Kit Review

[Dan Morton]

OK - you might well ask - "Why review a kit that is (probably?) out of production?" And I answer - "Just because it's so darned beautiful!"

I'm very uncertain about the manufacturer - Fort Royal Review. Some web pages imply that they are out of business. Robert Hardwick, now with Imperial Gallery, was apparently part of the firm. They were based in Worcester ["Wooster"] in England. Neither the sculptor nor the painter are identified, but I assume the painter was Mr. Hardwick. Maybe someone else can clear this up.

This is their FRR/16 150mm (I'm guessing) US Cavalry Officer 1876 kit. According to the package, it was offered by The Red Lancers for $59.95 new. It was listed on e-Bay and I scarfed it up for a lot less than that.

As you can see, it's an officer in a (ahem - non-regulation but very fetching) buckskin jacket, panel front Cavalry shirt, trousers with yellow stripe and riding boots. You're supposed to finish the hanging buckskin fringe on the jacket using either cardstock or the lead foil provided. Haven't finished my research yet, but I believe he's armed with a Sharps rifle and a Colt 0.45 caliber revolver. The detail is really incredible and not just because of the size of the figure. The sculpting is great. Look at that squinty-eyed weathered face with its Van Dyke and long sideburns!

The casting is also very good, but there is a LOT of flash to remove. Lots of cut and sand, cut and sand before you can assemble or prime. No instructions or painting directions, but there are good quality front and back color photos provided.

If this one doesn't make you start reviewing e-Bay regularly, I'll eat my buckskin, fringe and all. The e-Bay URL for soldier figures is http://toys.listings.ebay.com/Military_Sol...ListingItemList

 

[Roc]

Hey Dan, excellent review, thanks for sharing.



Cheers

Roc

 

[Jimmy S]

Dan, getting it on ebay was a great find. I posted a few days ago that there are some FRR and Imperial Gallery figures on ebay at the moment. The Sgt Ewart figure went for over $100 US. They are real collectors items and it is a bit of a wrench whether to make them or keep them. Looking forward to the finished product!

 

[Dan Morton]

Roc - thanks for the good words. Jim - 'Fraid you're in for quite a wait until you see this one painted. It's the 7th one in line!

Also bought two of Pat Bird's Series 77's on e-Bay. C/14 Indian Army Lancer 1895 in 75 mm and #16 90 mm Indian Army Lancer 1883 - 1914. I'm going to build the 90 mm, but I may sell the 75 mm. Nearly had a Chota Sahib, but the bidding went a little wild - final figure over $50.00!

All the best!

 

[Edson]

Hey Dan , thanks for sharing the Review.

Cheers
Ed

 

[Johan]

Thanks for that review ... Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful if some manufacturor would fill the gap and release some decent large scale soldiers in blue ...Dragoons from the 1850'ies, troopers like the ones who fought with custer, buffalo soldiers ...

They're really an interesting subject if you're interested in the history of America, the majority of the cavalry on the plains were just plain poor European immigrants (many of them didn't even speak English), and yet they played their part in the shaping of that great country ...

 

[Darla]

Dan,

As a matter of fact that kit will be back in production very soon. The Fort Royal line was purchased by Dream Catcher (along with several other lines) some years ago and unfortunately they too went out of business. But good news, all theses lines will soon be produced right here in the US under The Lost Battalion name. I have an anouncement on my main page which can be seen at www.tlbminiatures.com
I will be bringing all these wonderful figures back into production as soon as I possibly can so keep checking my website for updates as to their release dates.
Just an aside....it will sell for far less than the old asking price of $59.95!

Darla