Plastic Soldier Review - Italeri Confederate Cavalry

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Italeri

Set 6011

Confederate Cavalry

All figures are supplied unpainted (Numbers of each pose in brackets)

Stats

Date Released	1998
Contents	16 mounted figures, 1 foot figure and 17 horses
Poses	10 poses, 5 horse poses
Material	Plastic (Medium Consistency)
Colours	Silver, Grey

Average Height

24 mm (= 1.73 m)

Review

The Confederate cavalry always seemed to be the most glamorous arm of their armed forces, and the many successful raids they made on Union positions and supplies further enhanced their reputation. Italeri subtitled this set 'Raiders', though it came out as the rather ridiculous 'Riders' on the box.

Italeri had already produced several cavalry sets by the time this one appeared, and had established the standard of nine poses plus four or more horses. This set includes a tenth pose of a man kneeling beside his downed horse, firing his pistol. All too often manufacturers ignore casualty figures, but this one is excellent. The mounted figures are also excellent, with plenty of useful poses, and the inclusion of a trumpeter, standard-bearer and two officers means this set covers all the bases.

In the early years of the War most men supplied their own uniforms and mounts, and on many occasions supply was a real problem. Consequently the appearance of the cavalry was rarely uniform, and these figures reflect that nicely. Some figures have more or less regulation clothing, and some are virtually completely in civilian attire. One of the men wears the popular hussar-style tunic, with loops of braid on the breast. A good mixture of sabres and rifles is being utilised.

All the horses are equally well sculpted, with both advancing and standing poses. All the poses seem natural, even the downed animal, and the equipment is accurate.

This is a standard Italeri set, so detail and anatomy are beautifully carved and of the highest quality. Flash is virtually non-existent and both variety and accuracy have received a lot of attention. All this makes the one error in this set all the more puzzling as it is such an obvious one. The flag has been engraved on both sides with the Confederate battle flag. Regular visitors will know we prefer plain flags so we can choose to paint whatever design we wish, but here it is worse, as the flag clearly bears 17 stars. No Confederate flag ever had more than 13 stars, and some had less than this for obvious reasons. An elementary mistake that mars an otherwise faultless collection of figures.

Ratings

Historical Accuracy	9
Pose Quality	10
Pose Number	9
Sculpting	10
Mould	10