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Toy Soldier Collector Paragon  -  Mounted Apaches Mike Blake reviews the latest plastic figures for collectors

Paragon - Mounted Apaches

Mike Blake reviews the latest plastic figures for collectors
February 2012

This is the latest set from Paragon Scenics & Miniatures, a small US company manufacturing plastic 54mm (1:32 scale) toy soldiers and rigid foam scenic accessories for collectors and wargamers. The set, Apaches #3, consists of six unpainted figures in six action poses on six TSSD Horses. There is a choice of two colours, Buckskin and Cream, with two Black, two Brown and two Cream Horses in every bag.

The poses are all very dynamic and the warriors are armed with a wide assortment of weapons as well as their main one. I particularly like the rider brandishing two revolvers, really a force to be reckoned with! Others are firing a bow; armed with levelled lance; firing a carbine; wielding a lance over-arm; and firing a carbine one-handed.

Apache means ‘enemy’ in Zuni and their own name for themselves was Nde or Ndee, meaning ‘the people’. Roaming the Southwest deserts, particularly Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico, most lived in small wickiups, simple wooden frames covered by brush or buffalo-hides. Originally men wore leather war shirts and breechcloths, and moccasins or high moccasin boots. In the 1800's, many Apache men adopted cotton tunics and trousers, usually white, from the Mexicans. They did not generally use feather warbonnets, wearing leather or cloth headbands instead. Men often cut their hair to shoulder length and wore shell jewellery, especially choker-style necklaces. The Apaches also painted their faces for war, and for religious and festive ceremonies.

Paragon make US Cavalry for these warriors to fight, but the Apaches traded and fought with other tribes of the Southwest. They were known for raiding neighbouring tribes and stealing horses, corn, and other goods. Whilst Europeans considered a direct attack honourable they thought sneaking in and stealing things was cowardly. To the Apaches stealthily raiding another tribe's camp was a brave deed and warriors went on raids to prove their courage. Apache’s usually only fought ‘wars’ in revenge or in defending their lands from Mexican and American invaders.

There is a real flair and sense of movement – and menace – about these figures, the mounted versions of the foot figures already available. Whilst despite Hollywood Apaches might have rarely fought mounted except soon after they first acquired the horse, these figures are essential additions to any Old West collection and wargames frontier set up. They come riding straight out of Ulzana’s Raid, sending a shiver down the settler’s and cavalryman’s spine as they appear as if from nowhere and disappear just as quickly in a swirl of dust!

Contact:

Tel: +1 707 536-9801 (US)
www.paragon-scenics.com

In the UK:

Weston Toy Soldiers
14 Limburg Road
Canvey Island
Essex
SS8 0QJ

Tel: 01268 680117
www.plasticsoldiers.co.uk

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