1:35 U.S. AMMO-LOADING TANK CREW. 2ND EDITION

The real subject

Loading ammunition was part of the regular drudgery of tank crews. Shells were passed by hand from a crate on the ground up to the hatch and from there into the innards of the vehicle, so the crew lined up in a chain, one man on the hull, another on the armor and the last inside. It is a scene that gives a diorama action and a reason why the crew is not buttoned up in the turret. American tankers wore work clothing of tough cloth for this and a soft ribbed helmet they could work in outside the vehicle as well.

What the set contains

Figures of a US tank crew in 1:35 scale, in plastic on sprues. They are made up of several parts, so the position of the arms and the head can be adapted to the scene within the limits of those parts. Neither a tank model nor a base is included in the package, and the figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted.

Building and painting tips

The poses are tied to a vehicle, so glue the figures together and try them dry against the tank they are meant to stand on straight away. The height of the armor and the position of the hatch decide the result, and if that is underestimated the figure will be left hanging in the air. Clean up the parting seams before painting. Build the work clothing up in thin coats, deepen the folds with a glaze and lighten the edges carefully. Leave the hands and faces until the end, because they draw the eye most.

Who it is for

For diorama builders and for the modeler who wants to add a working crew to a finished tank. The tank model, the base, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.