1:72 European light cavalry, 16th century, set 2

European light cavalry of the 16th century, set 2, figures 1:72 (Red Box)

Historical figures in 1:72 scale from the maker Red Box. The set carries the designation set 2 and complements the first set on the same theme, European light cavalry of the 16th century. It is used in dioramas and in tabletop games, where it serves as a mounted unit.

Following on to the terrain around a firing position

Mounted figures gain the most when the scene puts them into uneven ground. A slope, a field bank or the edge of a wood gives a horse a natural reason to change direction and at the same time separates the riders from the artillery position, which tends to be on the level. A proven procedure is to lay the terrain out first and only then seat the figures: the station of the piece on the most level area, the access route to it, and the riders on a raised edge from which the scene opens up. With a pair of sets, keep a distance between the two groups so that the poses are not repeated side by side.

Building and painting tips

Painting riders goes faster when you finish the rider and the horse separately and join them only at the end; with figures in 1:72 that is possible only where the casting is divided. If the rider and the horse are in one piece, start from the areas you will not reach later: the inner side of the legs, the saddle, the underside of the harness. Apply a dark wash only once the base tones are dry and draw the excess off with a dry brush, so that pools do not form in the recesses. Apply the final matte varnish in two light layers rather than in one heavy one.

Who the set is for

• Builders of dioramas with mounted scenes in 1:72
• Owners of the first set who are expanding the unit
• Players of historical tabletop games
• Collectors of 16th century figures

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