1:72 British WW II tank crew

British tank crew of the Second World War, 1:72 (Black Dog)

This is a set of figures, not a vehicle kit. The characters of British tank men of the Second World War period are designed in 1:72 scale so that they can be set into turret hatches or stood beside a vehicle. It is precisely the human figure that gives a model in a small scale a comparison of size, because without one even a carefully built tank reads as an object with no size at all.

The real subject

British tank men wore a coverall, a cloth beret or a protective crew helmet on the head, and with that often a radio headset. The set belongs to a wider line of tank crews of various armies in which there are further national variants too, so that characters matching particular vehicles can be combined in one scene.

Assembly and painting tips

First wash the resin parts in lukewarm water with dish soap because of the remains of mold release agent. Cut the casting blocks away with a fine saw and level the area; protect your breathing while sanding. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Spray the primer in a thin coat so that the detail of the faces does not disappear. In 1:72 scale it proves best to work with contrast: a lighter base tone of the clothing, a dark glaze into the creases and a fine lightening of the edges. For the faces a basic flesh tone, a darker glaze and a light touch on the forehead and the cheekbones are enough. Even the surface out with a matte varnish at the end.

Who the set is for

• Builders of British armored vehicles of the Second World War in 1:72 scale.
• Modelers who build small dioramas and vignettes.
• Those interested in filling open turret hatches.
• More advanced modelers with experience of resin and of painting small figures.

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and the vehicle model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.