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ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Hello from South Africa. I am enormously excited about the ACW range, and hoping that it expands like the Crimean War range did. The new sculpting style is elegant and should fit well with the Revell, Imex and Italeri offerings. I’d like to offer a couple of ideas for future releases.

First off: re-release the Union General staff sets, both mounted and on foot. We need a confederate foot command/staff set too. It should include Lew Armistead, Roberdeau Wheat, standard bearers, VMI cadets etc.

Now for the new stuff:

The first is artillery. While artillery is available from Imex and Italeri, the uniforms are limiting. ACW artillery crews seem to have worn shell jackets, rather than sack coats (as the Imex figures do). The Italeri crews are wearing overcoats – super figures, but wrong for the blazing heat of Gettysburg, for example. And since serving guns was difficult but relatively stationary work, crews would have discarded their belts, haversacks etc. So: two sets, one Union, one Confederate, each with two artillery pieces and two crews in hot weather dress. ( https://za.pinterest.com/pin/308426274462209916/)

The second is infantry. I like the advancing poses – rifle held out in front (eg Picket’s Charge 2) and rifle on shoulder (eg. Picket’s Charge 1). I think there would be interest in doing another two sets of these, with the men uniformed in sack coats… this seems to have been the most common Union outfit.

I think there would also be some interest in early war figures. Both the Union and Confederate forces in the early months sported some interesting outfits. I doubt it would be possible to produce full sets of each of these, but I’d like to propose two sets, one of early war Confederate troops and one of early war Union troops. Each set would be composed of three sprues with twelve poses each, and a third with seven poses of officers etc. (the latter won’t give use everything we want, but it’s way better than nothing at all.) The three 12 pose sprues would be divided into three groups of four troops wearing a distinct uniform. Two of those four poses would be rifle out front, the other two would represent soldiers advancing with rifles on shoulders. Thus, enough figures would be available to produce a basic unit of advancing troops for each of the regiments. The regiments/costumes represented would be those that appeared in the field, rather than on the parade ground; some of the figures would be suitable for use later in the conflict with conversion. The Union:
1) Rhode Island – hunting smock, kepi, half of them with havelocks (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/607141593485027470/ )
2) Garibaldi Guard – Bersaglieri-style outfit (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/463237511659098377/ )
3) 79th New York – doublet, trews and glengarry cap. (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/247557310747133687/ )
The Confederacy
1) Liberty Hall Volunteers – shirt, kepi (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/410249847284542010/ )
2) Louisiana/Alabama infantry – frock coat, kepi with Havelock (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/334814553527672671/ )
3) Mississippi infantry – frock coat with frogging, hat with brim turned up; alternatively, the Racoon Roughs, with coonskin caps. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/496310821416232083/; http://www.warofrightsforum.com/showthread.php?1632-6th-Alabama-Co-I-amp-D-Raccoon-Roughs )

Iron Brigade: there is a classic look here: frock coat, gaiters and Hardee hat. I don’t know how widely this actually appeared on the field, but it looks REALLY cool! A set with three sprues of 12 poses each – 6 advancing with rifle held out front, six advancing with rifle on shoulder. A further sprue would have 8 poses: officers, standard bearers, Abe the Eagle, drummer, NCOs. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/511440101408285686/ )

Sharpshooters: Three sets of sprues with 12 figures, sharpshooters representing troops on both sides. They will be in skirmishing poses. Another sprue will have 7 figures, these being commanders, NCOs, buglers. The sprue with 12 figures will contain 6 to represent the ‘classic’ look of Berdan’s Sharpshooters: frock coats, kepis, gaiters, some with Prussian-style backpacks. The other 6 would be dressed in ordinary military clothing (Confederate sharpshooters don’t seem to have been dressed distinctively) – though maybe one or two with hunting shirts – and some rifles with scopes. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/801781539882293421/; https://za.pinterest.com/pin/801781539881569769/ )

Now, we need cavalry. Basically, one set of Confederates to match the Union cavalry you have already released.

Cherokee mounted infantry: A set rather like what you have produced for the Union cavalry, i.e 12 mounted figures, and 12 on foot skirmishing. Combination of military and civilian clothing and equipment, showing a mix of Western and native American influences. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/32088216066968463/ )

Finally, a set of irregulars. These would represent civilians who got caught up in the ACW and related conflicts: John Brown and the raid on Harper’s Ferry, the “Free State of Jones” or general guerrilla activity. Three sprues of 12 figures in civilian dress – nothing smart – skirmishing with rifles, shotguns and pistols. One sprue of seven or eight figures with individuated character: John Brown, a pastor, a well-dressed planter, and informally elected “officer” with a sword... The interesting thing with this set is that it would be applicable beyond the ACW. I'm thinking wild west, and also the First Boer War.

