 |
About the figure
A ''Cowboy'' is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century became a figure of special significance and legend. A subtype, called a wrangler, specifically tends the horses used to work cattle. In addition to ranch work, some cowboys work for or participate in rodeos. There are also cattle handlers in many other parts of the world, particularly South America and Australia, who perform work similar to the cowboy in their respective nations.
The cowboy has deep historic roots tracing back to Spain and the earliest settlers of the Americas. Over the centuries, differences in terrain, climate and the influence of cattle-handling traditions from multiple cultures created several distinct styles of equipment, clothing and animal handling. As the ever-practical cowboy adapted to the modern world, the cowboy's equipment and techniques also adapted to some degree, though many classic traditions are still preserved today.
Romeo Models 54-083 represents a Cowboy carefully riding his horse down the hill and holding a winchester rifle.
Box
The figure comes in 210 x 155 x 40 mm.standard big size Romeo Models light blue cardboard box. The front cover shows a photo of the figure painted by ''Diego Ruina''.
Inside the box, there is an A4 paper sheet including brief information about Cowboys. This document is represented in 2 languages; Italian and English. The research of this figure, preparation of the text and translation are made by ''Riccardo Carrabino''.
Parts are well protected between two slabs of thick white polyfoam and figure base is placed under the polyfoam not to damage the figure parts.
Parts
The figure is sculpted by ''Gianni La Rocca'' and made up of 23 white metal parts. All parts are cast clean and crisp in very good details. There is no visible seamlines on the parts and a quick sanding and metal brushing will make the parts ready to prime.
The main part of the figure is body with head and legs. The face shows a very good expression for a dynamic pose. The facial details, long hair and moustache is well defined. He carries a Bandanna, a large cotton neckerchief that had a myriad of uses from mopping up sweat to masking the face from dust storms. He wears a cotton shirt and jeans. Over his shirt, he wears a long greatcoat with wide collars and a short cape. Over his jeans, he wears a Chaps, long leather leggings protect the rider's legs while on horseback, especially riding through heavy brush or during rough work with livestock. Chaps has two pockets on front and shows nice decoration with big metal studs on both sides. The straps of the stirrups are cast over the chaps inside the legs. He carries a wide leather gun weapon belt. Two holes on both sides are sculpted for the revolver and bowie assembly. He wears cowboy boots with high heels and spurs. Spurs are provided as separate parts and two holes on the back sides of boots make the assembly of spurs easier. Cloth folds, belt, buttons and straps are all well defined. The small pin at the bottom of figure make a very good fit to the saddle and helps on correct posing.
The arms are supplied as separate parts. Right arm is posed to carry a rifle. The sleeves of the greatcoat is folded and he wears leather gloves. The rifle is a Winchester lever action model and is sculpted in good details. The pin on the arm makes a good fit to the main part and is useful for correct fit. Left arm is posed to grap the bridle. Cloth folds and cape part is well defined. It makes a good fit to the hole on the left shoulder. A part of the bridle is sculpted over the hand.
The right and left sides of the greatcoat are supplied as separate parts. These parts need some attention during assembly but they make good fit to the main part. Cloth folds are well defined and a pocket cover is sculpted on the left side.
The body of the horse is provided in 4 parts; Head,Right and left halves of body and Tail. In the body halves; the muscles are well sculpted in details and very suitable to the posing. The saddle blanket, skirt part of the saddle, straps and rings are very well defined. Two parts make a good fit and there is almost no need for a filling process. The thick pins under the hoofs make a good and strong fit to the figure base. Facial details like ears, eyes, nose holes and mouth/teeth, crest and straps of the bridle are well represented. Tail shows nice texture and makes a good fit to the hole on the back.
Other parts are ;
Saddle : A typical western deep seat saddle with a high horn/pommel and cantle. There is a hole on the saddle for the figure assembly.
Rope & Blanket : A Lariat, from the Spanish word la riata, meaning the rope, sometimes called a Lasso is tied to the horn of the saddle. This is a tightly twisted stiff rope, originally of rawhide or leather, now often of nylon, made with a small loop at one end called a hondo. When the rope is run through the hondo, it creates a loop that slides easily, tightens quickly and can be thrown to catch animals. A blanket with leather straps and metal buckles is also attached to the horn. A metall mug is sculpted tied to the strap.
Saddle bags & Blanket : Leather saddle bags and a blanket secured with rope ties are supplied to attach to the cantle of the saddle.
Hat : He wears a typical cowboy hat with slightly upwards curled edges.
Knife : He carries a bowie style knife with a slighly curved handle in leather scabbard on the left side.
Revolver He carries a long barrel .45 caliber revolver in leather holder on the right side.
Spurs : He wears rowel style spurs. The holes on the back side of the boots make the spurs assembly easier.
Stirrups
Curb bit : Metal parts sculpted in nice details to attach the reins . Note that you will need some metal foil to make the reins.
Figure base : Nice ground texture and rocks in different sizes makes it a good base representing skirts of a hill. Very suitable for a dynamic pose mounted figure. Three holes fits well to the hoofs and makes the assembly easier and stronger.
Conclusion
Top quality sculpting and casting, very nice posing and multiple painting options. A very unique figure to paint for all painters .
Very Highly Recommended
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
|
|
