I made the decision to include just one figure with the carrier and mount them on a simple base (probably a grassy field type thing). This is because i'm putting that much work into the conversion that I didn't want the base and/or figure attracting too much attention, so that the carrier would be the main focus. At the same time I wanted a figure to be included as I feel it is necesary to add life/scale to the AFV.
While I was ordering kits galore I attacked my spares bin for a suitable figure, the one I found was perfect, a relaxed pose in warm weather dress, as I wanted the scene to be Italy in the summer of '44.
The figure was actually from a Revell set (02615 - German tank crew 1941-42) which I beleive is an old ICM mould or vice-versa (It's the one with the tank crew posing for a photo). I figured he would look good next to the carrier with some spare mags cases next to him as if pausing for a rest while restocking the Flak gun on a summers day (hence the open trailer).
For this reason, the rolled up sleevs with the thinner 'under-shirt' looked good, and I decided to paint is trousers in the 'Italian' pattern, as german troops often had clothes tailored from this fabric on the Italian front, which helps place the scene. The cap was painted in 'pea dot' pattern as I like the pattern and wanted to show that mish-mash of camouflage items often aquired by veteran (note the Iron cross) soldiers.
Enough of me going on here's the figure:
He has yet to have a wash (what a dirty bloke, lol!) and there's a bit of touching up to do but please give me your opinion of him so far!
Cheers,
James
