1:72 Russian Naval Crew Set

Set of Russian naval deck personnel 1:72

This is a set of figures, not a kit of equipment. According to the name it is a combined package of deck personnel in 1:72 scale; alongside it the maker also makes the individual arrangements of the same line designated by numbers. The number of figures in the package, their poses and the material are stated on the box, and the make-up of the set is not stated here. The purpose is unambiguous: to fill a deck or airfield scene so that the equipment does not stand alone and the viewer recognizes its size at once.

The real subject

The crews on a deck work in well drilled groups and their activity is visible by the nature of things: marshalling machines, tying them down, checks before takeoff, operating handling equipment. A combined set therefore usually offers figures in different poses, so that they do not repeat themselves in a scene. The particular cast and dress are not stated here.

Building and painting tips

Cut the figures from the casting blocks or the print supports with a sharp cutter, sand the traces and wash the parts in lukewarm water with dish soap. Once they have dried, apply a thin base coat. With a larger group of figures it pays to paint in series: first the skin on all of them, then the clothing, then the accessories — that keeps a unified tone across the whole group. Bring the folds out with a wash and the raised surfaces with a light dry brush. Glue the figures to a base with superglue; with thin legs a small wire pin sunk into the base helps. A final matte clear coat evens the gloss out and hides the transitions between the coats of paint.

Who the set is for

• Builders of deck and airfield dioramas in 1:72 scale
• Modelers who want to fill a scene with one purchase
• Anyone interested in painting groups of small figures
• Collectors of accessories for models of naval aviation

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.