A few other projects in the works

[PolishandProud]

So a new era that I have gotten into lately is the post US Civil war, pre Spanish American War years of the Indian campaigns. There was a lot of experimenting going on with uniforms and equipment by the U.S. army, and it’s this great time period we start to see some of the things that are icons of the “Wild West”, such as cartridge revolvers, cartridge belts, and the like. I really like the look of the 1876 time frame as it is just an absolute hodgepdoge of new and old stuff. And in keeping with my general like for infantry, I have an 1876 and 1880(ish) infantry man set up, and an 1876 cavalryman. Most of the uniforms and equipment are battlegear toys, with a few modifications. The leather cartridge belts are theirs, but I took some strips of leather and wove it through the belts to make the loops for the cartridges. The haversacks the infantrymen carry are both battlegear Spanish American war haversack that I have painted the flap of and added the white U.S. and cloth sling to, to give the outward appearance of a model 1874 haversack. The 1876 infantryman and cavalryman both wear civil war sack coats, as these were still numerous in number and cheaper to use and ruin than the new issued 1872 and 1874 jackets.

 

[Hammer's Africaners]

Looking good

 

[Sixth Vanguard]

Looking very good

 

[PolishandProud]

Moving along with this era, I wanted a U.S. 1872 pleated blouse, as the 1876 campaigns were loaded with them. I’m not skilled enough to cut fabric out and fully create anything, so I decided to use a battlegear toys frock coat as the base. From there I took some materiel, made the pleats, which I then liquid stitched onto the coat. The next phase is to cut the skirt down, but I think I’ve made this one just a bit too short. But for a first attempt I’m pleased. All that’s left is to add a fabric waist belt to the coat, and the some branch of service cording.

 

[Bender]

looks like vers Nice! How do have make the pleats?

 

[PolishandProud]

looks like vers Nice! How do have make the pleats?

I took some extra material that was the same color, and literally folded it and spread some liquid stitch underneath. I think if I do this again though, I’m going to try wetting the material and pressing it first to see if that might work better.

 

[PolishandProud]

The process of putting the branch specific cording has begun. And of course after it’s on, and I look back at my reference, the pleats, and therefore the cording, is too low along the chest. Oh well, I’ll just say this soldier had his done by the company tailor LOL

 

[PolishandProud]

Waist belt and cuff cording have been added. This 1872 blouse is in the books. I’ll definitely have to give this a try again down the road with what I’ve learned and try to make it better. Now to get this guy weathered properly and displayed.

 

[The_Dutchman]

Great effort!
When you try something new, be prepared to do it again better!