1:35 British Infantry - WWII

British infantry, the Second World War, 1:35 scale

Figures of British infantry of the Second World War period in 1:35 scale. They will serve as an accessory to models of equipment and as the basis of a scene of their own.

The real subject

During the Second World War a British infantryman wore the combat clothing known as battledress, a steel helmet and web equipment with ammunition pouches. The appearance differed from theater to theater, though: in North Africa a lighter outfit and shorts were worn, while in northwestern Europe it was layered clothing and additions against cold and rain. Before you start painting it therefore pays to decide where and in which year you will set the scene, because that is exactly what determines the shades and the small items of equipment.

Building and painting tips

• Cut any excess material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and sand the remainder back.
• Wash and degrease the figures before painting, so that the paint holds.
• The clothing stands out with glazes: a base shade, a darker shadow into the folds, a lighter tone on the edges.
• Paint the equipment in a different shade from the clothing, otherwise the figure merges into a single surface.
• Set the figures out dry first and find a composition, and only then glue them.

Who they are for

For builders of Allied equipment who want to add a crew or escorting infantry to a model, and for makers of dioramas. 1:35 is a rewarding scale for figures, because the face and the equipment are large enough to be worked out. The number of figures and the extent of the package are given by the manufacturer.

Paints and glue are not supplied, unless stated otherwise.