Gastador Carlista

By Adrian Hopwood Gastador Carlista Company – El Veijo Dragon Price – £11.99 Scale – 54mm Material – White Metal Code – C4F53 Sculpted by – J. R. Arredondo Perhaps not a very well known period of Spanish history, the First Carlist War took place between 1833 and 1839 in Spain, involving the supporters of Carlos Maria Isidro de Borbon, who’s supporters wanted an Absolutist regime ( the Carlists ); and on the opposing side, the supporters of Elizabeth II who’s supporters preferred a more liberal regime ( the Isabelinos ). The problems started with a law that stopped the female heir or the ruling family from ascending the throne on the death of the current incumbent; and instead gave preference to other male members of the ruling family. So for example, a king with only daughters, but who had a brother, would have to name his brother as regent. Originally accepted as law in 1705; it was repealed by King Ferdinand VII as he had but one daughter – Isobel, later to be crowned Elizabeth II. King Ferdinand’s brother had taken refuge in Portugal, but had support, particularly in the Galicia, Navarre and Basque regions. So in 1833 upon Ferdinand VII’s death, a Civil War broke out between the opposing supporters. The Carlist’s were very strong in the beginning of the conflict, due perhaps to the brilliance of their leader – General Zumalacarregui – but with his death in 1835 during the siege of Bilbao, their good fortune took a downturn. Further disagreements and splits within the Carlist regime took it’s toll, their forces splitting and becoming less effective against the Liberal forces of Elizabeth II and these splits eventually saw the Carlist regime beaten. Peace did not continue though and two further Carlist Wars broke out – one in the 1840’s, which was a relatively short uprising, and another between 1872 and 1876, which saw the Carlist regime finally ended as a power within Spain. The figure is a Gastador – a pioneer or Sapper is how it’s translated, and explains the axe perhaps being used as a weapon, although the man being put cutting down a tree isn’t out of the question. Personally I’d probably have him trying to batter down a door or something. Sculpting and split of parts is good, fit of parts is very good, although I think juggling the four parts for the axe / hands, two arms and the body might be somewhat fun when it comes to adding the glue. It’s probable that you’ll have to paint this in sections, the lower legs prior to adding the front of the tunic, and the chest before adding the arms……but that’s all part of the fun really. Facial expression is good, he seems to want to hit whatever it is he’s aiming at quite badly – from the expression on his face, and it’ll reward someone who’s good at painting expressions. Whilst the box art gives a version clothed in an off white tunic, my very basic references show a Carlist with a blue uniform with red trousers and trim. So it might be worth digging deeper to see what possibilities ( if any ) there are to be had as far as paint scheme options go. It’s an unusual subject really, but one that could be made a lot of, simply because to anyone not of Spanish origin, this conflict has been pretty poorly covered. EVD do blow hot and cold with their kits, in the main they’re good, but I’ve had one or two crackers over the years ( the Egyptian Ramses and Nefertari always stand out as excellent ones ). I feel that EVD get passed over a lot when they release stuff, because they tend not to get covered in the English speaking press. Maybe we can make a difference here with this and a few other good ones like it. Thanks to Matt and Celine at El Greco Miniatures for sending this along for review, the model is available from them at the address below, or by visiting their website. Adrian. Model available from El Greco Models 67, Westhill Stantonbury Milton Keynes MK14 6BG United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)1908 313055 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Home Page: ElGreco Website