More CTS Cavalry Figure Prototypes, we have received more photos of CTS Cavalry Figures. As mentioned in a previous post, CTS was going to do Cavalry Figures, but various problems caused the project to be canceled. Jim McGough of CTS found the 4 1/2″ tall models they did a number of years ago. CTS planned to pantagraphed the figures down to 54mm.
More CTS Cavalry Figure Prototypes The Photos
More CTS Cavalry Figure Prototypes A Closer Look
Jim McGough sent us some closer pictures of the figures and horses. Some of the figures may be missing parts.
More CTS Cavalry Figure Prototypes Final Comments
As we mention before these are the two-up models CTS made intending to pantograph them down to 54mm. CTS was not happy with the results so they stopped the project. They then started over with new 54mm figures. We were sent the photos of some of 54mm cavalry a couple weeks ago.
These sculpts have some broken parts but could easily be repaired. If someone is interested in them and wants to make a legitimate offer CTS would like to hear from you. We will pass your name and email address to Jim McGough for you to get in contact with them.
Let us know what you think?
That is a great sculpture, I love the horse more than rider.
I agree. The horses are very well done. Would they have that base as part of the horse, or would you have to attach a separate base like you did with the Mexican cavalry?
The figures are nothing special. They look similar to Paragon to me.
I find both horse and riders to be quite well-done — original designs that are unique but still realistic. I’m sorry they didn’t actually make it into production.
I like the concept of the guy turning in his saddle and firing behind him. The guy reaching for the arrow in his leg isn’t bad either. The certainly look better in action on their horses than they do just laying there, of course they were designed to be on the horses weren’t they? The horses look excellent. They would have been a welcome addition to the cavalry range.
What material are the figures made of and whom is the sculptor who created them ? The figure gripping the revolver by the barrel is a nonsensical pose.
i actually liked that one. i imagine a trooper out of ammo, using his pistol to club some warrior trying to pull him out of the saddle.
Yes I like it too.I can have two of them easy in one troop.
Hand to hand combat was very active on those action.Often indians prefer it as they exell on it.
I bet many soldier used revolver as that.Specially in battles as LBH.
Also could be converted easy too.
My thoughts…
The infamous soft-legged horses!
What is meant by soft-legged horses?
I ask the same myself too…
The first batch (year is not on card) of CTS alamo horses were in a rubbery plastic and they wobbled and fell over. CTS made hard plastic bases to fit the horses into for added stability and supplied them at no extra charge. Erwin, I will fax you pictures of unopened bags of horses and bases.
I meant “TEXT” – pics sent & you should have them by now.
Andy I got then will convert soon a email to Stad .
I’m driving now….
Thanks Andy I got now why the name.
I was thinking in other direction.
And got lost thinking…LOL
The figures I had were not w the problem I guess.
Appreciate clarification ..
Shame…some nice authentic touches like the saddle pommel loop for the carbine. Oh well, I would probably only have turned them into RCW Cossacks anyway!
I bet problem come when reducing figure scale from that prototype , detail and correlation of body parts go lost a lot!!It had happen to me when trying with some factories/designers. Not easy problems. That is first sculpture should be done close to original final desire product scale.
The horse depicted is unique, I repeat it because I’m impress in horse work…
On soldiers I notice an issue that was done in Airfix and Marx,coat/shirt too tide to body as if were elastic, that is incorrect.
Paragon Austin,TSSD,Gun ho,Comansi,jecsan,reamsa,Cherileea,Jean Hoefler,Timpo,Britain/herlad and others did better on that particular detail.
The soldiers uniform look more like 1860’s cavalry parade uniform ,too well dressed x battle in prairies. Any how ;the poses are very well done and great choice.
My thoughts…
Well, he doesn’t look particularly harried at the moment, so, given his choice of his other weapons carbine or sword, I would think the pistol butt is the least likely. However, in the heat of combat I guess anything at hand could be used. Reminds me of the time I got jumped by two guys, I actually grabbed one guy by the hair and slammed him face first into the concrete. Wasn’t something I planned , just sort of happened out of necessity. So, I guess using a revolver butt could be one of those out of necessity times.
CTS should save these. In the next few years the improvement in 3D printing may be able to down-scale the figures without losing detail.
Actually .As far I know…
The 3D program already do that at Chinese factory lever and Japanese too .The final figure still have to be hand detail after program digital fix .(0.01) is the less detail could be pass to 3D today in image
EXF figures are done bigger and reduced using the 3D system already, as far the scanner program is the one that need to be updated as that is the one coping detail nd passing top program to play with design.
I agree.The idea of saving to be use in future is very good ,I bet they already though on it…
In my opinion…I agree in both ways …
About poses I could said about same with arrow in leg, I think two will be my max in a scene x me,again it could be easy remove arrow , move leg back and hand same to convert.So it do not bother me to get repeated.
Good part about the design is they have arms very separated from body ,so not hard to convert in most.
But all these are speculation as they are just early prototype in larger scale and never done…
When figures are made in plastic mold regardless much detail invested a percentage of it is lost unless made in multy parts molds as (PLAYALONG) figures using modern computer technology designed in 3D programs.
