1:32 German WWII Panzergrenadiers

Who the Panzergrenadiere were

The German army introduced the designation armored grenadier (Panzergrenadier) in 1942 for the infantry that advanced together with the tank battalions. It was not an honorary title but a different role: while the tanks broke through, the grenadiers held the ground that had been gained, dealt with anti-tank guns and cleared built-up areas, which tracked vehicles did not enter without an escort. One battalion of the regiment usually rode in half-track carriers, the rest on trucks or on foot.

Armament and appearance

The squad built its firepower around the machine gun, and bolt-action carbines, submachine guns and, from the middle of the war, increasingly assault rifles and Panzerfausts belonged with it. The figures are recognizable by the helmet without ornament, the magazine pouches carried on the chest and the canvas thrown over the shoulder. Winter equipment differed from battalion to battalion, because there were never enough reversible coats for everyone. It is in the pose of a rifleman leaning out over the side of a carrier that these figures have the greatest effect in a scene.

Building and use

The 1:32 size is among the most popular with collectors, because a figure measures around six centimeters and will stand detailed painting of the eyes and of small accessories. Before painting it is in order to remove the mold seams and to wash the surface. If you are adding the figures to a vehicle, check the poses first, so that the stance matches the height of the boarding edge. It is a good habit to leave one figure standing free outside the group, so that the whole silhouette can be seen.