Mexican-American War Figures

First Corps, Guernsey, Raventhorpe, and Old Glory


I know that it has happened to each and everyone of us at some time during our hobby lives. just when you thought you were finished with a wargaming period, some figure manufacturer comes out with a new, "got to have it" line of figures for that same period. So you start off by saying to yourself, "OK, I will buy just enough of the new figures for a new unit". But you get to the hobby show or store and see how extensive the line is and you change your tactics. "Ok, I will only buy enough to do a new unit for each side." But now your evil, dark side is saying, "why stop there? Look at all those new figures and poses. A Brigade for each side is not too much to ask. You deserve it. You work long hard hours."

This is followed by a deep, throaty, evil laugh. Again you start rethinking your position. "Those new figures really outclass all the old stuff that I currently have, and the sizes aren't completely compatible. Maybe I should just start over again and rebuild the entire collection!" And so it goes. We have all been there and know the routine. Well, fellow gamers, the figure manufacturers have done it to me again. Just when I thought that I would never paint another Mexican-American wargame figure again, out comes three new lines of figures that are, you guessed it, "got to haves". - BOB MARSHALL

FIRST CORPS

These figures measure 27H on the Barrett Scale. Upon initial inspection you will find that they some of the poses appear almost cartoonish in nature. Hands appear to be larger than scale and some faces seem simplistic in detailing. These figures are not of the same fine, artistically scaled, style of some other figure companies. If that is what you desire in figures, these may not be for you. However, if you look for figures that paint up beautifully, with lots of natural poses and with accurately detailed uniforms, these fit the bill.

I would like to commend the figure designer for going a step beyond in researching the uniforms of this conflict. Whereas, some designers have taken the safe road and designed figures with the standard Mexican shakos and uniform headgear, First Corps presents Mexican soldiers in a variety of headgear including bonnet de police, and the kepi. It would appear that First Corps has a genuine interest in providing accurately detailed figures for the Mexican-American War. the various poses (advancing, firing, kneeling, etc.) all have an assortment of headgear. This gives the modeller great latitude in building units which appear lifelike in presentation on the tabletop.

I was particularly impressed with the regular Mexican Lancer figures. Mexican lances were provided with a cross bar just below the lance head which prevented over penetration. First Corps is the only figure company that has modeled the regular's lances accurately. Although I prefer to replace lead lances and spears on figures with wire, because they hold their shape better, I may make an exception in this case because it would be a shame to loose this nice detail. First Corps has provided a complete line of Mexican-American War figures in 25mm which I highly recommend. Available from Brookhurst Hobbies, 12188 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92640.

GUERNSEY FOUNDRY

GF has released several peasant figures which are wonderfully sculpted and are just the thing for bands of Mexican bandits or guerrillas which preyed upon American supply columns or patrols and stragglers. The figures include a peasant with down cast eyes which makes for a very nice addition to a command stand (local peasant being interrogated by the commanding officer).

Additionally, Guernsey has released Mexican soldiers in shako (without plate) and plain frock coat. This figure has its catridge box located on its waist belt in the style of the later Mexican forces (Maximillian Adventure, etc.), but this may be corrected with the addition of a cross belt or left as is and simpy ignored for the minor inconsistency. The Mexican regulars ae very nice and I do plan on obtaining some for not only the 1846-48 conflict, but also the Maximillian convicts. These figures are 25M on the Barrett Scale and fit very well with thier sister company's figures - Wargames Foundry. Available from Pendragon Miniatures, 1549 Marview Drive, Westlake OH 44145. (216) 871-4857.

RAVENTHORPE MINIATURES 20MM MEXICAN REVOLUTION US CAVALRY

Just received are three mounted (officer, trooper, and guidon, numbers 34, 35, and 36) and three dismounted (officer w/pistol and two different troopers, numbers 37,38, and 39) cavalry. They measure 21M Barrett. My first impression is that these figures were designed for use in units, not individually. The of ficers horse is in a different pose than the troopers, but theirs were all the same. The guidon is identical to the troopers, except that the right arm holds the standard, rather than being down. The offficer has different details but was clearly modified from the basic figure. This isn't precisely criticism; I'm just used to 20s being skirmish figures with lots more distinguishing personality.

Mounted figures are cast separately with their saddles, when attached to their horses, they sit nicely. Animation for the dismounted figures is OK, though the bottom halves of the firing and walking troopers appear to have come from the same figure. All of the dismounted figures, including the officer, seemed a bit two dimensional, with arms and legs roughly on a single plane. I suspect theyll paint up well enough, especially en masse, but theyll be a bit bland if deployed singly. These are brand new, so I'm not sure of pricing. Available from your local game shop, or directly from RLBPS, 805 Blenheim Dr., Rockford, IL,61108- BILL RUTHERFORD

OLD GLORY

Just when you thought it couldn't get much better along comes Old Glory. I was thrilled to see this company returning to their original idea of covering the military conflicts of American history. And of course what could thrill me more than Old Glory covering the Mexican-American War. Again, these figures would rate 27H on the Barrett Scale and fit perfectly with the First Corps figures.

Old Glory offers a complete line of basic figures including line infantry, artillery and command for both sides. Cavalry for the US is also available as are the figures for the grenadiers of the Supreme Power. Mexican line cavalry has recently been released as well.

Whereas the First Corps figures seem to be more relaxed in pose, Old Glory's figures are full of energy. The advancing figures appear to be on the brink of sprinting towards the enemy with visions of glory their driving motivation. The marching poses are also energetic. These marching poses are not those of troops which are marching from one town to another at a leisurely pace, but reflect troops intent on getting to a vital crossroad before the enemy does. That is the type of energy these figures exude.

If I were to have one complaint about the Old Glory line (and I admit it is picky) it is the short length of the officer's sabers. Some of them look as though they are carrying an artillerist's sword. Additionally, the sombreros worn on the Mexican militia seem a bit too large and seem similar in nature to the style worn by that cartoon mouse, Speedy Gonzales. Besides the quality of the figures, the usual lower cost of the Old Glory figures makes them a very attractive purchase. The Mexican cavalry comes with seperate right arms holding a sabre or carrying a lance. These figures are also highly recommended. Available from Old Glory, PO Box 20, Calumet, PA 15621.

* The Courier uses the Tobey Barrett Measurement [BM] System to simplify comparison of figure sizes. The number is the height in millimeters from the bottom of the figure's foot (top of base) to its eyes. The letter refers to the "heft" of the figure: L=light, M=medium, and H=heavy. Thus, Hs will fit in with other Hs and some Ms, but not Ls.

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