1:72 Samurai Warriors Infantry

Samurai Warriors Infantry - Zvezda figures, 1:72 scale

A set of unassembled plastic figures from Zvezda in 1:72 scale, representing Japanese samurai infantry of the 16th to 17th centuries. The package contains unpainted plastic figures in several poses - warriors with swords, archers with bows, soldiers with firearms, commanders and standard bearers, together with ashigaru foot soldiers with long spears. This is a set of figures to be assembled and painted, not finished figures. Paints, glue and bases are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.

The real subject

The samurai were members of the Japanese military nobility, and their foot retinue formed the backbone of armies in the period of the warring states (Sengoku) and at the beginning of the Tokugawa era. Alongside katana swords and spears, firearms (tanegashima) came increasingly into use in this period, brought into Japanese warfare by Portuguese traders. Characteristic features are lamellar armor, helmets with ornaments and sashimono banners carried on the back, which served to tell units apart on the battlefield.

Tips for painting figures

• Wash the figures before painting and spray them with a thin primer, for the paint to adhere.
• Paint from a dark base toward lighter layers and bring out the recesses with a dark wash.
• Lamellar armor will stand out with a dry brush over the edges and with the lacing picked out in color.
• Leave the banners and emblems until the end - they give the group a splash of color and the identity of a unit.

Who the set is for

• For collectors and painters of historical figures in 1:72 scale.
• For tabletop and wargaming players interested in feudal Japan.
• For diorama builders putting together scenes from the samurai era.

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Paints, glue and bases are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.