I'd be interested in any comments.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

I often wonder what became of the proposed Esci set of ACW artillery, prompted by your post this time because from memory you have described them, probably completely coincidentally.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

i believe the esci set was put out by revell or accurate.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Yes, I read that Esci was negotiating to put out a whole bunch of sets using others' designs. I regard the Accurate/Revell ACW artillery as the best crew available. It's just impossible to find.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Xenophon
Yes, I read that Esci was negotiating to put out a whole bunch of sets using others' designs. I regard the Accurate/Revell ACW artillery as the best crew available. It's just impossible to find.


The Esci artwork for their artillery set:


The Revell/Accurate sets had good figures but were way too big. Sad that Esci never made more ACW sets including cavalry, In response to the OP yes we definitely need new artillery sets with correct clothing like shell jackets. Sad that figure companies think "it's been done before" as an excuse to not produce certain sets or themes.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Xenophon
Hello from South Africa. I am enormously excited about the ACW range, and hoping that it expands like the Crimean War range did. The new sculpting style is elegant and should fit well with the Revell, Imex and Italeri offerings. I’d like to offer a couple of ideas for future releases.

First off: re-release the Union General staff sets, both mounted and on foot. We need a confederate foot command/staff set too. It should include Lew Armistead, Roberdeau Wheat, standard bearers, VMI cadets etc.

Now for the new stuff:

The first is artillery. While artillery is available from Imex and Italeri, the uniforms are limiting. ACW artillery crews seem to have worn shell jackets, rather than sack coats (as the Imex figures do). The Italeri crews are wearing overcoats – super figures, but wrong for the blazing heat of Gettysburg, for example. And since serving guns was difficult but relatively stationary work, crews would have discarded their belts, haversacks etc. So: two sets, one Union, one Confederate, each with two artillery pieces and two crews in hot weather dress. ( https://za.pinterest.com/pin/308426274462209916/)

The second is infantry. I like the advancing poses – rifle held out in front (eg Picket’s Charge 2) and rifle on shoulder (eg. Picket’s Charge 1). I think there would be interest in doing another two sets of these, with the men uniformed in sack coats… this seems to have been the most common Union outfit.

I think there would also be some interest in early war figures. Both the Union and Confederate forces in the early months sported some interesting outfits. I doubt it would be possible to produce full sets of each of these, but I’d like to propose two sets, one of early war Confederate troops and one of early war Union troops. Each set would be composed of three sprues with twelve poses each, and a third with seven poses of officers etc. (the latter won’t give use everything we want, but it’s way better than nothing at all.) The three 12 pose sprues would be divided into three groups of four troops wearing a distinct uniform. Two of those four poses would be rifle out front, the other two would represent soldiers advancing with rifles on shoulders. Thus, enough figures would be available to produce a basic unit of advancing troops for each of the regiments. The regiments/costumes represented would be those that appeared in the field, rather than on the parade ground; some of the figures would be suitable for use later in the conflict with conversion. The Union:
1) Rhode Island – hunting smock, kepi, half of them with havelocks (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/607141593485027470/ )
2) Garibaldi Guard – Bersaglieri-style outfit (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/463237511659098377/ )
3) 79th New York – doublet, trews and glengarry cap. (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/247557310747133687/ )
The Confederacy
1) Liberty Hall Volunteers – shirt, kepi (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/410249847284542010/ )
2) Louisiana/Alabama infantry – frock coat, kepi with Havelock (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/334814553527672671/ )
3) Mississippi infantry – frock coat with frogging, hat with brim turned up; alternatively, the Racoon Roughs, with coonskin caps. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/496310821416232083/; http://www.warofrightsforum.com/showthread.php?1632-6th-Alabama-Co-I-amp-D-Raccoon-Roughs )

Iron Brigade: there is a classic look here: frock coat, gaiters and Hardee hat. I don’t know how widely this actually appeared on the field, but it looks REALLY cool! A set with three sprues of 12 poses each – 6 advancing with rifle held out front, six advancing with rifle on shoulder. A further sprue would have 8 poses: officers, standard bearers, Abe the Eagle, drummer, NCOs. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/511440101408285686/ )

