German Paratroops
Revell 1:72 Scale Figure Review
The modern German paratroops in Flecktarn camouflage uniform, with protective vest and Kevlar helmet, armed with the G36 assault rifle, Granatpistole 40 mm grenade launcher, G22 sniper rifle, and MILAN anti-tank guided missile system, provide some new poses that can be combined with Revell 1:72 scale Bundeswehr Panzergrenadiers.
Contents
39 Figures in 12 Poses – 24 mm equal 173 cm Height
- Gruppenführer/Truppführer with G36, SEM 52-S, and Binoculars, kneeling (3)
- Gruppenführer/Truppführer with G36, and SEM 52-S, prone, “Achtung!” (2)
- Machine Gunner No. 1 with MG3, walking, firing from hip (4)
- Machine Gunner No. 2 with G36 and two Ammo Boxes, running (4)
- Fallschirmjäger with G36 and Panzerfaust 3, advancing (4)
- Fallschirmjäger with Granatpistole 40 mm, loading (3)
- Sniper with G22 and NSV 80 II, prone (3)
- Fallschirmjäger assembling MILAN Anti-tank Missile System (2)
- Fallschirmjäger with G36, kneeling, firing (4)
- Fallschirmjäger with G36, kneeling, throwing Hand Grenade (4)
- Fallschirmjäger with G36 and Field Pack, marching (4)
- Fallschirmjäger with Parachute and Kit Bag, landet (2)
Evaluation
Good choice of subject, Revell‘s German paratroopers complement the range of 1:72 scale German Bundeswehr infantry miniatures with interesting new poses.
The landed paratrooper jumped in full combat gear and appears to have readied his G36 assault rifle, but his relaxed handling of the parachute suggests he is preparing for a comfortable ride back to the barracks. If there were a tactical mission, the paratrooper would have cut away his parachute and reserve immediately upon standing up. Gathering and concealing the parachutes is carried out without delay so that the landing zone can be cleared as quickly as possible.
The paratrooper with full field gear appears to be on a march, while the other figures in this set are depicted with combat gear.
The paratrooper at the MILAN anti-tank guided missile is handling a launch tube, preparing to place it in the launch rail of the missile‘s launching platform. His firing position is covered with a tarpaulin to protect it from the elements, but it is not dug in, which could indicate a training exercise.
The walking firing machine gunner appears quite realistic, apart from his exaggerated pace. The figure fits on a 12.5 × 15 mm ferromagnetic steel base and takes up significantly less space in simulation games than a prone machine gunner.
The standing paratrooper seems very busy loading his Granatpistole 40 mm grenade launcher. Is he perhaps still practicing until he can open and load the grenade launcher without losing sight of his target?
The prone firing position of the sniper with G22 is depicted incorrectly. The correct position is prone with legs spread and heels flat against the ground. This is the only way to adopt a stable firing position.
The advancing paratrooper with Panzerfaust 3 is depicted carrying equipment that does not match either the equipment of his marching comrade or the combat order equipment of the other figures in this set.
The paratrooper throwing a hand grenade has his G36 slung over his shoulder, which suggests a training situation. In actual close combat, the rifle can be placed within easy reach of the soldier for a moment, or leaned against the cover implied by this pose, if he needs both hands to throw the grenade.
Good casting quality, but noticeable flash and mould lines need to be removed prior to painting.
Painting Guide
- Revell 9 »Anthracite«: Flecktarn Camouflage Pattern
- Revell 16 »Sand«: Flecktarn Camouflage Pattern
- Revell 35 »Flesh«: Faces, Hands
- Revell 48 »Sea Green«: Flecktarn Camouflage Pattern
- Revell 85 »Brown«: Flecktarn Camouflage Pattern
- Revell 86 »Olive Brown«: Webbing
- Revell 91 »Iron«, »Gun Metal«: Panzerfaust 3 Warhead
- Revell 302 »Black«: Boots, Sleeping Bag Cover
- Revell 378 »Dark Grey«: G36 Assault Rifle
The recommended colours are too saturated to paint a realistic-looking Flecktarn uniform in this scale, they need to be tinted until they are desaturated enough for this purpose.
To account for aerial perspective, we never use black to paint black items of uniform or equipment. Revell 9 »Anthracite« and Revell 302 »Black« are practically the same colour, and they are booth too black to be used on 1:72 scale miniatures.
Historical Employment
- Modern German infantry, from 1990
- Panzergrenadiers
- Engineers
- Jägers
- Fallschirmjägers
Possible Conversions
- Modern German infantry with Feldmütze or beret
- Jägers wearing the field cap or green beret instead of the helmet.
- Fallschirmjägers wearing the field cap or maroon beret instead of the helmet.
- Spare MILAN launchers may be used to equip British and French infantry platoons. MILAN was used as a bunker buster during the Falkland War.
Revell 1:72 scale German Bundeswehr Paratroops nicely complement the German Panzergrenadiers from the same manufacturer.