1:32 Aussie Digger

Aussie Digger in 1:32 scale

A figure of an Australian soldier in 1:32 scale by Copper State Models. It is a stand-alone accessory for models and dioramas, not a kit of a vehicle or an aircraft. The figure adds human scale to a scene, and that gives a model size and meaning.

The real subject

The nickname Digger became settled for Australian soldiers during the First World War and is still used today; its origin is linked with the digging of trenches and with the mining past of some of the volunteers. Australian units appeared during the war on a number of fronts from the Middle East to the Western Front, and their appearance is among the unmistakable subjects of the period. Copper State Models has long devoted itself precisely to the First World War period, and its figure ranges in 1:32 scale consist of airmen, ground crew and soldiers of that time.

Painting and placing tips

1:32 scale is rewarding with figures: both the face and the equipment stay clearly readable, so it pays to spend time on the eye area and on shading the cloth. Work in thin coats from the base tone to the shadows and the highlights, and unify the transitions with a glaze or with oils. With a military uniform the key thing is not to go for too saturated a color, because period woolen cloth was dulled and uneven. Before painting, wash the figure and apply a thin primer, so that the paint holds even on smooth surfaces. When placing it in a scene, check whether the feet seat on the terrain over their whole area; sanding the soles down slightly is quicker than leveling the terrain afterward.

Who the figure is for

• builders of dioramas of the First World War period
• modelers of large aircraft models in 1:32 scale who are looking for an accompanying figure
• figure painters with an interest in less usual national subjects
• collectors of the Copper State Models figure range