1:72 Soviet Cossack infantry and sailors

1:72 Soviet Cossack infantry and sailors, a figure set from Strelets-R

The set joins two different groups of figures that appear side by side in period photographs, and so offers a more varied scene than a uniform infantry set. The figures are in 1:72 scale, molded from soft plastic and supplied unpainted. This is an addition to a diorama and a display case, not a kit of hardware.

The real subject

Cossack formations and naval infantry were among the units with equipment markedly different from ordinary infantry. Cossack dress was marked by a longer cloak or coat and a characteristic headdress of sheep's wool, while with the sailors a dark uniform, a striped shirt and a peakless cap prevailed. It is precisely this contrast that makes the set rewarding material for a scene, because the two groups are told apart in a diorama at once.

Building and painting tips

The set lends itself to a compositional approach. Lay the figures out on the base before you start painting them, so that the poses follow one another and the scene has a direction of movement. Before painting, remove the flash, wash the figures and apply a thin primer, as without it the paint rubs off soft plastic. Do not keep the dark uniform of the sailors in pure black, but in a dark blue-gray with a light brightening of the edges, otherwise it will merge in a small scale. A striped shirt need only be suggested with thin strokes, as exact drawing is counterproductive in this scale. Cossack coats and woolen headdresses, by contrast, come out with a layered earthy shade and fine toning into the folds.

Who the set is for

• builders of dioramas with foot scenes in 1:72
• modelers who want to combine differently equipped units in a scene
• collectors of historical figure lines
• anyone interested in adding figures to hardware in 1:72

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