Happy to combine postage for multiple purchases.

Contents: 12 figures and 12 horses Poses: 4 poses, 2 horse poses Material: Plastic Color: Grey

Cement assembly, paint required (these not included)

The role of cavalry in the armies of Rome has long been underestimated, in large measure because it was thought that the absence of stirrups made mounted men relatively unstable and therefore ineffectual. Ancient writings never supported this theory, and recent research has shown that Roman cavalry had no stability problems, so the mounted arm can finally receive the recognition it deserves. In the past Imperial Roman cavalry has had very little representation in 1/72 scale plastic, but with this and other sets released by HaT that deficiency is rectified, and there is no better place to start than with the auxiliaries.

The overwhelming majority of cavalry in Roman armies was made up of auxiliaries such as those found in this set, and their main weapon was the spear or javelin, so it is something of a surprise to find such a high proportion of swordsmen here. One of the poses is of a standard bearer, but with trimming this can be made into a spear, which is much more useful. The remaining man carries a spear above his head, and this separate item fits very well in the ring hand.

The quality of detail and sculpting is comparable with the best HaT have ever produced, with excellent surfaces on both mail and scale armour. Flash is at a low level but there is some evidence that the two parts of the moulds were not a perfect match as there is a ridge between the two halves in some areas, particularly the feet. From the style of dress we would say these men are appropriate for at least a century from the early first century CE, and in a hobby already well endowed with Imperial infantry their appearance is long overdue.

This abridged appraisal is supplied care of Plastic Soldier Review.