1:72 Atlantický val pěchotní úkryt Tobruk

A Tobruk position from the Atlantic Wall, 1:72 scale

A model of a small German firing position of the kind that was typical equipment of the Atlantic Wall. The 1:72 scale matches the widely available range of Second World War figures and vehicles.

The real subject

Positions known as Tobruk or Ringstand are low concrete structures with a circular opening in the upper surface. The crew stood inside, the weapon was set in a rotating mount and could cover the surroundings all the way round. Most often it was a machine gun, though mounts for other weapons are also documented. The name caught on after the North African port of Tobruk, where similar positions appeared at the turn of 1939 and 1940. The German side then built them in large numbers along the coast of western Europe, usually as a supplement to larger bunkers and with an adjoining space for the crew and ammunition. They were especially numerous in Normandy.

Building and painting tips

Let a subtle difference of shades show: a lighter top and darker lower parts will give depth to a small structure. Darken the mouth of the opening, or it will merge with the surface around it. These structures were sunk into the ground, so work the edges into the terrain and add tufts of grass. Suggest rust and water streaks sparingly, so that the position does not look abandoned for longer than the scene calls for.

Who the model will suit

• Makers of scenes from the Normandy landings
• Anyone interested in German field fortifications
• Collectors of small structures in 1:72 scale
• As an addition to a larger bunker group

The item is unassembled and unpainted; paints and glue are not included in the package.