German Infantry, 1939–1944
Airfix 1:32 Scale Figure Review
Airfix 1:32 scale German infantry offers eight different posed which are also featured in Airfix 1:76 scale German Infantry.
Contents
14 Figures in 8 Poses – 54 mm equal 173 cm Height
- Officer with Walther P38 Pistol, standing, firing
- Junior Officer with MP 41 Machine-Pistol (2)
- Nr. 1 Gunner with MG 34 LMG, prone, firing
- Nr. 2 Gunner with Ammunition Box, prone
- Rifleman with Karabiner 98k, running (2)
- Grenadier with Karabiner 98k, throwing Stick Grenade 24 (2)
- Rifleman with Karabiner 98k, standing, firing (2)
- Rifleman with Karabiner 98k, kneeling, firing (3)
Evaluation
Good choice of subject, these German soldiers are wearing the field grey Feldbluse M36 tunic and stone grey Hosen M36 trousers in long Knobelbecher jackboots, the waistbelt with Patronentaschen M.1911 ammunition pouches, Koppeltragegestell (Y-straps), and Stahlhelm M35 steel helmet. A uniform that, with minor modifications, was worn until the introduction of the Einheitsfeldbluse M.1944 standard field blouse. The figures are correctly proportioned and appear absolutely realistic; only the soldier advancing at a run holds his rifle in a slightly cramped manner. This figure would look better if the soldier simply carried his light and handy Karabiner 98k at arm‘s length while advancing in a crouched position.
The Gruppenführer squad leader carries an unusual submachine gun whose configuration, with a front pistol grip and central box magazine, strongly resembles the Colt M.1921 Thompson submachine gun. It‘s possible this is a failed Schmeisser MP 41, which, however, was never adopted by the Wehrmacht. If it is indeed a Schmeisser MP 41 or the similar-looking Orita M1941 submachine gun, the box magazine would have to be carefully removed and the front pistol grip converted into a box magazine. However, the effort is probably not worthwhile, as ESCI 1:32 scale German infantry includes a good selection of three soldiers armed with the MP 40 who could replace this non-commissioned officer.
Seven different poses are just enough to represent the twelve soldiers of a Wehrmacht infantry section. One section leader and the officer are left over.
These Airfix 1:32 scale German Infantry are among the oldest scale miniatures on the market today, but they continue to set a sculpting standard against which other manufacturer’s German infantry need to be judged.