2nd Opium War: British uniforms?

[WuZhuiQiu]

Prompted by a potentially good deal on some Indian Mutiny figures, I am wondering how similar (or different) British uniforms of the 2nd Opium War, Indian Mutiny, and Crimean War might have been? The Wargames Foundry's articles suggest that there may be some potential for crossover, but what would have been common and what would have been unique to the British uniforms of the three conflicts?

[NickNascati]

Google turns up images that look very close to the Indian Mutiny.  So unless you or your gaming mates are button counters, I’m sure they will work.

[Rochejaquelein]

I'd say some Indian Mutiny models would work, especially the ones with airpipe helmets and covered shakos. Most Crimean War models I've seen are wearing coatees and Albert shakos, which would be out of date by 1860.

[peachy rex]

I'd say that any Mutiny figures in approximately "regulation" uniform would work fine - after all, several British units sent to China came directly from India. And don't forget that a number of Indian regiments were present, amounting to about a third of the expeditionary force in the north and most of the treaty port garrisons. You can also field substantial naval brigades with a clear conscience.

[carlos marighela]

Depends which  Mutiny 'uniform' the article refers to. Certainly in 1858, some of the troops were wearing the boat coats that had been popular in the Mutiny.

By the time you get around to Hope Grant's expedition, clothing depictions appear much more uniform. Undress frocks and airpipe helmets. Foundry do a dedicated range as IIRC do Gringo 40s. Good news is that if you want crossover potential you can get away with using these for Sikkim and Ambela campaigns. Paint 'em a different colour (or not), ignore some minor equipment details and they can see service in the 1868 Abyssinian campaign.

If you have Mutiny troops in airpipe helmets and tunics s you are good to go. Just shave off the cuff details for an approximation of the undress version.

[peachy rex]

The Gringo40 figs are very nice - but huge. The cavalry in particular are absolute brutes.