Purchasing figures and supplies


Miniatures come in a variety of scales. Probably the most commonly used scales for wargaming are "15mm" and "25mm". The use of the word "scale" is incorrect because this is really a dimension, not a ratio of the size of the model to the size of the real object, but we won't get too picky. The generally accepted standard is the dimension (e.g. 15mm) refers to the distance from the bottom of the foot (or boot) of the figure to the eyes.

15mm figure.

Miniatures are available in a variety of packages. Usually a variety of poses are provided,but not always. Be sure to purchase a mix of figures in different poses, equipment, or even uniforms. Different poses may include advancing, kneeling firing, standing firing, loading, marching, or prone. Uniforms even within the same army may vary in the headgear worn, jackets on or off, etc. Command groups for 19th century armies should include an officer (generally armed with a sword or sidearm), a standard bearer (flag holder), and drummer.



15mm figures of various manufacture.


We will be painting and basing enough 15mm figures to give us three regiments, or roughly a brigade, for each side. Each regiment will need 3 infantry stands plus one command stand. If you can't find a store locally that sells historical miniatures, go to a reputable on-line dealer like Wargames, Inc. and order the following Essex 15mm miniatures:

BG1 Union infantry firing
BG2 (2 packs) Union infantry advancing
BG3 Union infantry kneeling

BG15 Confederate infantry firing
BG16 (2 packs) confederate infantry advancing
BG17 Confederate infantry kneeling

BG31 Union command
BG33 Confederate command

Also, order the following:

15mm ACW Confederate flags
15 ACW Union flags
metal bases #10 3/4” x 1”

Essex does not label them "Union" and "Confederate" infantry, but that is what we will use them for. This should give you enough miniatures and bases for 9 3-figure stands, plus three command stands of 3 figures. Command figures are usually office, standard bearer, and drummer boy, but if you don't have quite enough command figures feel free to use a regular infantryman or two on a command stand. The most important figure on the command stand is the standard bearer, so make sure that three of your stands have one of these.

Essex miniatures are not the cheapest, and will run you about $3.69 per pack of about 8 figures. The shopping list above will run you close to $45.

There are alternatives to Essex, such as Musket Miniatures. They offer "Brigade Packs" which include enough figures for 5 24-figure infantry regiments with command, a 4 gun battery with 8 crew and 2 mounted generals, for about $38. These are available in both Confederate and Union.

In addition to the above, you will need the following:

white glue (e.g. Elmers)
CA glue ("super glue")
hot glue gun and glue sticks
craft sticks
sharp knife (e.g. X-acto)
file or coarse sandpaper
acrylic paints (flesh, black, brown, light gray, light blue, dark blue)
gray or black primer (e.g. Krylon)
matte or satin clear spray (e.g. Krylon or Testors Dullcoat)
paint brushes (0, 2/0, 3/0)
acrylic floor polish (e.g. Future)
inexpensive reading glasses or safety glasses

Most of these supplies can be found in department stores (e.g. WalMart).


Basic tools for working with miniatures.


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