I was at The Soldiery in Dayton when Mark received a new Dixon flyer with an order he had made. I was attracted to their pirate accessories even though I do not collect pirate figures. I intend on using the stuff for the American West or Darkest Africa. I thought I would share the results of my purchase with you.

Raft, RFT 1 - Cost $17.95. Size: deck 1 3/4" wide by 3 1/4" long. The model itself is nine logs across with a lashed cross log on each end. The raft has a rudder. It also comes with a two-piece mast and furled sail set that is supposed to be glued between two supports amidships. This package also comes with "luggage" in the form of a sea chest, a barrel and a bundle wrapped in cloth or canvas. For the price, I was expecting a large commercial trading raft -- not the castaway raft that this model obviously is. It is made out of hard plastic or resin, and in my opinion, the set is not worth more than ten bucks. A couple dollars worth of dowel rods, balsa and glue will give you a raft similar to this one. Make your own -- not worth the money.

Rowboat, RB 1 - Cost $12.49. Overall length 4 1/2", with width amidships approximately 2". The rowboat has a rear bench for the man at the tiller, as well as three benches for rowers. There are no oar locks, per se, but it is apparent where the oars go if the imagined crew is facing aft. Width between the benches is approximately 1/2". The distance between the forward bench and the bow is 1". While the model will not hold more than four figures mounted on 3/4" x 1" stands, the dimensions of the model are such that it is a boat that could hold up to 12 men. A little pricey, but not as hard to choke down as the raft. It would also require some skill/effort to model the shape, planks, ribs, etc.

Mast, FL 44 - Cost $4.99. Mast for the above. Package lists Ainsty Casting Company from York, England, but it is sold by Dixon. Two-piece set with a 4 1/4" mast and a 4 1/4" arm -- no sail. Fits nicely between the first and second bench. It is a nice addition, but you may just want to save the money and make your own out of the leftover dowels from the raft you made!

Trade Goods, TG 3 - Cost $10.99. Bag of trade goods cast as four separate pieces. First is a triangle of three stacked kegs, next is a "L-shaped" pile of what looks like four bales of wrapped cotton. Next is three boxes, a small keg, two sacks of grain or flour, and two large jars or bottles wrapped in baskets. Last is another pile of four boxes, a small keg, and seven sacks. The piles are 1" to 2" long and 3/4" to 1" high. Considering they are imported, not too bad for the price.

If you can't look at these at a show or in a store, my advice on this line is to only order a single, sample piece of each type you are considering. Then decide if it is worth the money for you.

More Reviews

Old Battlefields Press Battle Maps Accessory Review.
Dixon Miniatures Pirate Accessories Accessory Review.
Wargames Ruins 15mm French Tavern Accessory Review.
R and J Game Bases Accessory Review.