1:72 Canadian “Invasion Boots”

Canadian invasion boots — Invasion Boots (1:72, Firma49)

A miniature 3D-printed accessory from the Czech brand Firma49 in 1:72 scale. It is not a kit and not a model but a faithfully printed pair of period military boots for dressing figures and as a standalone element in a diorama. Invasion Boots are the tall leather boots of the Canadian infantry of the Second World War, with the characteristic buckled closure at the shin — a recognition feature of Allied equipment from the Normandy landings of 1944. The 1:72 scale is the smallest of those made, so the part is very small and fragile; Firma49 also makes larger 1:35 and 1:48 versions.

Why boots on their own

Boots taken off or thrown aside are a surprisingly strong storytelling element in a diorama. Beside a resting soldier, next to a bedroll, at a foot washing or as a small still life in the scene, they give the setting a human dimension and a story — a soldier who has taken his boots off means quiet between the fighting. The boots can also serve as a replacement for coarsely shaped footwear on the figure itself: the printed part has sharper detail of the lacing, the buckles and the soles.

The real subject

The boots appeared in the Canadian army in 1942 and were made famous by the units of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, which wore them on D-Day. That is where the nickname invasion boots comes from. They had a leather sole and a buckled closure at the shin that took the place of cloth gaiters.

Usage tips and who it is for

• In 1:72 scale the part is very fine — separate it from the print block with particular care
• Bond with super glue (cyanoacrylate)
• Paint it in leather shades and pick the detail out with drybrushing
• For figure painters and diorama builders with Second World War infantry in 1:72 scale

The accessory is supplied unpainted and without a figure. It is a very small and fragile 3D-printed resin part — work with the greatest care.