Redoubt Enterprises

French Indian Wars range

Are you like me? 

Have you every spent ages building up an army, hunted high and low for the best figures you can find from a whole range of model makers just to discover that perfect combination of miniatures to create the unit just as you want it. Of course not everything you want is available so you are forced to compromise on a few units. 

Still you build the army up, taking days, weeks even to paint the models accurately and with loving care, and of course then spend hours texturing and decorating the bases, until you have a superb miniature army, the best around, your pride and joy ready for the field……..and then…..

Some figure manufacturer produces a new range of figures that are simply superb. Not only is the detail and casting superior to those in your own army, but….and this is the worst thing…the new range contains models for all those elements of your army on which you were forced to compromise.

It happened to me with my Peninsular War British when Tony Barton produced his range of models, and now it has happened to me again with the 28mm French Indian Wars range that is being steadily released by Redoubt Enterprises.

All the models received for review are extremely well detailed and finely cast, with an amazing attention to the position of the body and the anatomical detail. I think that the inspiration for the native American warriors currently released have been the paintings of contemporary artist Robert Griffing ( follow this link to see some of his work) which are inspirational.

The figures are released in a series of groups each contains a variety of models that can be used to produce a small diorama or a unit ready for the table top. The joy of this range is the way in which the designer has decided to ensure that the small details of this conflict, the details that make the period so interesting, and for the wargamer so cerebrally attractive are reflected in the range.

So groups have been released that reflect the use of canoes in the conflict, which were the vital means of transport particularly for the French and their Allies. These include a portage party (F & I 2) with three indians carrying their vessel. And as canoes were used as scaling ladders during the war, this is a useful group for refighting sieges. There are other groups paddling loaded canoes and resting beside their beached vessel. These are to be supplemented later by militia, rangers and coureur de bois.

It is planned that the range will be the most comprehensive ever released, and will include, for the first time all the unit types engaged in the conflict. This is a major task, as there is, surprisingly for some, a large variety of unit involved. A good start has been made though, instead of producing a "generic" native American type, the Indian figures in some cases can be identified as coming from various tribes or nations.

A major facet of the war, was the raiding of British settlements by the French and their allies. Amazingly though, and frustratingly, this is an area of the conflict that has been largely ignored by previous ranges. Although units of militia have been produced, fighting settlers including women have not been easy to find. Redoubt have decided to address this early and have released an excellent group of models with six civilians defending a resin cast blockhouse that contains full interior detail. Alongside this is a group of terrified settlers running for their lives, while defending a cart and a recalcitrant cow.

These are being pursued by a variety of Indian warrior groups including Sachems, war chiefs, and Indians with firebrands. Just perfect for burning the planned range of resin cast buildings to supplement the blockhouse, that will be interchangeable, enabling the construction of a farm, settlement or frontier fort.

Finally, the inspiration for many in wargaming this period must be the various film or TV versions of Last of the Mohicans. And Michael Mann's spectacular 1992 movie starring Daniel Day Lewis must inspire any dedicated wargamer to dip their toes into the period. To help you in this Redoubt have produced a brilliant character set which includes the Munro girls, Major Howard, as well as Hawkeye, Uncas and Chingachgook.

It has probably become clear by now that I like these figures, and can only recommend that you check them out as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed! The sets range in price from £4.50 to £20, and are available from Redoubt Enterprises www.redoubtenterprises.com

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