1:72 US Marines WWII

US Marines WWII — figures in 1:72 scale

The set holds plastic figures of US Marine Corps personnel of the Second World War period in 1:72 scale. It is issued by Zvezda as part of its range of small figure and equipment sets, which can be combined into larger groupings. The figures are supplied unpainted; the number of figures in the package, their poses and their particular armament are not stated here.

The real subject

During the Second World War the US Marine Corps was built up as an expeditionary force able to land and fight on a coastline. Its equipment matched that: a light field uniform suited to a damp and hot climate, a helmet with a cloth cover, a belt rig with pouches for magazines and a canteen, entrenching tools and personal weapons from bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles to light machine guns. Figures in 1:72 scale capture these features in a simplified but recognizable form, so they suit the addition of vehicles, equipment and terrain bases in the same scale.

Building and painting tips

Small figures at this scale are best painted once stuck to a temporary holder — a toothpick or a clothespin. Start with a thin base coat that preserves the detail, then lay in the areas of uniform, equipment and skin. You create volume with a dark flowing shade into the folds and a gentle lightening of the raised areas with a dry brush. Check the mold seams against the light and clean them up with a sharp blade before painting; at the end, seal the figures with a matte varnish so that the surface is not glossy.

Who the set is for

• For modelers bringing a diorama and equipment in 1:72 scale to life.
• For collectors of figure sets of the Second World War period.
• For tabletop games and groupings working in 1:72 and 1:76 scale.
• For beginners who want to try painting small figures.

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