Question regarding Standard Bearers (1 Viewer)

[Lo1863]

I have almost completed my ACW 2nd Wisconsin Iron Brigade and I received yesterday one of my final figures in order to do so. It was ACW100, which is the regimental flag bearer. The first thing I noticed was that the material the flag was made out of was different when compared to the American Flag bearer of the same regiment. The regimental flag is made out of what seems to be a plastic resin, while the American flag bearer is still metal like the rest of the figure (same with the 13th Alabama flag bearer). I was wondering why the change or if First Legion flag bearers are usually made with plastic resin? These are the only three flag bearers I own so anyone who owns multiple flag bearers please feel free to chime in. Thanks so much!

 

[jazzeum]

I have several FL bearers that are made of resin. In some way it's better as it's less susceptible to damage.

 

[Lo1863]

I have several FL bearers that are made of resin. In some way it's better as it's less susceptible to damage.

I agree! I was not sure what to think of it when I first opened the box this evening, but when comparing it to the metal American flag bearer I like the resin because the flag does not change position. In the top heaviness of the metal American flag bearer it can make the whole figure fall over sometimes if not positioned properly. Is this the only ACW flag bearer made of resin so far? What about the other ranges as well? I'd love to know what Matt himself thinks of all this and the decision to make the 2nd Wisconsin Regimental Flag Bearer out of resin.

 

[jazzeum]

Cameron,

I don't have the Texas one but without checking my Civil War standard bearers, I think that may be the only one.

Brad

 

[6th Wisconsin]

I have several standard bearers - three Civil War, including the two 2nd Wisconsin figures, a few Napoleonic, and the first three AWI pieces. I did not check out the AWI flags, but I am pretty sure they were metal. There is a definite difference in the two 2nd Wisconsin flags, as you noted. Another thing I noticed though, when comparing the 2nd's national flag to Napoleonic flags I have is that it seems to be a heavier metal and is cooler to the touch like I would expect metal to feel. I found the Austrian flag from the Napoleonic range to be very light feeling too, similar to the 2nd's regimental flag, but it is furled and harder to determine the substance. Regardless, I like all of the flag bearers I have purchased and agree it is nice to not have a flag overweigh the figure.

 

[Lo1863]

Thanks for the responses so far guys! I would still love to hear from Matt in regards to why having different materials for flags. One thing I have noticed is that I need to be more careful with the 2nd Wisconsin Regimental Flag so it does not break off the flag pole.

 

[rick36]

The resin flags are not as heavy because gravity will cause the lead poles to bend under the weight of the lead flag. I like that First Legion is addressing this. The SYW Prussian Flags are resin and flowing and should last. Were they lead, the flag would eventually droop/break the flag pole and require repair of some sort. I'll never forget a beautiful Polish Hussar whose lead lance pennon had bent the lance almost 90 degrees!

 

[jazzeum]

Further to Rick's point I have had people contact me about having Mike DeMarco fix flag bearers. They are very hard to fix. Apparently, FL uses some different type of metal that is hard to solder.

 

[Lo1863]

Are most of the newer flags made with resin now? The 2nd Wisconsin Regimental Flag is the most recent one I have purchased.

 

[Lo1863]

Also, for those of you who own the 2nd Wisconsin Regimental Flag I noticed a jagged line that runs in the paint up along the area where the flag wraps around the pole. I have posted a picture below and was wondering if the one you own has the same line? Just wanted to be sure it was not a defect that would cause the paint to start chipping off in that area of the flag. It's a rough line that can be felt on your finger. Thanks for any help as my OCD really appreciates it!

 

[Alex]

That's a mould line which was not properly sand down before priming and painting of the figure.
It is only esthetic and will not affect the durability of the figure.

Now about the flag material question

IF you want something that will stand the test of time you need a flag where the pole is made out of steel or thick brass (2nd best) and where copper foil has been wrapped around (of proper gauge).
That's the best since it will never brake and is light at the same time.

AFter that, I would prefer a flag which was cast out of tin (difficult to brake) or resin (lighter but very easy to brake) with a steel or brass pole.

The worse one is the cast flag with a cast pole. These are very very bad

cheers
alex

Also, for those of you who own the 2nd Wisconsin Regimental Flag I noticed a jagged line that runs in the paint up along the area where the flag wraps around the pole. I have posted a picture below and was wondering if the one you own has the same line? Just wanted to be sure it was not a defect that would cause the paint to start chipping off in that area of the flag. It's a rough line that can be felt on your finger. Thanks for any help as my OCD really appreciates it!

View attachment 201309

 

[Lo1863]

That's a mold line which was not properly sand down before priming and painting of the figure.
It is only aesthetic and will not affect the durability of the figure.

Thanks so much, Alex! I'm a little more at ease now. Does anyone else have this obvious mold line on their regimental bearer?