GHQ's 10mm Rebellion Range

American Civil War Figures

Reviewed by Jeff Farmer

In 1992, GHQ Miniatures released its new 10mm Civil war range, the "Rebellion" series, available only by mail-order. Submitted to The Zouave were about two dozen pieces from various packs; this reviewer owns most of the rest of this series as well.

There are currently sixteen different infantry types currently available, all in different advancing poses. Figures wear either slouch hats or forage caps, and wear either shell jackets (Confederate) or sack coats (Union); each pack of each particular type has four different advancing poses in it. Obviously, these figures will let the collector model the vast majority of infantry regiments for either North or South. It should also be mentioned that no figures are wearing knapsacks or blanket rolls, either Union or Confederate.

The figures' detail and casting are incredibly crisp and clean; even buttons are clearly defined on the figures' chests! GHQ has once again demonstrated its casting and designing skill with a "micro" range of figures. A little cleanup is necessary prior to painting, but not much. It is also a pleasure to write that these figwes are truly well proportioned, better than many 15mm and 25mm figures this writer has seen! They actually resemble miniature human beings. The poses aren't particularly wild or exaggerated, but are fluid enough.

Also available are two officers, two drummers, and two flagbearers. My only complaints are that two of the advancing poses are too similar, and in general, I personally don't like pre-cast flags on my figures. But the flags on these figures are attractive and appear to be in scale, so maybe I shouldn't complain until I try to paint one!

There are two artillery crews serving unlimbered guns, in kepis and slouch hats, and each crew has six poses. I especially like these figures; there is more action in the artillerists' poses than there is in those of their foot-sloggin' friends in the infantry. Beware: the "Confederate" pack has gunners in kepis (not forage caps), and the "Union" pack's gunners wear slouch hats! The guns themselves are pretty damn nice as well, and are supplied with a variety of gun barrels.

As for the cavalry, they're very well scu1pted and cast as well; the entire range of figures is very consistent in this respect. Once again, the poses of both horses and riders are fairly tame, and not especially exaggerated, but the pieces are quite acceptable, nevertheless. The horses, in walking and standing poses, have a really good look to them.

Only Major Complaint

My only major complaint about this range is the way it is packaged. Gamers have to buy infantry in 27-man packs (24 men, 3 command); additional command packs are available, which contain 18 command on foot and two mounted officers. To me, this makes buying figures awkward, and a person will probably have to buy more packs than he wants, to suit the way he organizes his collection.

The same dilemma exists with the artillery packs (12 gunners, two guns) and cavalry packs (9 troopers, 3 command.) These concerns could be dismissed if these were inexpensive figures, but they are not! All packs cost $5.95, a price only slightly higher than most of the 15mm figures on the market today. GHQ has designed a wonderful and exciting range of Civil War figures, and I believe that the buyer is getting his money's worth for this series, figure for figure. But I'd really like to see GHQ sell these miniatures in a more flexible way.

GHQ has indicated that zouaves, skirmishing infantry, limbered artillery, and dismounted cavalry will next be released. No release date has been given. Also, a very knowledgeable gentleman at GHQ also expressed a wish to me (not a promise!) for infantry at right shoulder shift (or march-attack) poses. All of these additions would be very welcome. And last of all, I gotta admit that it's good to see an American manufacturer do the American Civil War right!

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