...

"For two years the Regulars taught us how to be soldiers; in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg they taught us how to die like soldiers."

An admiring Volunteer watching the Regulars sacrifice themselves to allow other Federal troops to escape, July 2, 1863.

The 11th Hour

Clues and hints, teases and clues, with plenty more to come. I hope you've enjoyed the few Civil War quotes so far, kind of my way to kick things off... I have a few more weeks left till the 5th anniversary of The Plastic Battalion. Good news, bad news, it's all the same. While what once was fun, it just won't stand up to what's in the que. Stick around, and if you're lucky, you might figure out what's going on.

....

"Who ever saw a dead cavalryman!"

Common taunt used by Federal Infantry.

...

"...and - there they were at last! A long, brown, line, with muskets at right shoulder shift, in excellent order, right through the woods they came."

Leander Stillwell
Illinois Regiment
Battle of Shiloh

...

"The valley was filled with an impenetrable smoke and nothing could be seen but the fire belching from the guns. Loud above all was the exultant, fiendlike yell of the Confederate soldiers."

Private Thomas Southwick
5th New York
Gaines's Mill
June 27, 1862

Please Stand By While We Reaquire Signal

Almost, almost. It'll all make sense soon. But until then, it may prove a bit confusing...

A Classic

Sometimes you just can't beat a classic. These Airfix Cav figures are some of the best figures ever done. Can't wait to throw them up against some TSSD Indians.

I'll be gone this weekend to a reenactment in North Vernon, IN. It's a small little town where Morgan's Raiders came through during the Civil War. It's also where I met my wife, so, it has two signifigant historical happenings. Rock on, and enjoy your weekend!

My Nephew's Civil War Project

Forgive me this proud moment. This is my nephew showing off the poster he made for his Civil War project. He had to give a presentation as well, which I hear he Aced. I knew if I kept pushing the Toy Soldiers, he'd turn out pretty well!! You know they're growing up when they take their Thomas the Tank train table, chuck the trains, and turn it into a battlefield filled with the BMC San Juan Hill playset.

Submitted Picture of Western Federals

Jonathan, who requested a few more Western Federals in the recent survey, is showing off his own version of Western Federals here. These are Imex Confederates painted up as Yanks. I like the fence too!

Thanks Jonathan!

Response from Senator Lugar

Awhile back I wrote to both of my Indiana Senators about the CPSC regulations that may cause financial difficulties for the makers of our favorite toys. I got a letter in the mail from Senator Lugar a couple days ago and it read as such:

Dear Beau:

Thank you for sharing with me your concerns about legislation that was recently enacted to modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). I appreciate knowing your thoughts about the potential difficulties small businesses could face in complying with this new law.

As you may know, on February 2nd the CPSC issued a one year stay of enforcement for the testing and certification requirements included in the CPSC Reform Act. This stay will give the CPSC additional time to establish the regulatory framework that is needed to ensure that enforcement of this law is responsive to the needs of manufacturers while protecting children from harmful substances such as lead. The rulemaking process is ongoing and is subject to public review and comment. Additional information about the implementation of this law and the stay of enforcement can be found online at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html. I will follow this issue closely as the CPSC moves forward with the rulemaking process.

Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerly,
Richard G. Lugar
United State Senator