1:35 LRDG Crew 4

The crew of a desert patrol in 1:35

The figure set LRDG Crew 4 follows on from the earlier parts of the same line and is cast in resin. Resin holds crisp edges and fine surfaces better than injection-molded plastic, so the folds of the shirts, the webbing and the footwear stand out on the figures. 1:35 scale matches the usual kits of desert cars and trucks.

Who the Long Range Desert Group were

The British Long Range Desert Group came about in North Africa as a reconnaissance unit that moved hundreds of kilometers behind enemy lines. Its patrols rode on modified trucks and cross-country cars loaded with water, fuel and ammunition, navigated by sun compass and watched the movement of the enemy on the coastal road. The soldiers wore loose clothing of their own choosing, which makes them a rewarding subject for painting.

Recommended procedure

First rid the figures of their casting blocks and wash the mold release residue off them. Sit them into the vehicle dry, so that the legs and the hands suit the steering wheel or the weapon, and only then bond them with cyanoacrylate. Do the sanding wet and with respiratory protection. Leave the uniforms faded, because the African sun dried the cloth out quickly, and dust the lower part of the trousers with a light pigment.

Who the set is for

• Builders of British desert vehicles
• Diorama makers with a scene from North Africa
• Figure painters who want a different subject from the European battlefield
• Collectors of the whole line of crews from the same brand

The set is of resin and has to be assembled and painted with your own means.