Owning about 2500 25mm Civil War figures, I became tired of painting the standard blue kepi-wearing Union and gray/butternut Confederate troops (finally.) The search started for some offbeat - "don't see these troops very often" type soldiers. THE FOUNDRY website /catalog was priceless in my search. Here is some of the I odd stuff' I found.
Belgian Askari with Straw Hats (Darkest Africa DA232): These make great 'armed slaves.' Use these in a 'Deep South' scenario, possibly an attack on a plantation. Group these slaves with a command stand, and you have a nice BAB (BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER-ed.) unit. Use this unit on either side, or even split loyalties.
Cutthroats and Pirates (CUT 20,21,22 Maroons 1, 2, & 3): More armed slaves which will add a little variety to the groups or units composed of Belgian Askari-types mentioned above.
Foreign Legion in Mexico (VCAM6 Mexican Regular Infantry): These are basic advancing poses, wearing kepi or havelock. If you paint the hair light brown, these figures don't look quite so 'south of the border.' Painted either in blue or butternut, these figures make a nice poorly-equipped militia or garrison duty-type unit.
Old West (VOW 215 - Kansas Militia): More of the same that gets away from the look of the 'regular' army types. Old West (VOW 223, 224 - Fillibusters 1 & 2): These figures are beautiful. They can represent units of armed citizens or poorlyuniformed/equipped militia.
All of the above miniatures can be painted with any mix of color and/or patterns. Being non-regular troops they could have worn almost anything. Outfit them in civilian clothes or faded military garb. There are figures that could be officers. Painting is very easy, and note the lack of equipment which can minimize the painting time.
As far as the cost ... ouch! Foundry is very high (over $2.00 per figure.) However, a couple of points to consider. First, you don't need many of these figures... these units are recommended as 'add-ons' only. Second, keep checking Foundry's website -they run special deals (almost constantly.) You can probably find a deal where you pay less than $2.00 per figure.
These figures can add some offbeat color to your games and certainly are conversation pieces. By the way, if the reader has other suggestions for the 'offbeat', please drop me or the editor a line and we'll look into it.
Foundry Miniatures Ltd.
24-34 ST. MARKS STREET, NOTTINGHAM, NG3 1DE, GREAT BRITAIN
OUTSIDE THE UK +44.115.841.3000 FAX+441158413250
MAIL ORDER 0115.841.3000 FAX0115.841.3250
WWW.WARGAMESFOUNDRY.COM
More New Recruits and Ordnance Reviews
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Windcatcher Graphics 25mm ACW Flats Review
Redoubt Enterprises ACW Review
Sash & Saber Castings 25mm ACW Review
Foundry Miniatures ACW, Pirates, Offbeat Review
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