1:72 Celtic Chariot with Queen

HäT 1:72 Celtic chariot with a woman warrior

A set in 1:72 scale from the brand HäT. The package contains three chariots, nine figures in three poses and a pair of horses for each chariot, the horses being in two poses. It is a kit: both the chariot and the team are assembled from parts. A figure of the woman commander who gave the set its name is included as well. The plastic is unpainted.

The real subject

The Celtic battle chariot was light, open at the rear and drawn by a pair of horses. The driver sat in front while the fighter behind him threw javelins and jumped down before contact to fight on foot. Best known is the British use against the Roman legions, when the chariots first unsettled the line with noise and a rapid charge. The rising of Queen Boudica in 61 AD tied the image of the chariot to the figure of a ruler so firmly that it appears in later art as well.

Building and painting tips

Line the parts up dry first; the wheels have to stand square and the axle straight, or the chariot will not sit down properly. Bring out the wicker sides of the body with a brown glaze over an ocher base and the structure will come forward on its own. Paint the horses in muted tones and save the color for the clothing of the crew and for the covers. Glue the javelins and the reins on last. A base with a clay road and ruts in it gives the scene both action and scale.

Who the set is for

• for collectors of Celtic and ancient armies
• for players of wargames in 1:72 scale
• for builders of dioramas of the Roman conquest of Britain
• for completing the Celtic foot sets of the same range

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