1:72 Burgundian infantry and knights (2 set). 15 century"

Burgundian infantry and knights, 2nd set, 15th century, 1:72 (Red Box)

A set of figures in 1:72 scale from the maker Red Box. The peculiarity is the mixed theme: the name joins infantry and knights into one package, so the set does not cover one type of fighter but a combination of two differently protected categories. For a scene that means a layered group can be built out of one small box, not just a uniform rank.

The real subject

The Burgundian army of the 15th century. The formation of the time rested on a combination of foot detachments and fully protected men in armor. The difference between the two categories lies mainly in the degree of protection of the body: while the foot soldiers wore predominantly cloth and leather clothing complemented by partial metal elements, the armored men had full-body plate armor. It is precisely that difference that is decisive for the set.

Scale, surfaces and composition

A mixed formation gives two different color tasks side by side in 1:72. Cloth and leather are handled at this scale with matte shades and the contrast of light and shadow; armor on the contrary needs sheen and reflection, which are most easily achieved with a dark base and a careful accenting of the edges with a metallic paint or graphite. Do not mix the two procedures together; when metal is applied over a base that is too light, it loses depth at a small scale and merges. In composing, make use of the fact that a man in full armor is optically heavier: place him as the center of gravity of the group and the foot soldiers around him, by which even a small group gets a readable structure. The area such a set covers is smaller than expected; for a fully fledged tableau, count on combining several sets of the same scale.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building a diorama of the 15th century
• Collectors of 1:72 figures who want a mixed formation in one package
• Modelers practicing the painting of metal surfaces in a small scale
• Wargamers playing the late Middle Ages

The figures are supplied unpainted. Paints, glue and a base are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.