1:72 German Air Force Ground Crew

The real subject

The ground crew is the part of an air force that gives an aircraft meaning, in photographs and on dioramas alike. Mechanics and handlers took care of refueling, of loading ammunition, of checking the engine and of towing the machine on the flight line. It is exactly these scenes that turn a model of an aircraft into a scene, because they show what went on around the aircraft between flights.

What the set contains

The figures are injection-molded polystyrene and come on sprues, from which they are nipped off with cutters. In 1:72 scale a standing figure measures about twenty-five millimeters, so the parts are handled with tweezers and over a work surface with a raised edge.

Building and painting tips

Before painting, wash the figures in lukewarm water with detergent and let them dry, so that the paint holds. It works well to spray on the base color and to finish the details with a brush.

• The working overalls of the personnel tended to be matte and dirty, so muted shades without gloss are the right choice
• A dark wash will emphasize the folds of the clothing and the grooves of the gear
• Drybrushing one shade lighter will pull out the edges of the shoulders and caps
• Stains of oil and fuel on the knees and sleeves will add credibility to the scene
• A matte clear coat at the end will unify the surface and protect the paint during handling

Who it is for

The set suits aircraft kits in 1:72 scale and an airfield diorama with a flight line, a fuel bowser or an ammunition cart. The figures give the scene scale and action even when the aircraft itself is standing still. Paints, glue, the base and the aircraft are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.