1:35 US soldier in Afghanistan

The real subject

The set treats an American soldier in Afghanistan, a subject from the modern operations of the international forces. The 1:35 scale is the most widespread one for military vehicle models, so the figure fits armored and wheeled vehicles and can be worked into a part-built scene without adjustment.

What it is suited to

Modern dioramas tend to be noticeably barer than scenes from the Second World War, which gives a human figure all the more weight in them. A soldier at a vehicle, on patrol or on the move gives the model scale and at the same time says which deployment it is. It is good practice to think about where the figure will go before the vehicle is finished, so that its position does not have to be forced later. The composition of the set and the breakdown of the parts are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water and let them dry. Cut any excess material away a little distance from the part with a sharp blade and sand the remainder with fine abrasive paper. Choose both glue and paints to match the material of the parts. Start the painting with the base tone of the uniform, then layer shadows into the folds and highlights onto the edges. Dust settled on the footwear and the lower part of the trousers does more for the credibility of an Afghan setting than the most carefully painted camouflage pattern.

Who it is for

For builders of modern military hardware and for modelers looking for a crew or escorting infantry for a finished vehicle. It will also serve as a piece of figure painting in its own right.

Paints, glue and a base are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.