I am looking for some 1/35 Aussie tank crew figures appropriate for desert theaters. I know about the nice Firestorm Models set but there is one HUGE problem…no American dealer. I found out they can ship it to me for $11, but the kit I am using it for will only be able to fit one crewman in the turret, and paying $27 to get one figure seems a bit harsh. It would not be so bad if at least one of them was a full figure since I could make up a base and have one standing alongside, but all three of the figures are only 1/2 or 3/4 figures. So now I am casting about for other ideas. I see a number of figures labeled as “British/Commonwealth” but did the Aussies wear the same clothing as the British and Canadians did? I see Ultracast makes some nice figures (albeit a touch pricey themselves) that look nice, but are they “appropriate” to fill in for Aussies? I am also seeing a set of heads wearing bush hats that could be an interesting addition, but again, would they be appropriate on the figures labeled “British/Commonwealth”?
Any insight, suggestions or help is much appreciated!
Headgear is usually what sets apart units in the commonwealth. Certain items are commonplace with all the different countries such as berets, helmets etc. But some also have headgear that is only worn by that particular unit, such as the Aussie bush hat. Commonwealth tankers almost universally wore berets in action until later in the war when steel helmets (where were very similar to the type worn by Airborne troops) were introduced for AFV crews. Aside from that, uniforms were standard, varying pretty much only by the climate and time of year. So yes, British/Commonwealth tankers or armored car crew, such as those by Mini Art, would work.
New Hampshire… here is a link to the Australian War Memorial that may interest you. Numerous pics of captured Italian tanks put into Aussie service. You will find some of the Carro Armato’s with the kangaroos on them in there too…[:)]
Hey Boomerang! I don’t see your link, but I ran a search for the AWM and found what you are talking about. Lots of very cool pictures there!!! I am in the middle of a project right now, but the Carro Aramato is the next in line. Should be a fun build. I am going to go with the Ultracast figures (even though they are a touch pricey) as well as the set of heads with the bush hats. I just like the natural poses of the Ultracast figures.
Ultracast figures are nothing less than superb.Yes they are a bit pricey (make that quite a bit), but they look SO GOOD! I think you will be happy with them.
So I am going to say these are more “traditional” bush hats? Are the slouch hats more rounded on top? Alas this is a subject I have no idea about. [:$]
The Ultracast heads definitely have Slouch Hats. Bush hats are later than WW2. Bush hats came in around the Vietnam era and have been used ever since.
The Ultracast heads are fine for WW2. Just note that they weren’t worn much in a combat area. The British steel helmet was standard issue for combat. That would be for infantry, artillery, transport units etc. Tankers wore a beret as part of their uniform. Helmets reminiscent of a British motorcycle rider or glider pilot were issued to tankers also. If you look carefully through those pics from the AWM you will see a couple with tankers wearing this steel helmet.
the ultracast look like slouchies, but Firestorm make some really good ones. I have a set. But like Boomer said, they very rarely wore them. But include one for a good aussie look!
I ordered two of the figures and the heads. I think I have a pretty good picture in my head of how it will all go together. I will put the crouching smoker on the turret near the open hatch and use the stock head which is sans headgear completely. The second figure, which is standing with his hands on his hips, will get a hatted head, will be standing at ground level. Just not sure if I will position him facing the guy on the turret or out looking off the base into the distance. Either way it should do two things, 1) reinforce the Aussie theme, and 2) make it look like a casual setting, like maybe these two are enjoying short rest break from the war (because we all know all work and no play makes the Aussies dull boys!..I jest of course because I don’t find the Aussies very dull at all, but that is just me. [:D] )
