SPECIAL THANKS. I would like to thank Paul Watson for his sponsorship of several lead figure collections on this blog. Having decided to clear his spare/surplus figures, he generously forwarded them on with no other requirement than they deserved to be restored. I would also like to mention George S. Mills, who kindly furnished a quantity of plastic figures which greatly enhanced several collections.

Saturday, 8 January 2022

GERMAN WW2 ADDITIONS

My German WW2 army has just gained some vital additions.

This navy-blue toy tank probably dates to the 1980s? Would welcome any additional information on this pull-back model, the company logo is 'MILITARY AFFAIR NO.108. Some very slight damage but not bad for £6.80 delivered. Decided to add a tank commander by converting a spare German Para officer.



 Some useful staff officers cleaned up, primed. and some conversion work. Kindly supplied by Paul Watson, these pewter figures were made in Hong Kong during the 1980s. Here are some completed models.

A couple of spare Airfix mountain troops have a metal officer added by replacing the head.
Four metal figures marching have furnished a company of Kriegsmarine, in their distinctive blue tunics.
This was a project and a half. I had a wounded figure and some Africa Corps soldiers going spare. Decided to remove much of their accoutrements, ammo pouches, etc and convert them into a German field hospital (Italy 1944). Milliput was used to create the German medical coat and armbands.



MGB




 

13 comments:

  1. Some good editions there , I do like the tank , not seen it's type before .

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    1. Tony, have tried to find out more information on the tank, nothing! Its a genuine toy, but has enough detail to consider it a borderline model. Wish they made more like this, it works fine with 54mm figures. Tempted to seek out another if the price was good. I guess it was made in China.
      Michael

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  2. Nice work on the stretcher team, there's a real urgency in their poses.

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    1. Cheers Brian, some are 1/35 while others are 1/32, from the same manufacturer. But all are nice castings, largely flash free too. No pleasure cutting away the ammo pouches but I wasn't going to scrap these figures.
      Michael

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  3. Excellent additions Michael! The tank is great with your officer! The command group, signal corp, and stretcher team are just what a German army needs! Very well done!

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    1. Thank you Brad, its a good start to 2022 and, tbh, it sorts out the vital gaps in my German WW2 collection. I think its reached the size and image I was aiming for.
      Michael

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  4. Love the tank - it looks like an actual tank yet not any in particular, so perfect for toy soldiers! The stretcher team is stunning - I hope we'll see this collection in a game soon.
    Cheers!
    - John

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    1. Thanks John, my battle plan is still to have a batch of games set in the 1930s, but if my morale is good for completing projects I make a point of utilising it to the full...... while it lasts. Yes, that tank is a lucky capture, the cost of armoured vehicles in 1/35 or 1/32 is typically too high for my budget, so its a most welcome addition.
      Michael

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  5. They have come out very well Mike - the tank looks like a mixture of a Panther and King Tiger?

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    1. Hi George, yes, its very much a toy tank, but one which can claim to have been inspired by historical armour, and it even came with the German emblems to prove it. For my 'toy shop wars', it works perfectly as I have no plans to refight WW2 tank battles, and my child-like rules make little or no distinction between tanks. That its got a gun rather than a HMG as its primary weapon is about my level, lol. Just seen a genuine 1930s Japanese-made toy armoured car....... must try and make one, bold in colour and covered with national emblems, perfect!
      Michael

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    2. Totally agree - a real asset to the collection

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  6. Just amazing work, as ever Michael, you've certainly given those pewter figures the life they deserved.
    I'm in awe of your skill to make silk purses out of many many sows's ears :) also amazed at how many unknown or rare figures or vehicles you manage to unearth :)

    Long may it continue.

    Paul

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    1. Thank you very much, Paul. As the sponsor of about 60% of my metal 54mm collection, its gratifying to know you are getting some pleasure in seeing them turned into gaming pieces. Have just completed four French Zouaves you kindly sent, so the work continues.
      Michael

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