"Iron Brigade Preview: More Greens Firing Line and Officers" Topic

Excellent minis.

The only thing that I could suggest is to ditch the cartridge boxes and cap boxes from the officers. There is scant evidence that any foot officer, or even artillery or cavalry officers actually used these.

Though some officers carried revolvers (and a good percentage didn't) they almost always carried a packet or two of cartridges and a small tin of caps in a vest or coat pocket. The cartridge and cap boxes were another encumbrance that the officer didn't need, and especially for the infantry, shedding just an extra pound or two from your gear is considered a good thing.

The cartridge packets I am referring to are actually a wooden block with 6 holes drilled vertically to hold 6 combustible rounds. This block is also split into a front and back half, the rounds put into place, and a waterproof wrapper pasted all around it. There is a small string or ribbon around the top to help open it, much like on a pack of gum. One of these fits very easily into a vest pocket, as does a small tin of percussion caps.

here's an example of what5 I'm talking about:

Agreed about the officers. I do an officer impression and even when I carry a pistol (which is only for an early war impression) I don't have a cartridge box.

I am very glad to see the foot position for the firing figures. See my whine in an earlier thread.

Tim,

Okay I almost never disagree with you on anything but I think I would now to a certain extent. I personally think it is not a big deal and certainly not a deal breaker. You know I'm a stickler about badly researched miniatures though.

I think wearing them would not really be a burden at all. Our company did an experiment for one whole weekend. Yeah a weekend is not a whole campaign season so… I get that. Normally we carry blank rounds in addition to the normal amount of food, water, and extra stuff (we don't skimp but carry what they would carry)in our knapsack and on our person. For this weekend we loaded ourselves with lead weights equivalent to the weight of 60 rounds and officers did the same for their ammo. For the men it was… an extra burden but not so much for the officers. All in all something they could get used to. So I'd disagree with the criticisms with officers a bit. Sure you would want to carry bare essentials but I think carrying the rounds and caps in proper pouches on the waist belt is 100% more comfortable than in pockets.

Personally I'd rather it be that way than in the knapsack or pockets! When I carry stuff in my pockets or breast pockets it always seems in the way when you try to sit or just makes things awkward while carrying a pack, which line officers would have to carry a knapsack. I do see your point about evidence but… this would not make me shy away from officer miniatures with the pouches/box. I have not found anything either way on this issue.

I do VERY VERY much like the fact that they are carrying knapsacks though. Bravo on that! I think FG is getting ahead of the curve with their new line and applaud them for it. They are also open about their approach and response from us and that is a breath of fresh air.

Just my two cents. :)

Don