Two years ago, GHQ Miniatures was kind enough to provide The Zouave with sample figures of its new 10mm American Civil War series, the "Rebellion" range, and this reviewer was impressed enough to give the range high marks. Since 1993, the series has become more extensive. And thus, with samples of some of GHQ's latest releases in hand, it's time for another review!

Marching infantry figures are now available at right shoulder shift positions. Unlike GHQ's previously released infantry figures, the marching figures carry more personal equipment. Each pack, Union or Confederate, has two different poses of men in blanket rolls (twelve figures), two different poses of men in backpacks (twelve figures) and three command figures; thus, twenty-seven pieces come in a pack. The Federals wear sack coats (and are available in either forage cap or slouch hat) and the Confederates wear shell jackets (and are available in either kepi or slouch hat).

The newly-designed command figures, of which there are three, are common to all marching packs. A color bearer in a shell jacket carries a cased color on his shoulder. Wearing sack coats, a drummer walks with his drum slung and an officer in slouch hat advances, sword in hand.

One of my favorite packs contained the new siege artillerymen in frock coats and kepis, all in a useful variety of poses. They're designed to serve the series' heavy guns, but they could possibly be pressed into service serving other guns as well. These figures are the first Civil War miniature artillerymen in frock coats, in any scale, of which I am aware.

Another attractive pack is the supply wagon with mule team. Six mules, in three different poses, pull a supply wagon with a canopy; a driver sitting astride a mule completes the set. The mules are quite distinct with their long ears, and will warm the heart of any Missourian! A unique pack of mortars is now available. The pack contains six Coehorns, three 10" mortars, and two 13" "Dictator" mortars; the latter two pieces also have cast wooden firing platforms.

Also included are a couple stands of ammunition. Limbered artillery hasn't been ignored, and also received were sets with a traveling forge with team and a 13" mortar with team. Within all limber packs, there are three different poses of limber horses in walking poses; each pose has the horse furniture appropriate to its position on the side of the limber. Like the supply wagon set, the limbered artillery sets are inclusive, including the correct number of horses, limber and horse riders, limber, and the appropriate piece of drawn equipment.

Two years ago, it was noted that all of GHQ's first releases were very well sculpted in fluid and realistic poses. Men, horses, and equipment were proportioned accurately and attractively, with a generous amount of detail that was not overdone. (A friend of mine who is interested in 54mm and larger scale figures remarked that the 10mm GHQ pieces are far more realistically proportioned than many of the 15mm and 25mm figures which he has seen.)

Also, the casting quality was excellent; the figures were obviously carefully cast from clean molds which left very little or no flash or mold seams on the pieces. It is my pleasure to report that all of these comments pertain to GHQ's latest releases as well. The entire range is of a very high and consistent quality. Forgive me for gushing, but this series has become one of my all-time favorite ACW ranges.

Jim Moffet, owner of GHQ Miniatures, and I spoke on the telephone in December of 1994. Jim is an avid Civil War buff and reenactor; his comments revealed a considerable knowledge of the Civil War. Incidentally, the company's upcoming new releases sound exciting. Jim, who designed the "Rebellion" range, hopes to include figures based on famous contemporary photos in the proposed personality and casualty packs. Specifically mentioned as potential sources of inspiration were famous photos of General Hooker mounted on horseback and a well-known image of the three Confederate prisoners standing near a rail fence after Gettysburg. Jim also mentioned that a strong interest exists in GHQ's miniature artillery pieces amongst collectors, hence the attention given to that arm of service.

In conclusion, I have no hesitation in recommending the "Rebellion" 10mm range to any ACW buff. Wargamers will like the series for building accurate and attractive wargame armies, while collectors will enjoy these little guys as fine military miniatures in their own right. (And most of us are both wargamers and collectors, aren't we?) Call 1-800-BUY-1945 for a current GHQ catalogue!

Other Reviews:

Book: The Cavalry: A Tactical Study (9 June-14 July 1863)
Book: Gettysburg, Culp's Hill, and Cemetery Hill
Rules: J.E.B.!

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