These Paragon figures were a LOT of work . Details had to be cut away or thinned like the camera case haversacks, the extra shako chin straps, and bayonet slings with the empty sword socket. Added details were the shako cords that I made from twisted metal wire and the painted on shako plate. There are numerous modern interpretations of 1836 Mexican uniforms including reenactors. I tried to follow them in converting these figures.
The Ladder Men.
Firing up poses.
Useless Sergeant/Officer/Pistol Guy converted to Ladder Holder. New hands of wife and white glue, sword scabbard removed and replaced with tooth pick wood. Silly pistol holster was cut away.
A few ladders were issued to each attacking columns. There are Mexican after action reports that the ladders were lost in the confusion. Some Mexican troops scrambled over the walls or entered by broken doors and gates in the walls.
Pioneer Sappers. A term I found is "Gastador" rather than the "Zapadores". This may be the proper name for Sappers attached to regiments rather than the elite engineer unit. These troops where featured in a scene from the recent 2004 Alamo film attacking the West Wall of the compound.
Orders to each attacking column included a few axes and picks issued to the men. Perhaps the "Gastadores" weren't there at all.
