Welcome to the Strelets Forum. Please feel free to discuss any aspect of 1/72 scale plastic figures, not simply Strelets. If you have any questions about our products then we will answer them here.
Re: Russian Army in summer dress or Confederate troops?
I actually think the caps are just right, as is the rest of the uniform and kit for line troops. The French uniforms of the Second Empire influenced military fashion in a lot of other countries, just like the French uniforms of the First Empire. The influence was especially strong in the Americas (North and South, as well as the Caribbean), Southern Europe and Asia, but the Russians also adopted some French fashion along with more traditional Russian items like the tall marching boots, slung greatcoat and short blouse. As for similarity to US Confederates -- tall boots were not part of a regular infantry uniform in the US and were rarely seen on dismounted troops (and then more in the form of Wellington-style mud boots for static trench warfare than for marching). Besides, with the Confederacy's chronic shortages of leather and material, infantry were lucky to get matching shoes in decent shape.
Re: Russian Army in summer dress or Confederate troops?
These are beautiful masters so far. So much so, that I want to learn more about the famous battles they fought in. I'll check the S*R site for some History Text.
Those rolled blanket rolls are the most realistic of any manufacturer yet to make them - nice and full and round. Great job sculptor!
This sculptor certainly has the skills to produce a different great set for American Civil War. I recommend S*R encourage him to make both Confederate and Union foot troops. This could be a good way to include some Confederate Foot Officers to fill out the existing 3 wonderful sets of ACW Personalities.
Very nice work! GC
P.S. I think Hank (HFTGH) or another forumer posted a YouTube link 1 or 2 years ago showing a movie with these guys. I recall thinking "Wow, really! In Russia they wore unforms like in France and in the U.S. during those years?" Nice job S*R for helping enlighten us to more fascinating Russian history.
P.P.S. S*R - just checked and hope you'll write a History Introduction for this set and the others for this range. I always enjoy reading your's because it's from your perspective. :-) GC
Re: Russian Army in summer dress or Confederate troops?
These look like great figures to me. I have almost no knowledge of RTW so will have to do some research on the battles. Nevertheless, I always enjoy being introduced to new campaigns and battles - very exciting. Keep up the great work STrelets.
Re: Russian Army in summer dress or Confederate troops?
Dear all
There is a painting of an aid/dressing station in the links I gave you a while ago see:
http://slavs.org.ua/pomnyat-turki-nas-i-shvedy
Scroll down and yes they do look like Confederates. It almost looks like a scene from "Gone with the Wind". Actually near Plevna.
Summer or hot weather uniform would normally be the loose fitting white blouse of Slavic appearance and the hat would have a white cover and Havelock eg Bulgaria 1877. These figures look to be in the regulation line infantry uniform which would normally be worn throughout the year augmented by overcoats, bashlyks etc in the winter. The hair is tousled Johnny Reb style whereas it was normally neat but not cropped ( bottom far right, the enlargement, captures it). Contemporary illustrations suggest they did get a little more unkempt as winter approached so for Shipka late Aug 1877 it is probably right. The moustaches are right as they were bushy and were always of a Slavic appearance. There was a general move back to things Slavic which is of course the theme of the war.
The top two rows show much better proportions on the figure on the extreme left when compared with his neighbour. The thigh length is much better and indeed it is so with all the new masters in this set. The effect is it will give the correct amount of trousers showing between tunic bottom and the top of the boots. The buttons look big but they will probably be OK when painted. Some early Strelets figures had poor feet/boots but these boots look superb.
I suppose the answer to the question is -Russian Line Infantry for the Russo Turkish War 1877/8.
Re: Russian Army in summer dress or Confederate troops?
Hi GC here are some contemporary uniform plates for the RTW and an account of the Battle of Plevna....
The Turks were well armed with Peabody-Martinis and Winchester repeaters....
Re: Russian Army in summer dress or Confederate troops?
For some more images you may try the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPFK6aCbRmU&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv3hrkD80eQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkDanQxrnFs&feature=related
http://veresh.ru/balkany.php