Raventhorpe Miniatures produces a fine line of miniatures to depict the Mexican Revolution- 19001930. This new line consists of 26 separate items that include so far; Bandits, Peasants, and Federales. The selection continues to grow with the following 14 additions I will review. The first set I will describe are the gunfighters. These 20mm figures represent the typical slew of "Western Gunfighters." we expect to see in any movie or story about the old west. Overall appearance of the set of eight is very clean. There is very small casting sprue that needs to be tweaked off before preparing to paint. All eight figures wear a cowboy hat and are detailed pretty well. The best modeling occurs is areas like the gunbelts- these have the detailed bullet holders. The roughest sculpting occurs in the facial features and on a few of the handguns. The features have a chiseled look. Nothing wrong however for a square jawed western hero. The eyes are featureless and may only need to be indicated as the hats are all pulled down very low on all the poses. Here are the catalog numbers and descriptions: Mex27 Standin5z Oi)en Hands. Preparing to draw a holstered pistol! Mex28 Firing Pistol From Hit). Companion pose to Mex27. This cowboy had the quicker draw in the showdown. Mex29 Advancing Firing Pistol. Now the gunfight has erupted! This pose is in full western attire like the first two. In addition he wears a kerchief around his neck. Mex30 Kneeling Firing Rifle. Our first double armed figure. This cowboy is firing a rifle and has a holstered pistol. Mex3l. Advancing Firing Shotaun. Add more firepower. This is a double barreled shotgun. Figure is also armed with a pistol. Facial features are better in this pose- figure is shouting, hair is better detailed. Mex32 Kneeling With Rifle and Pistol. Good cover man. Pistol is drawn right handed. Rifle held left-handed over knee. The first figure in the set to alter the dress code by wearing a jacket (denim), instead of a western vest all of the previous figures were issued. Mex33 Firing Pistol Arm Extended. Good Action pose, yet the roughest sculpting on face and pistol. Mex40 With Seralpe. Mr. Personality! This is the stand out of the lot. Definitely a portrayal of Clint Eastwood right down to the stubby cigar. Pose has Serape over left shoulder and arm. Right hand poised menacingly above holstered pistol. To sum them up, they are an interesting mix for this particular figure line. Remember they are 20mm and will appear small next to other western gunfight figs.usually hefty 25's. Now on to the set of American Cavalry. These six figures have three mounted and three dismounted. Overall appearance of the casting quality is very good. Minimal cleanup for painting preparation. The horses provided came in two poses and had the most flash to clean from the legs of the casting. Mounted troopers have the saddle and equipment cast with them. Here are the catalog numbers and descriptions: Mex34 Trooper Mounted. Bedroll and equipment on back of saddle. Sabre slung right side, rifle slung left. Ammunition on all troopers includes a well sculpted belt and bandoleer ammo pouches. Mex35 Officer Mounted. Armed with a pistol in place of the rifle. Other significant detail variation is a pair of goggles strapped around the top of his hat. Mex36 Guidon Bearer Mounted. Armed with rifle, sabre, and pistol. Staff is bear to accept a paper standard. Mex37 Dismounted Officer. Advancing forward with drawn pistol. Left hand raised to mouth shouting commands. Goggles are gone, as is sabre. Mex38 Dismounted Trooper Advancing. Rifle held across chest advancing. Baggy cavalry pants very apparent with high top boots. Mex39 Dismounted Trooper Firing. Firing rifle- leaning into shot. That completes our tour of the Mexican Revolution by Raventhorpe. Forty Figures! That's a pretty extensive line of figures for a really interesting period. The figures sell for .95 foot, and 2.25 mounted. They are available through: RIBPS, 805 Blenheim Drive, Rockford, IL 61108. Telephone: (815)3978318. Fax. (815)229-8232. Ask for Robert Bowling. He is the sole importer of Raventhorpe Miniatures in the United States. They offer a very extensive 20mm catalog of figures covering the soldiers of Germany, Italy, Japan, America, and others. Thanks for your attention. Back to Table of Contents Penny Whistle #27 Back to Penny Whistle List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1997 by Lion's Den Publications. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com