Clauido's review of Italeri's MongolsPhoto's and Text by Claudio Berni A set definitely in line with the level of quality of the best ITALERI figures, nice poses, very good detail and very clean moulds (I didn't have to blade off a single figure so far), the only downside may be the limited variety. There are 8 cataphract and 9 un-armoured horses in the box, but unfortunately only 2 poses for each type, so effectively there are 3 groups of 4 and 1 of 5 identical mounts per box. 4 horse archers, 1 standard bearer, 2 riders with spear and armour (but no shield), 4 javelinmen of which 2 armoured and 2 un-armoured (all with shield), 2 armoured nobles with mace (no shield) and 4 riders with scimitars (no shield) of which 2 armoured. All scale armour, round shields and helms or leather caps are very historically accurate and highly detailed. The spears are small, almost the same size then the javelins, which is also correct as far as I know. Most of figures also carry a bow, and arrow quivers, the heavies on the horse the light troops on their back. All horses also carry a lasso and an axe, as well as a little jar shaped as a gorat. The horse's tails are tied with ribbons and there are tassels decoration attached to the finiments. A well-balanced mix for the DBx player, you can mix the figures and mounts from two boxes for: 1 reg Cv(S) Command, 4 reg armoured Cv(S) and 9 reg LH(S) elements. There is a complete lack of foot figures in the box, however it is possible to use some of the ITALERI Saracens and eventually even some ESCI Muslim warrior with a few modification if you need foot for this army. ITALERI released an opponent for the Mongols, the TEUTONIC knights, whom I haven't been able to see yet and also outside the catalogue Russian knights (review in process), which are excellent opponents for both. My votes:
My suggestion: buy it ASAP and have loads of fun with the Golden Horde! Bottom line, one of the most beautiful 1:72 set available and a great addiction to the growing range of plastic figures. I guess that's all for the moment, have fun and send me feedback! Cheers, Claudio (Click here to see some painted examples from HaT's "Everything Toy Soldiers" page.) [Thanks Claudio, that's great! Now it looks like I don't have to try and make Sarmation horse armour - my EIR's will soon have a quick and easy Sarmation ally command. Nick] 
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