1:72 Italian Ally Cavalry (Punic Wars)

HäT 1:72 Italian Ally Cavalry, the Punic wars

A set of plastic figures in 1:72 scale from the brand HäT. The package contains twelve riders in four poses and horses in two poses. The figures are supplied unpainted and the riders have to be seated in the saddle. The set complements both the Roman and the Carthaginian formations of the same range, because the Italian tribes fought on both sides in the Punic wars.

The real subject

The Italian allies made up a substantial part of the armies of the Roman republic. Cities and tribes bound by treaty supplied Rome with both foot and mounted detachments, the cavalry coming from the wealthiest classes, who could afford a horse and armor. After the defeat at Cannae some of the southern Italian communities went over to Hannibal, so the same units stood against each other at different stages of the war.

Building and painting tips

First wash the softened plastic in lukewarm soapy water, dry it and spray it with a flexible primer. Try the rider in the saddle dry and only then fix him with cyanoacrylate glue. The shields and the horses' saddlecloths are a rewarding surface for telling detachments apart; two or three repeating patterns are enough. Paint the horses in muted browns and duns, so that they do not draw attention to themselves in a diorama.

Who the set is for

• for collectors of ancient armies of the Punic wars period
• for players of wargames in 1:72 scale
• for builders of dioramas of the fighting between Rome and Carthage
• for adding cavalry to a Roman or Carthaginian formation

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