1:72 Alexanders Thessalian Cavalry

HäT 1:72 Alexanders Thessalian Cavalry

Plastic figures in 1:72 scale from the brand HäT. The package contains twelve riders in four poses, twelve horses in three poses and six spears. The figures are unglued and unpainted; assembling rider and horse is up to the modeler. The set follows on from the other mounted and foot formations of Alexander's army, so a whole wing of a battle line can be put together from them.

The real subject

The Thessalian cavalry counted as the best horsemen of ancient Greece. In Alexander's army it formed the counterweight to the Macedonian hetairoi and held the left wing under the command of Parmenion. The riders fought in a rhomboid formation that turned easily on the spot, and against the Persian numerical superiority they played a defensive role while the right wing delivered the decisive blow. At Gaugamela they withstood a long assault by the Bactrian and Persian cavalry.

Building and painting tips

The plastic is softened and smooth, so before painting wash it in lukewarm soapy water and once dry spray it with a flexible primer. The spears supplied are thin, so take them off the sprue by cutting at the root rather than by twisting. Try the rider in the saddle dry first and sand the horse's chest down if needed, so that the figure's legs sit properly. Painting goes faster if you finish the horse and the rider separately and join them only at the end.

Who the set is for

• for collectors of ancient armies and Greek cavalry
• for players of wargames in 1:72 scale
• for builders of dioramas from the campaigns of Alexander the Great
• for adding a mounted wing to infantry

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