1:72 Colonial Ox Wagon

HäT 1:72 colonial ox wagon

A kit in 1:72 scale from the HäT brand. The package holds three wagons, six figures on foot in two poses and six oxen, likewise in two poses. The parts are supplied unpainted and have to be assembled. The wagon is an accessory to the colonial infantry and cavalry sets from the same maker and makes a natural center of a scene in a diorama.

The real subject

In 19th-century southern Africa the ox wagon was the basic means of transport. British columns could not do without it, because everything from ammunition to water had to be carried, and it was exactly the speed of the supply wagons that set the pace of a whole campaign. At night the wagons were drawn up in a circle and formed an improvised fortification that was called a laager.

Building and painting tips

Line the parts up dry first, above all the wheels and the axles, so that the wagon stands level. Paint the wood of the body with an ocher base and a brown glaze led along the grain, and keep the canvas a dirty white with a touch of dust. Bring the oxen together in two shades and set the harness apart with a dark brown. Mark worn ruts on the base and the scene gains a direction of movement.

Who the kit is for

• for builders of dioramas from the colonial wars in Africa
• for wargamers who need a supply column
• for collectors of vehicles and equipment in 1:72 scale
• for complementing the British and Zulu 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.