I have in hand the 34pc. set of Guernsey Foundry, Old West gunfight figures. These models are 28mm tall and are suitable for the American West, American Civil War, Indian Wars, Mexico & South America. The Foundry claims the figures are also suitable as civilians, mercenaries, adventurers, desperadoes and filibusters in these other Victorian theaters: Boers, Paris Commune, India, China, & Australasia!
The overall quality of the castings are superb. The preparation for painting of this set would be minimal. The figures arrived very clean with little or no mold flash to scrape off. In previous releases of Old West figures I have noticed a small dimple in the exposed flesh areas of the figures hands. These figures hands are very articulated and will paint up with extreme detail; but pay close attention to any mold marks on the hands and file down the "dimple." In the "Big John" set, there are two Mexicans with bayonets on muskets. They appear to have bayoneted potatoes fired at them by the Peon Mexican with Musketoon. Obviously figures OWMA 2b, OWM 3b, and OWMP3 have a piece of mold flash that is large, round, and in a humorous location. Unless you are recreating a Spud bazooka battle this piece comes o ff.
There are some real stand-out personalities in this range and I would like to describe some of my favorites. We will start with the "title-cut" of Big John (OWS 15). This black gunfighter is armed with a revolver extended in his right hand in firing position. His sombrero hangs on the back of his neck exposing a strong, bald or close cut head. His overall physique is of a powerful gunfighter. Kerchief, suspenders, rolled up shirt sleeves and boots to the knee complete this casting.
Next comes "ZZ Gibbons", (OWS 16). He has traded his guitbox for a Winchester rifle held across the waist. His full length duster is covered from the waist up by a huge flowing beard. His wide brimmed hat is stylishly pulled down low, and his eyes are covered by round "cheap" Sunglasses.
(OWS 24), needs more than cheap sunglasses. This lawman has been caught with his pants down. In fact he's been caught with his shirt off too. Wearing nothin' but his button butt long underwear, barefoot, cowboy hat, he has managed to get his hands on his weapon. "Longjohns," the tin star, is carrying his belt, holster and pistol in front of him as he answers duty's call.
Another couple of characters who have come up short- anatomically are; (OWS 18) Sheriff Earpmissing his left arm, and (OWS 22) One Legged Veteran-missing his left leg from the knee down.
My favorite Apache character is "Top-Hat" (OWA 14). This Indian has some of the "white-man" costuming that depicts the cultural clash. He is brandishing a revolver in his right hand; left hand is in a tight, articulated fist. He wears a vest over a long sleeve blouse, breech-clot, pants, and moccasins to the knee. This is going to be fun to paint because it is a well animated character. There are many more stand-out characters within this set and I highly recommend checking out the adverts in the Wargaming magazines to get a Picture of the variety of poses and personalities in store for the Western gunfight era!
And now a word to the American Wargaming public from Guernsey Foundry:
We have received very few mail orders from America, though response from Britain and Europe has been phenomenal; well beyond our expectations. How can this be? We'd like to encourage all those potential American customers out there, by reassuring you that we take American cash, credit cards and dollar checks, we get the orders off by airmail next day, and that we are friendly and efficient, supply you with your complete order, don't charge for packing or seek to make a profit on postage, and are probably faster than mail ordering from suppliers on your own continent. So don't be shy about Transatlantic Mail Order (I order my jeans from Sheplers Western Wear in Wichita), give us a try, send us your dollars, and we're sure that you will become a regular customer.
I hope you find this review helpful and motivating in terms of ordering from Guernsey Foundry. In October, Lion's Den Wargames intend to run a Western gunfight game for BorderWars. There will be prize vouchers available from Guernsey Foundry . This might be a wonderful opportunity to resurrect the NASWGF Championship.
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