General de Brigade

[mikeb]

I am paiting 24 Front Rank 71st Highlanders; I am using the 'campaign' uniformed models rather than the models in kilts. These models have a different backpack than the other British models I have painted. It is the same as the Continetal infantry in these pictures.

http://www.frontrank.com/big_pictures.asp?prod=1392&pn=3

It looks like there is some sort of a leather (?) cover over the backpack. I have seen it painted a redish or redish brown color. Can anyone help me with the color of this backpack-cover that might have been worn by the 71st Highlanders. I have painted my Continetal Infantry with this style of backpack in redish-brown. What should I do with these Highlanders?

Thanks
Mike B

[Ronan the Librarian]

The packs are made from canvas, rather than goatskin (which the American climate tended to make short work of). As such, they would be painted as much to waterproof them as to beautify/identify them.

The Continentals did tend to use red oxide, which would be the reddish-brown you have identified; they could also be blackened.

The British had no official policy, and no extant examples can be found, but apparently it was quite common to paint the top flap either red-brown or the same colour of the facings, with either the regiment's number or badge (if applicable) in a small circle. I suspect the circle most often had a red background, but I've no clear evidence for this.

What the 71st did with their packs, or whether there were any distinctions between the 1st and 2nd battalions, has not been recorded. However, I suspect an off-white/ivory colour with either a thistle (which was used by their light company) or a white "71" on a blue circle would not be inappropriate. Alternatively, a red-brown with the badge or number in a circle. Of course, you can always go for your own option, but that should give you the general idea.

[By the way, has anyone else had problems getting on here for the past two weeks? I've been going straight to the Forumer website every time I click on the "British Grenadier" option on the menu.]
_________________
You can lead a horse to water, but a toy soldier can no longer be lead (due to Health & Safety Regulations).

[Cornet]

[Axebreaker]