#8342 AWI American Infantry

The American infantry of the War of Independence was never a single, uniformly dressed force. At the beginning of the conflict, most troops were raised by the individual colonies and appeared in whatever military, civilian or locally made clothing was available. Alongside the militia were state troops paid and equipped by their own governments, while the Continental Army, established by Congress in 1775, gradually developed into a more permanent national force under George Washington. These different organizations often served together, and shortages of clothing and equipment ensured that even Continental regiments could present a remarkably varied appearance.

Box front:

Hunting shirts became one of the most characteristic garments of the American army. Practical, inexpensive and distinctly American in appearance, they were worn by militia, riflemen and Continental soldiers alike. Other men wore military coats with lapels and turnbacks, shortened campaign coats, civilian coats, waistcoats or combinations of whatever garments could be obtained. Hats were equally varied, ranging from cocked hats to ordinary broad-brimmed hats with one side turned up, while some soldiers wore caps. This diversity makes the figures suitable for many units and campaigns rather than restricting them to one precise regiment or year.

Test sprue front:

This set contains 17 human poses covering marching, advancing, firing, loading and command duties. The ordinary soldiers include men in hunting shirts, military coats, civilian clothing and waistcoats, carrying a varied selection of cartridge pouches, haversacks, powder horns, canteens and knapsacks. Every infantryman carries a musket and fixed bayonet, making the figures especially suitable for Continental or state troops; the bayonets may be removed when using some of the figures as less well-equipped militia.

Test sprue back:

The command group includes a drummer, standard-bearer, officers on foot and a mounted officer. One officer carries a spontoon, the traditional polearm used by infantry officers and sergeants as a badge of rank and a practical tool for directing formations. The combination of formal command figures with the more varied rank and file reflects the gradual transformation of Washington's army from a collection of colonial forces into a disciplined field army capable of standing against British regulars.

Digitized figures, first 6 figures: The men in military coats, cartridge boxes and bayonets are particularly suitable for the more formally equipped Continental and state regiments.

Hunting-shirt troops: These figures can represent Continental soldiers, riflemen, volunteers or militia. The hunting shirt was worn across several branches and should not automatically be taken to mean that the wearer was an irregular frontiersman.
Militia and locally equipped soldiers: Figures in civilian coats, plain hats, waistcoats and mixed equipment are useful for representing troops who entered service before complete uniforms could be supplied.

Command figures: The officers, mounted commander, drummer and standard-bearer provide the specialists needed to turn the ordinary poses into a complete regiment or battalion scene.

Militia were raised locally and usually served for limited periods, often close to their homes. State troops were regular soldiers maintained by an individual state. Continental troops served in the national army created and funded by Congress.

A few of the master figures:

Premiliminary sprue set-up:

Size testing:

Process from line drawing to master figure to digital figure to physical test figure to painted figure

Some prototypes painted by CPN.

All information on this page subject to change.

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