EXF had try to get close to it but just w heads and arms. They still miss some times in correlation of weapons and body parts size.
So for now lets play with imagination I guess!!!
My thoughts…
Some responses; These pre-date all the new cavalry figures out there today.We did these in 1994-95. Dan Gray was the sculptor who unfortunately passed away shortly after making these. Also the figure holding the pistol by the barrel is designed with a round hole type hand into which you can insert a flag, sword or rifle, all of which we had molds of to cast.
Jim
Jim
Thank you for the update, for 20 year old prototypes they were great for their time. The figure holding a pistol you had a great idea of letting person choose what they wanted in the hand.
The idea of hole in hand x multiple weapon choice is a plus in the figure design.
At first look I saw was done intentional, but then I was thinking was prototype so no even bother think on it.
Now that was corroborated I think was a very advance idea ,back in 90’s other than vintages swap weapon plug in I do not thing any body did that, in fact CTS ancients come with spears removable too I think, I forgot about then now as are storage in my cases x over 16 yeas already. Then Hat and Italeri start with same system and Conte with arms concept. I Think I’m missing one brand…
I meant no body did that x new production since 90s.
Of course swap plug weapon had been done from beginning of toy soldier era.
Before any plastic even metal,lead and composition were made with too in some figures and brand
In plastic it was in 1952 Gama the first to register w license and patent the swapped or swivel figures w torso and plug in weapons before timpo and britain/Herald did.
As in US .It was Conte the first promoting the plug in or swap extra arms w weapons x figures in the new production.
TSSD,and rest come after ..
I think CTS should put these US Cavalry troopers into production along with the previous pictured troopers. They would be the BEST example of 1873-1890 Cavalry in the market. If you agree contact Jim mcGough & let him know thers a market for them.
I agree with you Rich. These are extremely well done and surpass Paragon if for no other reason than due to the shrunken head issues. The horses are AMAZING in detail and quality. Finally, troopers firing forward too.
I don’t care how old the sculpts are they are great models – a loss to the hobby. Here’s to hoping someone can eventually get them done.
I Think I’m missing one brand…
TSSD
Well, swoppets did it, Elastolin did it, of course the ever famous ring hands and one more Peco. I suppose we could include the swivel cowboys and Indians and Stuarts more or less. The we have the Lido knights, and maybe Ideal of course they didn’t have alternative weapons for the knights, but Marx did for the riding poses of their original 54mm knights. I’m sure I’m missing an additional 1/2 dozen or so companies.
Yes is true in vintage most did.
Even before plastic era in composition and lead they were done too.
I was refering mainly from 90 s new production start
These are great, unusual, and creative original poses for mounted cavalry figures that I would love to see for sale. If CTS will produce these in future, I would personally buy at least 3 (or 4) sets: one to use as is, one for conversions, and one (or two) to paint gray and/or convert to CSA. There is plenty of room for figures of this originality. By the way, I think CTS 4 mounted Sioux warrior figures are the best mounted Indians ever made.
Here is attempt at link to CTS 6 Mounted Sioux. If general CTS link comes up, you can search their site for “CTS mounted Sioux” if interested.
http://www.classictoysoldiers.com/cgi-bin/ctsc6/rtl/phd.cgi?Autoincrement=001538&tag_rf=54mm Toy Soldiers+Western Cowboys and Indians (54mm) Manufacturers 54mm+CLASSIC TOY SOLDIERS — CTS
Thinking about mounted troops, ACW, Indians….. I have NEVER seen Native American ACW figures even though Native Americans fought as both Union and CSA troops. I’ve seen Indian US Cavalry scouts, but no ACW troops. Have to think up some conversions with Native American heads on ACW figures. Wonder if there’d be a market if someone like Replicants who do “unusual figures” would produce some. Going to e-mail Steve Weston with the idea & see his reaction.
If your contacting Replicants ask if they could do a ACW Union Naval crew. It’s frustrating that nobody has done them in 1/32 plastic.
Tom
The problem is the demand versus the cost. The Union naval gun crew will have to be done 3D because the low demand.
I understand the risk in making an ACW Naval gun crew or landing party but how do we know about the demand/sales? Lot’s of ACW collectors who just might fit these into their battles/set-up’s. I know a ACW 1/32 Frigate would be out of the question but the Monitor is doable in Foam resin. A landing crew would’t require anything but some Rebs to oppose them.
Thanks!
Andy
I can tell you right now Replicants would not be interested. One Peter Cole is only doing mostly UK subjects. Replicants are no longer doing commissions. The last ones were my Roman and Western woman. The other was large size Alamo figures. Cole has also reduce his output.
Ordered some Marx Indians cheap from eBay to play around with some conversions to ACW Indian Troops.
Made six CSA Indian Troops from junk Marx Indians and extra Conte & I think Accurate figures. They are my artistic impression and have no idea (or concern) about strict historical accuracy. Happy with the results & have texted pictures to Erwin to format for internet & forward to Stad. Thanks again to Erwin for his patience and kindness.
How many figures in the gun crew? And the landing party? What poses?
Just a wish list. No one is making them that I am aware of.