1:72 Spanische Reiter Type.1

Portable barrier obstacle in 1:72 scale, Type.1 form

This set from E.T. Model serves to add so-called Spanish riders to a diorama, that is Spanische Reiter, portable obstacles of crossed girders that were set up in roads, gateways and gaps in fortifications. It is a diorama item, not a model of military equipment. In a small scale a material of low thickness gives the best result, because the real obstacle is formed of thin sections and a lattice structure that a plastic molding cannot capture faithfully. The Type.1 form differs from the second variant in the shape and the arrangement of the structure, so the two sets can be combined in a single scene.

What the accessory is for

A Spanish rider is a field barrier item. It is used to close off or narrow a gateway, to mark out a checkpoint and to block open spaces between other obstacles. In a diorama it works as a readable orienting item that gives the scene a sense of scale and suggests a story without the need to add further vehicles or figures.

Fitting and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface and work over a tray, so that the small parts are not lost. Make the folds in a bender or between two blades. Glue them with cyanoacrylate applied on a pin. Apply a base coat for metal before painting. Obstacles tend to be faded and rusted, so a dark base shade pays off, with rust laid on lightly over it and finally a dust pigment where the obstacle meets the ground. A slight twist in the structure looks more natural than a perfectly straight shape.

Who the accessory is for

• Builders of dioramas and display scenes in a small scale.
• Modelers who want to give a scene a story without further equipment.
• More experienced modelers with experience of small parts.

A diorama accessory, not a model of a vehicle. The base, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.