Civil War infantry fought in two ranks: a front rank standing or kneeling, a rear rank standing behind, both firing on command or alternating fire while the other reloaded. The two-rank line was American and British practice. Continental European armies often used three-rank lines. The American choice maximized firing frontage — for a regiment of 500 men, two ranks gave a 250-man firing line, fifteen feet behind which another 250 men reloaded. The drill manual called the standard sequence "fire by file": one front-rank man fired while the man behind him reloaded, then they alternated, producing a continuous rate of fire across the regiment.

The eight-figure set divides the line by function: six men standing firing with rifle muskets leveled at the shoulder, two loading — one biting cartridge, one driving home the ramrod. Federal regulation dress throughout — dark blue frock coats, sky-blue trousers, mixed headgear of Hardee hats and forage caps reflecting the loose conformity of Federal infantry in the field. White cross-belts, brass-stamped accouterments. Pair the firing line with Union Infantry with Color Bearer for the regimental center, with Union Infantry Marching with Drummer moving up in support, or face it off across the field against Confederate Infantry Firing and Loading.

Tradition of London model 904. 54mm scale (approximately 1/30), white metal, hand-painted in gloss enamel. Eight-piece set: six Union infantry standing firing with rifle muskets and two privates loading (biting cartridge and ramming), in regulation Federal dress on classic painted bases. Supplied in the Tradition Classic Red Box. Allow 2–3 weeks delivery.