1:72 Medieval Field Powder Artillery XIV-XV A.D.

Figures 1:72 medieval field powder artillery of the 14th to the 15th century (Zvezda)

A set of plastic figures and light powder guns in 1:72 scale from the Russian brand Zvezda, from 2006. It holds ten figures in nine poses, light guns on wooden carriages and a horse team to move them. The weight of the set lies with the more practical light types of powder weapon of the period of about 1300 to 1500, among them a serpentine, that is a long barrel of small caliber.

The real subject

Firearms appeared in European wars in the fourteenth century and for a long time they were a supplement rather than the main force. The early pieces were muzzle-loaded, fired stone and later iron balls and were served by hired specialists, who brought their own powder with them. They first proved themselves in siege work, but in the fifteenth century they began to decide field battles as well: light guns on wheeled carriages could be moved by a horse team and turned against attacking infantry or cavalry. The barrels were cast in bronze or forged from iron staves bound with hoops.

Building and painting tips

First clean the mold flash off the small figures and apply a thin primer. The wood of the carriages and the carts comes out well when a lighter brown base is gone over with a dark wash and the edges are worked up with a dry brush. Mix the bronze barrels in a warmer tone than the iron ironwork, which suits a dark steel with a light hint of rust. Paint the cloth and the leather parts in muted natural colors; bright fabrics belong rather to the lords than to a gun crew.

Who the set is for

• builders of medieval dioramas in 1:72 scale
• players of historical tabletop games in a small scale
• anyone interested in the beginnings of firearms
• modelers who are adding to a siege scene

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.