Capt7thWvCoA
Private
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2014
Last edited:
For that photo, as well as the others, my only "criticism" is that you look TOO CLEAN! (Not really a criticism; enough campaigning will solve that particular problem.) You've already taken care in the last photo of the only thing that stood out in the first one: the hat cord and brass. (I wouldn't really complain about those for an early-war impression though.) My only real complaint is why do all white-bearded old guys think they have to do their best to look like Robert E. Lee?Can anyone help me improve my impression I'm the one in the center.
For that photo, as well as the others, my only "criticism" is that you look TOO CLEAN! (Not really a criticism; enough campaigning will solve that particular problem.) You've already taken care in the last photo of the only thing that stood out in the first one: the hat cord and brass. (I wouldn't really complain about those for an early-war impression though.) My only real complaint is why do all white-bearded old guys think they have to do their best to look like Robert E. Lee?
Union: 1st thing that jumps out at me is the canvas sling, quite appropriate for a CS impression but not for a US one. Ditch the hat brass. You can put it back on for dress occasions.
For both impressions... your tin cup. Fill it with water and boil that over an open fire until the shine is gone and you have blackened it. If it's stainless... sell it and buy a good tin one. Attaching the tin cup to the haversack closing strap is overdone. For giggles next event put it in your haversack, put a leather thong on it and attach it to your bayonet scabbard, belt, or even the canteen strap. Regimental QM sells a decent tin cup in their campaigner corner. I can't see if your canteen has a chain holding the stopper or twine. If it's chain remove it and replace it with twine. The best way to learn to wear your gear is to put it on and take a 5 mile hike cross country. If you find yourself adjusting your gear constantly you know what you need to change.
Your CS impression hat... I tell people the first thing most notice is the hat. Tim Bender has retired but I might suggest taking a look at original pics and contacting Clearwater hats to see what they might have that you like. I like the "pork pie" hats as a CS impression. Your blanket roll looks good but I would advise wearing it on your other shoulder so that it will not interfere with shoulder arms or firing your weapon.
I am a believer that less is always more. You are portraying a soldier, by mid war most US & CS soldiers were thoroughly toughened and had trimmed down in a rather dramatic fashion.
Research, research and research a little more. When you're done with that you realize you have only just started.
Good luck.
Yes, and WHY - where are Traveler; aides like Charles Marshall and Walter Taylor; orderly Sgt. Tucker; mounted couriers and a flagbearer; headquarters wagon, complete with Lee's pet chicken that laid him an egg every morning, etc., etc., etc.Lol he was portraying Lee.
… To me, it's not a question of what gear to use, but how to wear it.
The easiest thing to do is to look at original images. Granted, most pictures of Confederates and corpses and prisoners, but it will still give you an idea of what a Confederate in the field would have looked like. Also, don't be afraid to look at Federal images. It may not be the same type of gear/clothing, but seeing how the original cast wore their gear and try to emulate that.
With the few Confederate images we have, some look like clean, crisp professional soldiers, while other's look like they have a load of dirty laundry strapped to their back.
Attached is one of my favorite images. I've long since forgotten who these guys are, but it shows that there is a certain flare and charm these boys have. I would ask myself "how can I look like that?" and begin to work on it.
View attachment 207581
If you are the corporal in the center pic, not a bad impression. The cap is common to the AoP. Maybe ditch some of the hat brass for campaign. Nice touch with the corps badge on coat.I protray a soldier from the 33rd va co b and a soldier from the 141st pa