1:72 '40 - French Cavalry Officer

An officer of the French cavalry of 1940 in 1:72 scale

While the other figures of the sub-range capture the rank and file, this one is defined in the name as an officer. In a scene it therefore has a different role: it gives the scene a focus the other figures relate to. It is a figure accessory for 1:72, usable in 1:76 as well. Vehicles, terrain and a base are not included.

The real subject

An officer of the French cavalry of 1940 differed from the rank and file in the cut and the accessories of his equipment, in his rank insignia and usually in the way he was armed as well. The cavalry formations of the time acted as a reconnaissance and screening arm; a commander moved between his own patrols and the higher staff and had to be recognizable quickly in the field. That is exactly why an officer figure pays off in a scene - without it a group of figures looks like a random cluster, with it like a unit doing something.

Tips for painting and placing in the scene

It pays off to paint an officer figure a degree more carefully than its surroundings, because the eye slides to it first. Choose the same base as for the rest of the group, but push the contrast a little further: a deeper shadow in the folds, cleaner highlights on the shoulders and the helmet. Do not draw rank insignia in detail in 1:72; a hint of color in the right place is enough, and from the distance at which a diorama is looked at it reads better than overloaded detail. Bring out the leather items of equipment with a darker brown tone and even the surface out at the end with matte varnish.

Who the item is for

• Builders of scenes from the French campaign of 1940
• Those who are putting a group of figures together and need to give it a commander
• Modelers of 1:72 and 1:76 vehicles
• Collectors of figures with less usual subjects