1:32 RAF mechanics personnel 1940-45 N°3

1:32 RAF mechanics personnel 1940-45 N°3

British aircraft ground personnel of the years 1940 to 1945 in 1:32 scale from Black Dog. The third number follows on from the earlier pair and aims at modelers who build large British machines and want some movement around them.

The scene that suits the figure

British airfields of the period were grassy, makeshift and full of small details: chocks under the wheels, a starter trolley, bicycles propped against anything to hand, buckets and canvas engine covers. Such surroundings are easy to build and a figure in them makes sense at once. Anyone who likes a small format can build just a corner of the apron with part of a wing and one figure. What matters is keeping the size of the small details right: a bucket, a wheel or a crate has to match the figure, otherwise the scene loses its credibility before anyone finds a real mistake in it.

Painting and surface

British overalls ranged from blue-gray to khaki and both commonly met within one group; different shades on figures standing side by side look more convincing than a uniform scheme. A damp airfield shows on the boots: dark hems, caked soil, a matte surface. Leave the metal accessories only a hint of shine. A final light toning of the whole figure unifies the colors and ties it to the base.

Who it is for

• builders of British fighters and bombers in 1:32 scale
• makers of grassy airfield dioramas with small items of equipment
• modelers who want a figure in the display case that relates to the machine
• collectors who assemble the British ground crew number by number
• painters who want to practice faded fabrics and muddy footwear