1:72 European light cavalry, 16th century, set 1

European light cavalry of the 16th century, set 1, figures 1:72 (Red Box)

A set of historical figures in 1:72 scale from the maker Red Box. It depicts European light cavalry of the 16th century and is designated as the first set of a series that a second set follows on from. The set serves as a building element of a diorama or as a unit on a game table.

Riders at the edge of an artillery emplacement

In a diorama with artillery, light cavalry forms the counterpoint to the static crew. While the figures around the piece are locked into movement on the spot, the riders give the scene direction, best of all across the axis of view, outside the field of fire and at a distance from the battery. It proves useful to place them on a raised edge of the base or by the side of a road along which the scene continues. Two or three mounted figures are enough; a larger group of riders will pull the attention onto itself and the artillery part of the scene will fall apart.

Building and painting tips

With cavalry the crucial thing is the seating of the rider in the saddle; fill the gap between the legs and the horse's back with a small amount of putty and sand it down before you start painting. A horse's coat suits a base tone with a darker wash into the transitions between the muscles and very fine drybrushing over the back and the shoulders; keep the mane and the tail a shade different from the body. Paint the harness with a thin brush only once the coat is finished. Dust the hooves and the lower part of the legs with the tone of the terrain, so that the rider visually stands in the diorama, not on it.

Who the set is for

• Builders of historical dioramas in 1:72 scale
• Players of tabletop games with mounted units
• Modelers who are adding movement to an artillery scene
• Collectors of figures from the period of the 16th century

The set is supplied unpainted. Paints, glue, bases and terrain material are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.