Redoubt 25mm ACW
and Napoleonic

Miniature Products Review

by David Barnes

Review of Redoubt Enterprises ACW and Napoleonic 25mm new releases 49 Channel View Road, Eastbourne, E. Sussex, BN22 7LN, and Miniature Service Center, 1525 Bridge St. #163, Yuba City, CA, 95993, USA

I have the video "Gettysburg," a pretty harrowing film altogether and another monument to the idiocy of real war. Some people wargame and don't blither on about "making it real." (Bosnia is at it again as I write) The fantastic sequence in the film of the defence of Little Round Top by Col. Chamberlain and the 20th Maine is very stirring however and I congratulate Redoubt on producing the regiment in miniature. I'll list the sample packs, comment and draw some figures, not to scale.

ACX17 Col. Chamberlain and the 20th Maine. Thirty figures make up this pack, mostly in kepi. The main bag contains bags with heads, the body of the regiment, all in the aim, and two bags containing character figures. Bag 20/1 contained the colonel drawing his sword, hatless, in riding boots. A top sergeant pointing with musket held down at his right side, muzzle down (this "Topkick" is shown with chevrons, whereas, quite rightly, in the film the RSM (equivalent) has not distinctions whatever, just a plain uniform - which is a distinction in itself of course.) Four other figures, one with bandaged head, muskets at the ready, make up the pack. Bag 20/2 contained an officer with drawn sword and separate arm with pistol. Two standard bearers, a drummer somewhat crouched and two NCOs with muskets, one shouting, his right hand used as a "trumpet," stand at the ready. Of the regiment, they are all in sack coats, some have trousers in their socks, some have turn ups, some have their trews full length. About 8 have gum blankets rolled round their bodies. An excellent group altogether.

AC55 Charging with level weapons, fixed bayonets - sack coats with a bag of SH slouch hats. These could be some of the brave lads who kept on charging uphill through the trees at 20th Maine until the Union regiment ran out of ammo and Chamberlain bravely led his men in a bayonet charge down at the rebs. A "tingly moment" in the film where Chamberlain places his sword at the throat of one of the Southern gentleman leading the opposition. This chap snaps his pistol at the colonel and it fails to fire - no ammo either. The S. officer then says poignantly, "Do you think I could have a drink of water?" The usual interesting assortment of trews lengths and bulky socks, etc.

AC62 Standing firing, shell jacket. Again with slouch, Tennessee, puff ball, kepi, or bare headed. These stalwarts could be covering their advancing comrades from behind trees uphill to Little Round Top. I approve of the sensible ACW "if there's cover, get behind to fire" idea - as an old Light Infantryman. The aim pose is excellent for all this pack. All come with plug heads as usual suppled. The Maine have a special set.

At the time of writing packs are £ 3.60 and one can specify the heads one requires. Spare head packs are just 50p. I see ACX18 advertised as The Band of Brothers - "brave Confederate soldiers of 1st Maryland, led by Col. Goldsborough and Capt. Torsch." A set of 30 as ACX17. Cost £ 17.00 per set and £ l.50 P&P in the UK - not seen, but I dare say of "Redoubt" quality. The best range one can buy at the moment.

Lastly, PX18, Mounted British Officer holding his sword out wearing bicorne on walking horse. PX sets are £ 2.00 each a.t.o.w. This Napoleonic nange is becoming fuller. By the same designer (different from he ACW one) who has done the previous Napoleonics. Could be used as a galloper or Commanding regiment officer. A good sturdy walking horse too.

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