confederate Cavalry and was going to do the same with these releases. From all accounts unholstered pistols and shotguns would have been the order of the day. Some may have been partially clad in civilan clothing.

 

[Jefman]

UKReb (Bob) once told me in a private email that this board can be a two edged sword. You can attempt to enlighten but sometimes the thoughts get hijacked, distorted or perhaps misconstrued. I don't think anyone wants to denigrate or derail this roll out of finely crafted toy soldiers.

 

[Terp152]

I think it's okay to post respectful criticisms and not always be a cheerleading section. Just my thoughts.