Sharpshooters: Three sets of sprues with 12 figures, sharpshooters representing troops on both sides. They will be in skirmishing poses. Another sprue will have 7 figures, these being commanders, NCOs, buglers. The sprue with 12 figures will contain 6 to represent the ‘classic’ look of Berdan’s Sharpshooters: frock coats, kepis, gaiters, some with Prussian-style backpacks. The other 6 would be dressed in ordinary military clothing (Confederate sharpshooters don’t seem to have been dressed distinctively) – though maybe one or two with hunting shirts – and some rifles with scopes. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/801781539882293421/; https://za.pinterest.com/pin/801781539881569769/ )

Now, we need cavalry. Basically, one set of Confederates to match the Union cavalry you have already released.

Cherokee mounted infantry: A set rather like what you have produced for the Union cavalry, i.e 12 mounted figures, and 12 on foot skirmishing. Combination of military and civilian clothing and equipment, showing a mix of Western and native American influences. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/32088216066968463/ )

Finally, a set of irregulars. These would represent civilians who got caught up in the ACW and related conflicts: John Brown and the raid on Harper’s Ferry, the “Free State of Jones” or general guerrilla activity. Three sprues of 12 figures in civilian dress – nothing smart – skirmishing with rifles, shotguns and pistols. One sprue of seven or eight figures with individuated character: John Brown, a pastor, a well-dressed planter, and informally elected “officer” with a sword... The interesting thing with this set is that it would be applicable beyond the ACW. I'm thinking wild west, and also the First Boer War.

I'd be interested in any comments.
I agree totally with you !!! I have suggested these before too much is done on regulars whereas strelets could produce more unique figures....plus I would suggest medical and supply train usin generic dressed figures with pack animals...what about command figures for specific units???

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Great suggestions for early war sets - although it's really unclear if the distinctive Garibaldi Guard and 79th New York uniforms were ever worn in the field, even during the Manassas campaign. By most lights, the soldiers only wore them for parades.

There are actually two glaring omissions from the basic Civil War range, both of them on the Union side. First, there is a need for a good set of Zouaves in their typical uniforms, which includes officers, flags and drummers. Hat's set is ancient and really below par for today's manufacturers, plus it only includes enlisted men and maybe a sergeant. I know that Strelets has questioned whether its Crimean War French Zouaves could be used for the ACW and the answer is unfortunately no. As some has previously noted, the officers' uniforms are wrong, but so are the muskets and many other details like bayonets and scabbards. For example, American Zouave units wore the turban much less than their French counterparts and there is no evidence of soldiers wrapping their turbans around their faces in battle. The Zouaves in the Italeri Union Infantry set are accurate, but there are only a few of them in it. So that set is absolutely necessary, plus it would be novel unlike the Crimean War sets.

The other missing set is one of Western Theater Union infantry. Union army units in the West had a much rougher-and-readier look than those in the East, with many men wearing slouch hats or broken-in Hardee Hats without the decorations. More Western units also wore frock coats than in the East, at least during the first half of the war. A Western battle such as Shiloh, Vicksburg or Chickamauga cannot be accurately portrayed if the majority of the Union soldiers have the neat kepis and sack coats of Eastern units.

As for the other ideas - great ones, and keep 'em coming!

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Point taken about parade versus field uniforms. I seem to remember reading that the 79th New York did indeed wear their costume at Bull Run. No matter, I'd like to have them.

In proposing new sets, we have to be mindful of the limits that a firm like Strelets faces. It has to sculpt, produce and market. It needs customers. Colourful, marginal uniforms will have some pullling power, but a limited amount. Hence my proposal to do composite sets. t would give collectors a novelty item, and wargamers figures representing these units, but without creating too much exposure for the firm.

You are correct on the Zouaves. I have a set of metal figures (from a now defunct outfit called Wodensfeld) that fills them in nicely. But that's me...

I suspect that a set of Louisiana Tigers would do well. 3 sprues of 12 poses, half advancing, and half skirmishing. They had no bayonets at Bull Run and were noted for their ferocious charge, so one or two poses could be wielding bowie knives. Another sprue with officers.

Maybe another set of Union Zouaves, split between those in kepi and those in fez? Maybe those in kepi skirmishing and those in fez advancing? Or all advancing? Then some extra heads to permit some converting.

