1:72 Spanish Infantry (Pike). Set 3. 16 c.

Spanish infantry, pikemen, 16th century, set 3, figures 1:72 (Red Box)

A set of historical figures in 1:72 scale from the maker Red Box. It focuses on Spanish pikemen of the 16th century and carries the designation set 3 in a numbered line in which there are further sets of Spanish infantry as well. It serves as an addition to a diorama or as a unit on a game table.

A deep formation beside a battery

Pikemen need more room in a scene than other infantry; the long weapons determine the spacing and the orientation of the whole group. In a diorama with an artillery piece that means placing them off to the side of the firing station and turning them so that the points of the weapons aim neither into the crew nor off the base. A close group reads better when all the weapons lean in roughly the same direction, while a slight deviation between the individual figures gives the formation movement. Leave a free strip of terrain between the pikemen and the battery.

Building and painting tips

With this set it is precisely the long thin parts that give the most work. Check them against the light and straighten the bent ones by dipping them briefly in hot and then cold water. While painting, hold the figure by the base attached to a holder so that you do not touch the weapons; the paint dries on them for a long time and rubs off easily. Apply the final matte varnish in two light layers; with thin parts that are often picked up during play, a protective layer pays off more than with a static diorama.

Who the set is for

• Builders of historical dioramas in 1:72 scale
• Players of tabletop games who build close foot formations
• Modelers adding a flank unit to an artillery scene
• Collectors of the numbered line of Spanish infantry

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