Send in the Cavalry! 28mm U.S. Cavalry from Great Escape Games

 

       I got this set courtesy of Michigan Toy Soldier for this review.  Completing their Wild West collection Great Escape Games has released dismounted U.S. Cavalry. This set compliments the earlier Mounted U.S. Cavalry (and neatly includes the same selection of faces so that you can build mounted and dismounted versions of your characters). Compared to other manufacturers Great Escape doesn't release a lot of sets of miniatures, but when they do, it is something to pay attention to. Inside the box you will find ten multi-part miniatures with a good selection of heads  as well as a wide selection of weapons. Enough pistols and carbines are provided so that you can arm all of your miniatures alike if you choose. Of course there is a sword-armed hand, somebody has to be in charge and nothing says "I'm the Boss" like a sword. Included is a trumpet equipped arm as well as a loyal dog (does every military unit try to adopt a dog at one point or another?)

 

       The minis themselves are cast in the common medium gray plastic with no flash and nearly no mold-lines. The detailing is sharply defined and the proportions and posing is well done. The minis appear a bit thick around the ankles which may come from the style of boot worn at the time or the sculptor strengthening the miniature to avoid breakage. The holsters are all loose, three of the minis have cartridge belts but there is no trace of cartridge boxes for rifle ammunition. The figures are mounted on small puddle bases.

 

 

cover art is pretty good 

 

the back of the box has some nicely painted minis
 

 

you get two identical sprues 

 

sprue, side A

I just noticed the the arm with the sword is left-handed 

also notice that only some of the torso/leg parts will cross-pollinate 

 

 

sprue, side B

notice that the yellow pants stripe is clearly delineated by the sculptor

 (painters like me thank whoever decided on that lovely touch!) 

 

a good selection of very characterful faces, 

you have a choice of Caucasian, African or Native faces

 although not enough for the entire unit to be alike

 

 

more of those detailed faces 

        A truly useful set, loaded with character! I do appreciate that you can build duplicates of your mounted figures (as you can do with Great Escapes other Wild West sets). For RPG or small skirmish games having an instantly recognizable figure is always handy. 

 

        Highly Recommended