1:72 '40 - French Cavalry No. 2

The French cavalry of 1940 in 1:72 scale - figure number 2

Dynamo-Models splits its cavalry subjects into numbered figures and this one carries the order number two. That means it can be combined with the sibling figures of the same sub-range and a more populous scene put together from them. On its own it is a figure accessory for 1:72 scale, usable in 1:76 as well; it is not a model of a vehicle nor a base for a diorama.

The real subject

The French cavalry of 1940 was a mixture of the older and the new. In the light cavalry divisions horses were still counted on, while the light mechanized divisions already rested on armored cars and tanks. Reconnaissance, liaison duties and movement in broken terrain remained the domain of horsemen even at a time when the armies around them were going over to the engine. For a modeler that is interesting precisely because horses and tracked vehicles can be placed in one scene without it being historically overdone.

Tips for painting and placing in the scene

The procedure is the same as with other small figures: clean, degrease, dry thoroughly and only then apply a thin undercoat. In 1:72 contrast counts for more than the amount of detail - a darker tone flowed into the folds and a lighter touch on the raised places will do the most for the legibility of a figure. Leave the uniform shades rather faded, so that the figure does not overpower the vehicles beside it. Even the ground under the feet out with the rest of the base using grass flock or dust pigment; the divide between the figure and the terrain will then disappear.

Who the item is for

• Builders of scenes from May and June 1940
• Those who already have the first figure of the sub-range and want to extend the scene
• Modelers of 1:72 and 1:76 vehicles looking for a human figure
• Collectors of figures outside the usual Anglo-Saxon subjects