1:72 Assyrische Kavallerie

HäT 1:72 Assyrian cavalry

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 unpainted and the riders have to be seated in the saddle. The set complements the Assyrian infantry and chariots from the same maker, so a whole army of the first millennium BC can be put together from its range.

The real subject

Assyrian cavalry developed out of pairs in which one man led both horses while the other shot with a bow. In time the riders learned to control a horse and shoot at the same time, and so a formation arose that could pursue a beaten enemy and operate far ahead of the main line. They rode without a saddle and without stirrups, on nothing but a blanket, which made great demands on the rider. In the eighth and seventh centuries BC the Assyrian cavalry was among the most effective in the Near East.

Building and painting tips

Wash the plastic, dry it and spray it with a flexible primer. Try the rider in the saddle dry, because without stirrups a figure sits differently than in later eras. Bring out the characteristic curled beards and hair with a dark glaze over a brown base. Leave the horses in muted tones and save the color for the riders and the saddle cloths. Glue the bows and quivers on only after painting.

Who the set is for

• for collectors of the armies of the ancient Near East
• for players of wargames with an Assyrian army
• for builders of dioramas from the time of the Assyrian empire
• for adding a mounted element to the Assyrian infantry

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