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It's been hard work at times, but I'm very pleased with the way he's turned out. The quality of the sculpting on the horse and figure is outstanding, though there are a few fit issues to be dealt with - most of which simply require test-fitting and some sanding or carving. The pose isn't the most dynamic, especially when you compare it with the Airfix 54mm one, who appears to be about to run someone through, atop his rearing horse...

I've made a few additions to the basic kit. The cartridge box, or giberne, is included, though not mentioned in the instructions, so I made up a belt for it and the carbine sling. The carbine itself is not included, so that's scratch built from plastic rod and a metal barrel. MiniArt's approach seem to be to mould buckles and "stub" belts or straps, which makes it easy to attach the lead foil to produce them. Sadly, they also carried the same approach over to the basket hilt of the sword, which was rather less easy to produce in wire!

The whole model is painted in Vallaejo acrylics, with the exception of the "cuirasse" or breastplate and sword blade. These are airbrushed with Humbrol Metalcote 27003, "Polished Steel" and then buffed up to a shine.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this kit. It's not expensive, and produces an excellent result with a modicum of "tidying up" and additional work. I'm looking forward to some more MiniArt Napoleonics - perhaps a British Hussar, even!

I have wondered about this kit for a while. I had the musketeer, and was not impressed. It seems, looking at the picture, that you have turned out a fine looking model.

From looking a the kit, it would appear that alot of the "feather, fur, and hair" parts are somewhat lacking in definition. This could be rectified, if someone chose to, buy sclpting, and resculpting.

Also, as you mentioned, the pose is somewhat stilted. It would appear our man sits high in the saddle, and yet, they horse is at a walk, at best.

It looks as tho the tack on the horse is very, very well done, Matthew, you deserve alot of credit, and or Mini-Art did a bang up job. The work on the harness is top flite!

In looking at these kits, I would LOVE to see what some AlClad, or other mettalizer would do for those armor plates, as on the Romas, and the curassier! Maybe not period accuarate, but, I've been a fan of polished armor ever since "Excalibur" came out 30 odd years ago. It's wrong, but, just looks SO good!.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us here, I may have to add this one to the grey army after all.....

I have to say I'm happy to have found this review, as I was thinking about buying this kit, but wanted to see a build-up. Very well executed!

What was your resource for creating the carbine? Was it covered in an Osprey book, by chance?