Chuckwagon 28mm cowboys miniatures- Eugenio Larosa
Cowboys, nomadic laborers of the old West, played a vital role in transporting large cattle herds across different territories. Despite their demanding job, they would seize moments of freedom in towns, seeking relaxation and boisterous entertainment in saloons and brothels.
These cowboys embodied the image of free-spirited adventurers of the West. However, their work came with numerous challenges and risks. While their presence in towns brought excitement and vibrancy, it also triggered social tensions and frequent conflicts with local authorities.
MONTALVO city is located on one of the many transit routes for these great cattle drovers, who often camp outside the city.
For this reason, I wanted to recreate a small diorama featuring a wagon (Dixon) chousing the kitchen, the famous chuckwagon, protected by a seated man with a rifle (Knuckleduster).
In addition to the wagon, I wanted to add two miniatures from DIXON, the cook with the coffee pot and a cowboy in a moment of rest.
The role of the cook within the cattle drives was of paramount importance, to the extent that the trail boss often relied on the cook’s opinion on various matters. The cook was considered an undisputed authority, and nobody dared to complain to him. In addition to his culinary skills, the cook often performed other tasks within the drive, such as dentist, barber, or banker.
His importance within the group was also highlighted by his pay. While a trail boss could earn up to $125 per month and a regular cowboy received between $25 and $40, the cook could pocket around $60. This wage difference reflected the value and importance attributed to the role of the cook in the cattle drive.