As to Western theatre troops, I hear you and there is merit in it. But at this scale would it be necessary? Could we not just take the troops in frock coats and swap out their heads...?

For the same reason, I am not sold on the idea that we need African-American troops. I supppose with expert sculpting, its possible to given faces a distinctive ethnic aspect, but at this scale, just how much value would that add...

Love to hear your thoughts!

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Hi Andy

I think that we have to be careful about asking for too much. But then, let's chase our dreams too!!!

I think a generic camp set would be nice. Since the affiliation of the guys in camp, surgeons, backsmiths etc ould probably not be identifiable at this scale, they could serve for both sides.

Command figures: I would love to see the discontinued sets re-released. Strelets gives us some command figs in each set, but I see that HaT is planning a dedicated command set. But maybe it would be asking for too much to get another command set. Conversions required?

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

My vote would be for firing lines to complement the splendid standing, charging, and advancing sets already released or in the queue to be so. I'd also second the request for dismounted, skirmishing Confederate cavalry. Not too concerned about "novelty" units, with the exception of the Iron Brigade.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

For special units I'm a bit surprised Berdan's sharpshooters aren't available in 1/72, equipment and clothing is somewhat special for this unit so conversions aren't that easy. They're available in 20mm though from Wodensfeld but I think time is ripe for these to be made in 1/72 plastics.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Sharpshooters in plastic would be wonderful. One of my suggestions!

Just out of interest, does anyone know if the Wodensfeld stuff is still obtainable - and whether any pictures of it exist online (or if someone would upload images here, that would be super).

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Xenophon
Sharpshooters in plastic would be wonderful. One of my suggestions!

Just out of interest, does anyone know if the Wodensfeld stuff is still obtainable - and whether any pictures of it exist online (or if someone would upload images here, that would be super).


Some are sold through Hagen miniatures but not the sharpshooters I'm afraid, Plastic pelisse had images but gone in the Photobucket fiasco. Someone in the HäT forum used to sell them I also believe.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Thanks... Off on a tangent here: what was the great Photobucket fiasco? I see that I get messages about 3rd party hosting, and no pictures on various sites? But being the last of the great technophobes, I don't really understand ut...

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Xenophon
Thanks... Off on a tangent here: what was the great Photobucket fiasco? I see that I get messages about 3rd party hosting, and no pictures on various sites? But being the last of the great technophobes, I don't really understand ut...


Basically photobucket started charging people with an excessive amount of money if they hosted images on other sites, basically if you had images and linked them on any site, you would need to pay a lot. A majority of the users couldn't afford the fees so now all over the net dead images. Plastic pelisse seems to be one of the sites using photobucket..

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

I see... Benno's forum seems to have lost some of its photos too. Crying shame!

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

There is a PB fix addon scroll down the forum:

Photobucket Ransomware Fix for Chrome/Firefox

Works for me

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

John Cunningham in the UK has the molds and was selling them. See the following link and drop him a line. I haven't heard from him in a while.
http://www.vintagewargamingfigures.info/JohnClists/wodensfeld.html

and from the website.
"Method of ordering:

Place the order via email to John
Receive the total cost back from John, this includes postage at actual cost
Make payment (he only takes PayPal from USA folks)
Order is shipped, usually within 3 days

He says that postage from the UK to the USA can be pricey but no order is too small.

Contact John at cunnjoh@aol.com. Of course, he is in the UK, so he might be several hours different in time zones!"

Pictures. The two figures on the right are Wodensfeld sharpshooters
http://plasticpelisse.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/more-wodensfeld-acw-releases-from.html

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

I'm loving Strelets' American Civil War line, also. What I do like is:

* Both Blue and Gray colors; no generic figures that don't match Union or Confederate

* Sets representing different stages of a battle (a work still in progress with firing lines yet to come)

* I thought the original 3 sets of (Troiani) Commanders Union and Confederates were recently re-run.

* No shortcutting. Union Gettysburg Cavalry fully detailed and both mounted and dismounted (two sets in one - far more than the usual 12)

* Separate Blue and Gray Camp Life and Accessories Sets with wagon drivers sitting for driving wagons, camping, casualties, stretcher bearers, a table and chairs with separate guys strategizing inside one, big, tent ... There are zillions of generic tents out there already ...

