Model Company

[skamikaze]

what a surprise, i'm catching flak on the internet again from Bobby Small...


But anyway, I was just reiterating what others had said that this isn't a new idea, and has been pulled off before. Its one thing to say "hey, lets put a company together," its another to have a goal impression in mind. Basically, this has been done enough that it doesn't cut it to just say "lets do it," but to have an event to do it at, guidelines and research already in mind to get the ball rolling. There will be a decent size adjunct at Maryland My Maryland, and one at Chicamauga as well. Its starting to become the norm for how authentic guys participate at mainstream events. Basically, find an event that can support your effort, pick an impression and ask the authentic community to help. The easiest model is to ask guys to raise companies or messes and assemble them as a whole. Usually, the impression has been something PEC that everyone can do right. Not many venture out and try the specialty impression, generally because of the cost involved. Every time, a few more of the kinks get worked out. Sure, you're probably not gonna get 500 guys with the same longarm, but there are groups of smaller size doing things like forming rifle companies for events. There is a company being formed for Unison this year that is exclusively carrying Austrian Lorenzes.

Everyone puts different emphasis on different parts of authenticity, some love drill, some love guns, some rations, some marching. No matter what you do, someone will point out the one thing you didn't do well enough. Eventually though, some group is gonna nail it. I just hope i'm still in the hobby when they do.

[robby7084]

Gentlemen, I've spent most of the day collecting my thoughts for a reply to the post on this thread. First I'd like to apologize to the moderators and to those that have responded respectfully that it seems some have tried to turn this into an us versus them argument. I stopped thinking that way long ago. Civil War re-enacting no matter your personal reasons for doing it is a hobby. Hobby: an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation, that is the definition by www.dictionary.com. With that said we all do things differently but enjoy them equally so I understand why emotions can run high from time to time. So with that to those that believe this may be an elitist idea it is not. Taking on an endeavor such as this might be enjoyable to some but not others. There is nothing elitist about that, and also an open invitation would be set out to anyone that would be interested. Secondly, I know there have been multiple times where something like this has been done, for example the 150th Shiloh. I was at Shiloh and thanks to all those involed it has been the best event I have attended so far for multiple reasons. So I can see why some would consider this reinventing the wheel. I'm not suggesting that, but rather finding a different way to use the wheel. I happen to have a few stands in my garage that the base is made from old wheels so it is possible to improve on things or find different ways to utilize them. In closing with the help of my friends, and those that would be interested we will make an attempt at this. If we fail what does anyone have to lose? If by trying we improve ourselves and maybe those around us then we will have succeeded. Thank you all again for your response and feedback.

Robby Schorr

[cooperteague]

I've read every post in this thread and its taken a couple days to formulate a response.

I do think the idea of a model company is a great and laudable undertaking. But one thing that struck me with the original post was the emphasis made on the uniform.

The thing the caught my attention the most was the idea that a uniform of that period would have to be hand stitched to be considered eligible for the unit. I hate to break it to anyone, but the sewing machine was invented in 1830, and was in wide spread use by the 1860's in the manufacture of clothing and uniforms.

The last finishing touches were done by hand, button holes being one of these, but for the most part the uniform pants, shirt, and sack coat were all machine made in mass.

The reason a lot of people get the idea that uniforms were hand stitched is that the stitches set by these machines were not as evenly spaced as those set by modern machines.

Now I'm not saying that constructing a uniform on your own isn't a fine thing to do, but depending on the unit being portrayed, a machine made uniform would actually be more period correct.

I think, like several have suggested before is to set you goal on having a unit that is well drilled. They march in step, they have weapons drill down, and they move about the battlefield with fluidity.

I like one of the above posts that reminds us that this is a hobby. Most of the men in my unit are retired military. Everyone of us will tell you that if they wanted someone checking the stitching on our uniform, we'd enlist again. Besides the fact that a spectator a hundred yards away can't tell the difference anyway. What they can see is if a unit is confused or has is together.