1:32 WWII Allies Pilots in the cockpit (British, American, Soviet)

The real subject

The set depicts pilots of the Allied air forces of the Second World War, specifically the British, the American and the Soviet. Their flying equipment differed more than one might expect: a differently cut flying suit, a differently arranged helmet with goggles, differently carried gear. It is exactly this difference that makes the set interesting, because it shows how differently three Allied countries imagined the same thing.

What the set contains

These are figures in 1:32 scale in a seated pose, that is intended for an aircraft cockpit rather than to stand beside one. In this scale the cockpit is large enough for the crew to be clearly visible once the canopy is closed, and an empty seat, by contrast, stands out. The number of figures, their positions and the extent of the equipment added are given in the manufacturer's instructions and on the box. The figures are supplied unpainted.

Building and painting tips

Always try a seated figure in the cockpit dry before you glue it in. Depending on the particular kit, the underside of the torso or the legs usually have to be sanded so that the figure sits on the seat and the shoulders fit under the canopy. Cut off excess material and traces of manufacture with a sharp blade and sand the rest down. Paint the figure away from the model, while you can reach it from every side, and only seat it once it is finished. The face and the hands deserve the most work, because under the glazing they are practically all that can be seen.

• 1:32 scale, pilot figures in a seated pose
• subject: the British, American and Soviet air forces of the Second World War
• intended for an aircraft cockpit, not to stand on a surface
• the figures are supplied unpainted
• it is worth trying the seating dry before gluing

Terms of supply

Paints, glue and thinners are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise. The extent of the parts supplied is given in the manufacturer's description.