Van Diemens World Devils Rough Rider Squad Assembly Guide

By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to assemble the Van Diemens World Devils Rough Rider Squad with step-by-step tips, common mistakes, and product insights for a sturdy, display-ready cavalry unit.

Quick Answer

Assemble your Van Diemens World Devils Rough Rider Squad by dry-fitting parts, using super glue with accelerator, pinning the rider-to-horse connection, and posing each model before the glue sets. Follow the steps below to avoid misaligned joints and weak bonds.

Why Assembly Order Matters

The Rough Rider Squad kit includes multiple components—heads, torsos, horses, arms, rifles, and bases—and the order you assemble them affects how well the final model fits together. Starting with the rider and horse as separate sub-assemblies lets you paint hard-to-reach areas and ensures the rider sits correctly in the saddle.

Metal miniatures require a bit more care than plastic kits. Because the parts are heavier, a weak glue joint can fail later, especially at the rider-to-horse connection. Taking time to dry-fit and pin where needed will save you from re-gluing a broken model mid-game or mid-display.

Trade-Off: Glue vs. Pinning

Super glue works for most joints, but the rider-to-horse connection is a stress point. Pinning—drilling a small hole in both parts and inserting a wire—adds strength but takes extra time and tools. If you prefer a quicker build, use a two-part epoxy or a thick super glue with an accelerator to fill gaps and create a stronger bond.

For the arms and rifles, pinning is rarely necessary. Super glue with a good fit is enough. Focus your pinning efforts on the saddle area and any joint that will bear weight during handling.

Step-by-Step Assembly Process

Prepare Your Workspace and Parts: Lay out all components and check for mold lines or flash. Use a hobby knife and file to clean each piece. Dry-fit the rider to the horse to see how they align. Checkpoint: All parts fit without forcing; no gaps larger than a millimeter.
Assemble the Rider Sub-Assembly: Glue the head to the torso first, then attach the left arm. Use super glue and hold for 30 seconds. Avoid gluing the right arm yet—it may need to be positioned to hold the rifle later. Checkpoint: The head sits flush with the neck; the left arm aligns with the shoulder socket.
Assemble the Horse Sub-Assembly: Glue the horse's legs to the body if they come separate, or attach the horse to the oval base. Use a pin or a small amount of putty to secure the horse to the base if needed. Checkpoint: The horse stands level on the base without wobbling.
Attach the Rider to the Horse: Apply super glue to the rider's saddle area and press onto the horse. Hold for 60 seconds. If the connection is weak, pin the rider to the horse with a 1mm wire. Checkpoint: The rider sits naturally in the saddle; no gap between the rider and horse.
Pose and Attach the Right Arm and Rifle: Dry-fit the right arm and rifle to find a natural pose. Glue the arm to the shoulder, then attach the rifle to the hand and holster. Use accelerator to speed up curing. Checkpoint: The rifle sits securely in the hand and holster; the arm looks natural, not stretched.
Final Check and Cleanup: Inspect all joints for gaps or excess glue. Use a file or green stuff to fill any seams. Let the model cure fully for 24 hours before priming. Checkpoint: All joints are clean and the model is ready for painting.

Product Facts

Van Diemens World Devils Rough Rider Squad: The Van Diemens World Devils Rough Rider Squad kit includes 5 heads and torsos, 5 horses, 7 right arms, 5 left arms, 5 rifles in holsters, and 5 oval bases (60mm x 35mm). Knowing the exact parts helps you plan the assembly sequence and ensures you have everything before you start, avoiding mid-build surprises.
Van Diemens World Devils Rough Rider Squad