"US Uniforms for the Spanish AMerican War" Topic

Getting ready to paint up some 15mm US troops for the Spanish American War. I have checked out some B&W photos and some reenactor pictures. My question is, should I mix and match both blue and khaki trousers in the same units? Were there any difference between volunteer and regular infantry/cavalry uniforms (as far as colors are concerned)? Thanks!

I don't see any reason why not. Right now I've only got Ospreys San Juan Hill 1898 and I haven't read it fully yet.

PAR, from one account I've read, the Spanish-American War was the last conflict the United States Army wore an all-blue uniform in the field. As far as I know, I don't think khaki was in general use until the Philippine Insurrection, and generally confined to the trousers.

I'm not aware of any specific examples, but it's possible that some volunteer units, especially those raised by wealthy individuals, wore all-khaki. One specific example I've read about was John Jacob Astor IV's artillery battery, which reportedly wore khaki uniforms. Of course, most Span-Am War afficionadoes know about the 1st Volunteer Cavalry's ("The Rough Riders") uniform.

PAR,

The vast majority of your US troops should be in dark blue shirts and sky blue pants.

The 1st Volunteer cavalry needed to substitute in brown (drab) work pants due to supply issues. Some of the officers in all units may have had access to the new khaki uniform, but most wouldn't.

Steve