Cowboys

The 1961 vintage 1st edition Airfix 1:76 scale cowboys appear to be predominantly gunslingers who wear their six-shooters in quick-draw holsters at thigh-level, rather than high on the hip, where they would be less of a hindrance while riding and working. Accordingly, the illustration on the front of the box cover depicts a bank robbery in some small town in the Wild West, which ended in a bloody shootout.

Contents

30 Figures in 11 Poses – 22.5 mm equal 171 cm Height

• Rancher on Horseback (1)
• Cowboy on Horseback, waving Hat (1)
• Cowboy on Horseback, with Revolver (2)
• Cowboy on Horseback, with Winchester Repeating Rifle M.1866, firing (2)
• Cowboy in fringed Shirt, with Revolver (4)
• Cowboy in Vest, with two Revolvers (4)
• Cowboy with Revolver, falling in Duel (2)
• Gunfighter with Winchester M.1866 and two Revolvers (4)
• Gunfighter (4)
• Cowboy with Winchester Sporting Rifle M.1873, crawling (4)
• Bandit with Duster, surrendering (2)

6 Horses in 3 Poses – 20 mm Height at the Withers equals 152 cm

• Horse, standing (2)
• Horse, walking (2)
• Horse, galloping (2)

Evaluation

Good choice of subject, the Airfix cowboys are suitable for dioramas and Wild West simulation games. Apart from a few minor inaccuracies, the figures‘ equipment is historically accurate. Civilians are generally less elaborately dressed than those in uniform, so painting these figures is quick and easy. The picture on the box provides corresponding painting suggestions; however, the depicted “blue jeans” were frowned upon by cowboys, they were worn by prospectors, farmers, and laborers.

Apart from the cowboys on horseback, the Airfix figures have little to nothing to do with the daily life of a cattle driver. Anyone looking for working cowboys is better off with the Atlantic 1:72 scale “Stampede” and Cowboys.

Good wargaming and diorama poses. With six mounted and 24 foot figures, the Airfix Cowboys offer enough variety for interesting role-playing scenarios. The variety of poses can be increased by the relatively simple conversion of foot figures to mounted men. Furthermore, the arms of most figures can be repositioned under hot water and then fixed in place under cold water.

The Airfix cowboys are less detailed than the 16 and 29 years more recent cowboys from Atlantic and Revell, respectively. The rifles can only be identified as Winchester M.1866 repeating rifles and M.1873 sporting rifles based on their length. Buttons, holster straps, hatbands, sheriff‘s badges, belt buckles, and other small parts are not depicted at all, but they might be engraved or sculpted on later. Apparently, Airfix omitted many details that could not be accurately represented in this scale anyway. In fact, a shirt button in 1:76 scale would likely be only about 0.15 mm in size, and therefore practically invisible to the viewer.

All riders, except the rifle-armed man, hold their horses‘ reins correctly with their left hand, as is customary in Western riding. Other manufacturers have conveniently ignored such essential details, with the result that their riders wave both hands in the air while the reins hang loosely over the horse‘s neck or, worse still, are guided by an invisible third hand.

With a height at the withers of 152 cm, these horses are perfectly sized for the American Quarter Horse, which only stands 145–160 cm tall. The animals have thin pegs under two or three hooves that are inserted into corresponding holes in a separate base. This construction method was never particularly popular with collectors because, until recently, there were no suitable adhesives for polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) plastics. Since 2005, new adhesives have been available that can be used in this case, such as Pattex Blitz Plastic liquid Adhesive and the K+S Polyolefin adhesive set. However, the quickest and most secure bond can be achieved by careful fusion welding with a heated pin or hot wax spatula.

The saddles are missing the leather saddle flaps (fenders) and the saddle pommel typical of Western saddles. However, these flaws are hardly noticeable once a rider is in the saddle. The saddle fittings are well done, but incomplete: the obligatory saddlebags, a round water bottle, and the Winchester holster may be scratchbuilt with “Green Stuff” oder modeling wax.

Compatible with Revell and Atlantic Cowboys and Indians

Historical Employment

• Cowboys, Bandits and Gunfighters, 1866 to ca. 1920

Despite their age, the Airfix 1:76 scale Cowboys are a must-have for fans of the Wild West.

Wild West Miniatures