1:35 German Tank Crew - Winter Uniform (1939-1941 / 4 Figures)

German tank crew in winter, 1:35 scale

A set of four multi-part plastic figures from the Ukrainian manufacturer Miniart. The figures are posed naturally, both standing and seated, so they suit the turret as well as the ground beside the vehicle. The dress matches the early phase of the war, when the German army had not yet developed winter clothing and crews made do with a greatcoat, a jacket and a cap.

The real subject

The years 1939 to 1941 are the period when German tank units fought in Poland and France and then entered the Soviet Union. It was the first Russian winter that showed how inadequate the winter equipment was: only after it did the reversible winter suits and felt boots appear that are typical of the later years. The figures in this set therefore belong to the time when crews protected themselves against the cold with an ordinary uniform, a greatcoat and anything else they could put on.

Building and painting tips

Assemble the figures on their bases and fill the seams at the shoulders and the neck, otherwise they will show once the figures are painted. Spray them with a dark primer, which will create the shadow in the folds straight away, and then lay the color on thinly and lighten it on the raised areas. With winter dress the fabric is what matters: a greatcoat and a jacket will take a strong wash into the folds, while leather and metal should stay smooth. Unify the finished figures with a matte varnish.

Who the figures are for

• builders of German vehicles of the early phase of the Second World War
• makers of winter dioramas and scenes
• modelers who want a crew for a finished tank
• those interested in period uniforms

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.