25mm Scruby Queens Rangers

 The Queens Rangers were a Loyalist (Tory) Regiment that fought in the American War of Independence.

It may the best known Loyalist unit. Late in the war it became part of the British Establishment as British Regulars. After the war, members of the regiment were settled in Ontario, Canada due to the hostility of the victorious American patriots (rebels depending on your point of view). The regiment still exits as part of the Canadian Army (Queens York Rangers, I think.)

The regiment was unique in many ways.

First it was a descendent of the famous Roger's Rangers from the French and Indian War, although the regiment's most notable officer was John Graves Simcoe and not Robert Rogers who initially raised the unit.

The regiment consisted of ten companies of infantry and one troop of light cavalry called hussars. Another troop from the 16th British Light Dragoons were often attached.

The regiment was organized as a "light corps" similar to the converged battalions of British Light "Bobs" that were so effective in the war.

Reenactors in the Uniform of the Queens Rangers

In addition to the line companies that functioned as light infantry the regiment had an official light company and grenadier company just like the British line infantry regiments of the period.

From the Osprey book on American Loyalist  units.

In addition to the line companies, the light infantry company and the grenadier company the regiment featured an additional Highland company pictured above. The Hussar troop is also pictured but other renditions show the green uniform to be much darker.

Most Loyalist units began the war in green uniforms to distinguish them from the British red. Many changed over to red during the war on the basis that they were subjects of the crown and should have the same status as regular British units.

The Queens Rangers were one of the exceptions and they retained their green uniforms throughout the war.

My collection featuring the Queens Rangers is limited to 12 infantry figures and 6 hussar figures. I intend to add the Highland company, a troop from the 16th Light Dragoons and possibly more line companies for use in Rebels and Patriots skirmish actions.

The Scruby line was limited but at the time they were first produced they represented a sincere attempt to have war-game units in distinctive uniforms.

By today's standards Scruby's are small 25mm figures. Although the height is close, the "bulk" is not. 

I have no problem mixing them in separate units with the old Musket Miniatures 25mm AWI or Airfix or even Irregular Miniatures of 20mm AWI. 

I enjoy the old Scruby figures because I think they have a classic look to them. I also gloss coat them for the same reason.

The troop of Hussars. It's debatable how many men the troop could actually put in the saddle but the unit is too unique to ignore!

My "battalion" of infantry.

I was ablate obtain a Kings and Queen's color from Maverick flag in the UK.

Scruby American War of Independence

Scruby figures in 20-25mm scale were meant to be compatible with Airfix and although crude by today's standards they were popular. Since I have a bit of nostalgia in me I decided to rebuild part of my lost collections with Jack Scruby figures since I value the old "toy soldier" look they possess.

I found that most Scruby figures are still available through Historifigs.com, an outfit in my home state of Wisconsin.

Below are pictures of what I have thus far for my AWI collection.

The Germans from the Principality of Brunswick Wolfenbuttel. Almost 6000 soldiers were supplied for the campaign. Few returned to the their native land.

The collection is organized around the Osprey Rules, Rebels and Patriots.

The crazy quilt of German States around the time of the American Revolution

Brunswick Jaegers. One company of around 150 were supplied as part of the Light Infantry Battalion Barner. 

Brunswick Infantry Regiment Von Specht. Grenadier Company to the left.

Brunswick Infantry Regiment Von Specht.

The 21st Foot, the Royal North British Fusileers. They were part of the Saratoga Campaign.

The Queens Rangers, one of the premier Loyalist or Tory formations. They were not at Saratoga.

The Queens Rangers had a Hussar Company, pictured left. The British Dragoons are part of the 17th Light Dragoons. 

The Queens Rangers wore distinctive head gear and like most Tory units were clad in dark green. Later in the war many Tory units switched to red, but not the Queen's Rangers.

My Scruby British contingent, the 21st Ft, a light company and the 17th Lt. Dragoons

Brunswick Infantry Regiment Von Specht with the Grenadier Company.

Brunswick Infantry Regiment Von Specht with the Jaeger Company.

I have a few AWI Musket Miniatures which are not available anymore. They were marketed as 25mm but are close enough to integrate with the Scrubys. I buy them up when I can find them. They are better quality than Scruby. It was a fine line!