A Federal infantry regiment on campaign marched. Twelve to fifteen miles a day was the standard route march; a hard day could push it to twenty; a forced march could exceed thirty. The men carried roughly forty pounds of equipment on their backs and shoulders — knapsack with rolled blanket, gum blanket and shelter half, haversack with three days' rations (typically salt pork, hardtack, coffee, sugar), canteen filled at the last creek crossing, the leather cartridge box with sixty rounds, the cap pouch, and the rifle musket at the right shoulder shift. In summer weather and heavy wool uniforms, this was hard work even on flat ground. The Federal infantryman spent more of the war marching than fighting.

This W. Britain two-figure set depicts a pair of Union infantrymen on the march — both mid-stride, rifle muskets at right shoulder shift with bayonets fixed, dark blue Federal blouses, light blue trousers, dark forage caps, knapsacks with rolled blankets on their backs. The set is designed as a foundational diorama piece — marching figures multiply naturally to build out a road column, a regimental front in motion, or a reinforcing detachment moving toward the sound of the guns. Pair this set with Union Light Artillery Driver for a combined-arms column; with Col. Henry A. Morrow of the 24th Michigan as a commanding officer; or with Maj. Gen. Joseph "Fighting Joe" Hooker, the army commander who reorganized the Army of the Potomac that these men were marching with.

Scale: 1/30 (60mm). Matte-painted metal. W. Britain model 31493. From the American Civil War range. Two figures, supplied painted and ready for display.