1:35 U-81 Seaman '42

The real subject

A designation made up of the letter U and a number belonged to German submarines, and with it to the crews, who differed from soldiers on land in practically everything. Inside the boat it was hot, damp and cramped, while on watch on the bridge it was wet and cold, so clothing was layered according to where a seaman was on duty at the time: a sweater, a waterproof coat, leather clothing and a cap that could stand the wind. The uniform here was working dress rather than ceremonial, and the marks of use showed on it more than anywhere else.

What the figure represents

One German seaman in 1:35 scale. The figure suits a ship scene, a display base of its own in a case and also a build that captures only part of a vessel, such as the conning tower or a section of deck. It will serve in a harbor diorama too, where equipment meets the support areas.

• A German seaman, the Second World War period
• 1:35 scale, that is the scale of ordinary dioramas
• Suitable for a ship scene and for a display base of its own
• A rewarding subject for layered clothing and marks of use

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part, sand the rest back and take the marks of manufacture off with the blade held flat. Apply a base color once it has been washed and degreased. A naval figure will take more contrast than infantry: you will bring dark clothing out only by lightening the edges and the taut areas, otherwise it merges into one surface. A wash into the folds and gentle dry-brushing will do the rest. Choose the shades according to the references for the subject you are building, and even the finished figure out with a matte varnish; keep any gloss at most for the waterproof part of the clothing.

Who it is for

For builders of ship and harbor dioramas and for modelers who collect figures in 1:35 scale. Paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.