1:48 Bactrian Camel (2 pcs)

Bactrian camel in 1:48 scale, two pieces

A set of Bactrian camel figures in 1:48 scale from the Czech maker CMK. According to the name the package holds two pieces, so it gives you a small group rather than a solitary animal, which looks more natural in a scene. Animal figures are among the elements that give a diorama both scale and a story without drawing attention away from the main model.

The real subject

The Bactrian camel, in Latin Camelus bactrianus, is told from the single-humped dromedary at first glance by its two humps and its considerably thicker coat. Its home is in the regions of Central Asia, roughly from Mongolia and northern China to the Central Asian steppes and deserts. For a modeler this has a practical consequence: a scene from North Africa or the Middle East calls rather for a dromedary, while the Bactrian camel suits subjects from Central Asia, China or Afghanistan and civilian caravan scenes.

Assembly and painting tips

Animal figures live from their surface. Build the base shade of the coat in warm brown and sand tones and let it pass into lighter areas on the belly and the legs. Bring out the longer hair on the neck, the humps and the forelegs with a dry brush so that the texture shows. A dark glaze will bring the eyes, the nostrils and the soft parts of the muzzle to life, while the feet should be left matte and dusty. If you stand the animal on a sandy base, carry the dust onto the lower part of the legs as well, otherwise the figure will look stuck onto the scene. With two pieces in the package it is worth varying the coat shade slightly so that they do not look like twins.

Who the set is for

• Builders of dioramas from Central Asia, China and Afghanistan
• Modelers in 1:48 scale looking for civilian and animal elements for a scene
• Builders of 1:48 aircraft who want to bring a field airfield in an exotic setting to life
• Collectors of CMK figures