1:35 WWII US Tank commander Sgt.Joe Gunn in Sahara 1943

The real subject

The figure represents the commander of an American tank of the Second World War period, dressed for service in the desert. It is sold under the name Sergeant Joe Gunn; that is the name of the figure, not a documented historical soldier, and it is not tied to any particular unit. The subject aims at the North African theater, which is a rewarding one for building a scene: harsh light, dust everywhere and hard shadows of a kind not found in photographs elsewhere.

How to work with the figure

The material and the method of production are not stated for this figure, so keep to the procedure that applies to figures in general. Wash and degrease the parts before painting so that the finish holds. Cut excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder carefully, so as not to lose the relief around it. The particular method of gluing and the recommended products are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Painting tips

• Start with a base coat, or the finish will hold badly on a smooth surface.
• Build the face and the hands up from a darker base to lighter layers.
• A dark wash in the folds of the clothing will draw the creases out; wipe the excess away before it dries.
• A dry brush along the edges will bring out the three-dimensional relief.
• Dust on the boots and the trouser legs will connect the figure to the ground beneath it.

Terms of supply

Exactly what the package contains is stated by the manufacturer on the packaging; check the size of the figure from the same source before buying. The paints, the glue and a base are usually not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.