1:35 SS panzer crewman

The real subject

A single figure of a German tank crewman of the Second World War and, according to the name, a member of an SS armored unit, in 1:35 scale. In this scale a grown figure comes out at roughly five centimeters and matches the great majority of armored vehicle kits that are built here.

Why add a crew

A figure beside a vehicle or in its hatch does more for a scene than another photo-etched detail: it lets the viewer judge the size of the machine, and it gives the scene a story. Even a model displayed on its own stops looking like a static exhibit. The figure can be used in a diorama, on a simple base under the vehicle, or as a standalone piece on which to try out painting skin and fabric.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the surplus material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand away the traces of manufacture.
• Wash and degrease the figure before you apply the primer.
• For gluing, use a glue that matches the material of the part; super glue holds on resin as well as on plastic.
• Look the shades of the uniform and the equipment up in period documentation, as the name does not settle them.
• Paint the skin in thin coats, work the transitions up in stages and finish the eyes last of all.
• At the end, unify the surface with a matte varnish and bring the gloss back only to the skin and the metal.

Who it is for

The figure suits modelers who build German armored vehicles in 1:35 scale and want to add a crew to them, as well as those who go in for figure painting on its own. Try the fit in the hatch or on the hull dry before gluing, and true the mating surface up as needed. Paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.