* I'd like to see a new set of fully detailed Duryee's 5th N.Y. Zouaves with turbons and in Blue or Red. I like them wearing both blanket rolls and back packs. HaT has already issued a very nice set of Zouaves in both Blue and Gray with fez and no turbon. HaT's Gray set was re-issued and contains accessory heads with straw hats representing Tiger Zouaves. Why make the same thing everyone has already made? Again, with turbon, blanket roll, and backpack. Conte Collectibles made them in 54mm and they look great! Link:

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/who-or-what-were-the-zouaves.103208/

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

GarrisonClay
I'm loving Strelets' American Civil War line, also. What I do like is:

* Both Blue and Gray colors; no generic figures that don't match Union or Confederate

* Sets representing different stages of a battle (a work still in progress with firing lines yet to come)

* I thought the original 3 sets of (Troiani) Commanders Union and Confederates were recently re-run.

* No shortcutting. Union Gettysburg Cavalry fully detailed and both mounted and dismounted (two sets in one - far more than the usual 12)

* Separate Blue and Gray Camp Life and Accessories Sets with wagon drivers sitting for driving wagons, camping, casualties, stretcher bearers, a table and chairs with separate guys strategizing inside one, big, tent ... There are zillions of generic tents out there already ...

* I'd like to see a new set of fully detailed Duryee's 5th N.Y. Zouaves with turbons and in Blue or Red. I like them wearing both blanket rolls and back packs. HaT has already issued a very nice set of Zouaves in both Blue and Gray with fez and no turbon. HaT's Gray set was re-issued and contains accessory heads with straw hats representing Tiger Zouaves. Why make the same thing everyone has already made? Again, with turbon, blanket roll, and backpack. Conte Collectibles made them in 54mm and they look great! Link:

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/who-or-what-were-the-zouaves.103208/


The figures in the set released by HäT lacked cartridge boxes, canteens and whatnot, they were very small, 22mm and had no officers. The backpacks were in the European style but the choice of straw hats and such were nice. We need a real Zouaves set, marching, action and so on with different hats, fez, straw hats, turbans and kepis.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Hey Traveller! I would probably get a couple of boxes of Strelets Zouaves, provided they are in the "new style". I have a lot of Revell/Italeri/Esci figs, and the "old" chunky style doesn't fit. (Not that the latter are bad - there is a certain charm to them - but the chunky figs need to be kept among themselves.) Whether that is something that Strelets can be persuaded to do is another matter... I suspect they might be reluctant to do another set of Zouaves when many of us already have the HaT offerings, and their own Crimean set - whatever the imperfections of these many be.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Xenophon
Hey Traveller! I would probably get a couple of boxes of Strelets Zouaves, provided they are in the "new style". I have a lot of Revell/Italeri/Esci figs, and the "old" chunky style doesn't fit. (Not that the latter are bad - there is a certain charm to them - but the chunky figs need to be kept among themselves.) Whether that is something that Strelets can be persuaded to do is another matter... I suspect they might be reluctant to do another set of Zouaves when many of us already have the HaT offerings, and their own Crimean set - whatever the imperfections of these many be.


Doesn't sound like Strelets are interested in Zouaves in their developing ACW range, but I think there's a interest for a real ACW Zouaves set done properly with officers and drummers, and the choice of kepis, turbans and fez. They really add some color to any diorama. Zouaves are especially useful for early war scenes such as Manassas, but maybe there's some resistance to them as most only see ACW troops either in blue or grey.

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Zouaves continued on the US side for duration of the war, as I understand it. The Confederates couldn't supply the uniforms, so historically, they are limited to the beginning. Still, they are really cool, and I think there would be a great deal of interest in them. Whether Strelets goes that route will depend on how their other offerings sell.

Here's a question: do you prefer realism or romanticism: would you rather have shabby rebels, barefoot and hairy, or, well, Louisiana Tigers and frockcoats-and-havelocks? Personally, I prefer the latter... but that's me...

Re: ACW sets - proposals for future releases

Xenophon
Zouaves continued on the US side for duration of the war, as I understand it. The Confederates couldn't supply the uniforms, so historically, they are limited to the beginning. Still, they are really cool, and I think there would be a great deal of interest in them. Whether Strelets goes that route will depend on how their other offerings sell.

Here's a question: do you prefer realism or romanticism: would you rather have shabby rebels, barefoot and hairy, or, well, Louisiana Tigers and frockcoats-and-havelocks? Personally, I prefer the latter... but that's me...


In this scale bare feet can be done with just paint, if there was a set with Havelocks and frock coats I'd buy them, always dreamt of a Manassas diorama with early war troops, Union troops in grey and so on.