What color blue should I use for federals (union)

[robertn35]

My question is very simple
I've bought a box of perry miniature ACW cavalry.
I was thinking of using Ice blue and regal blue, can anyone tell me if these are the right blue's

I was thinking of painting in the colors of gen. Buffort's men.

[Cubster]

Probably about right if the cloth is straight out of the dye-tubs. I'd mix in a little Graveyard Earth just to dull them up somewhat.

[pbeccas]

Ive been using Dark Prussian Blue and Pastel Blue from the vallejo range.

[Invisible officer]

The ACW uniform colour was not UV resistant and often even washed out by water, so use any shade you like. If somebody say you did it wrong, just

Same with most other military dress for centuries. There is a nice story of the Scots Greys in the Waterloo campaign with pink belts. The constant rain took the red from the tunic on the belts.

Imagin a wargame with such a realistic set of miniatures

[Lord William Burke]

I am actually an ACW reenactor and have experienced first hand the color of the era's uniforms. (albeit reproduction, but usually all painstakingly accurate) I have seen anything from sky blue/aqua for winter overcoat's to navy blues, even purple. Fading is something to take into consideration of course. Some of the navy blues fade to a brownish-purple. The bright colors of blue in the overcoats fade away to a duller tone, sometimes even graying.
I reenact as a 5th Texan, (there on the good old Dixie side ) my jacket is a cadet gray color when brand new it tends towards a bluish gray tone. As time has gone on it has faded to a dull gray. Just as an example. Likewise the butternut color you hear about, actually the butternut was the already exposed worn out result of the original dye after use, from what I hear.

[Lord William Burke]

My apologies. I defined the U.S. infantry and left out their cavalry. Really however there isn't much difference in color. A dark navy blue or even dark purple would work. Again taking into account the fading in material, if you are depicting a "veteran" unit.
We have a 7th Michigan unit that always tags around our events. Lots of gold and yellow piping on their uniforms. Seems like most federal cavalry used such piping. Red neck kerchiefs also seem to be a favorite with them, verses hollywood's yellow western versions .
Hope this has been helpful.

[Cubster]

Likewise the butternut color you hear about, actually the butternut was the already exposed worn out result of the original dye after use, from what I hear.

The cheap dyes the Southerners had to use were often from butternuts (ie. the little pumpkin thing) as well as walnuts, sumac plants and other plants and vegetables. The cloth would start out grey and would indeed fade or gently rot away to a dull brown.