1:72 Russian Heavy Artillery with Crew

Figures 1:72 Russian guard heavy artillery 1812 to 1814 (Zvezda)

A set of plastic figures and artillery hardware in 1:72 scale from the Russian brand Zvezda, released in 2010. It holds thirty-five figures in fourteen poses, three heavy guns and an ammunition limber, so a whole battery including an officer comes out of a single package. The box designates it as guard heavy artillery, that is an elite element rather than a line battery; the crew wears the uniform and the shako of the 1812 pattern.

The real subject

The Russian field artillery of 1812 was divided into light and position, that is heavy, companies. A heavy company had twelve-pounder guns and half-pood licornes, howitzers able to fire both shells and canister. The gunners wore a uniform of infantry cut in dark green with black facings, and the carriages and wheels were painted green with black ironwork. The guard artillery units belonged to the elite and were committed at the decisive points of a formation; at Borodino the Russian batteries held their fire going even under repeated attacks by French infantry and cavalry.

Building and painting tips

First clean the mold flash off the figures and go over them with fine abrasive paper, then apply a thin primer so the paint holds. Paint in layers from the darkest area: the dark green coat, the white breeches, the leather pouches, the metal on the barrels. Bring out the folds with a dark wash and work a lighter tone over the raised parts. Assemble the guns dry and try the seating of the wheels before gluing; then stand the whole battery on a base with trodden earth and wheel tracks.

Who the set is for

• builders of Napoleonic formations in 1:72 scale
• modelers of dioramas with an artillery position
• players of historical tabletop games in a small scale
• anyone interested in the Russian army of 1812

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