I am trying to remodel a few 1/32 (Airfix) and 1/35 scale figures to 1970/80s British infantry, the problem I am having is the putties, the things below the trousers and the boots, I cant make out if the Airfix 1/32 scale is near enough, if not how to make the correct versions for this time line, any help would be appreciated, thanks Keith

Keith,

I am not familiar with the Airfix figures but coincidentally I have just finished converting some 1:35 figures (US) into British.

Puttees (normal spelling) were long strips of cloth with an equally long securing tape; I found the best way to replicate this was to slice up some Tamiya masking tape and wrap around the lower leg in the manner of the real thing. Don't replicate a scale length or anything or it will bulk out too much. I used a thinner slice for the securing tape and added a small square of plastic card where the Puttee was secured ie on the outer side of the ankle. The final end of the Puttee itself - the one visible on the outer side should be almost triangular - almost to a point but with "square" of plastic card obscuring the actual "point". I hope this makes sense!

Bear in mind that "Anklets, Web" - the gaiters - were in use up until at least the mid to possibly late 70s, often coloured black with boot polish.

Puttees for Other Ranks were usually Khaki, and for some reason Officers' versions a pale cream colour - a Sniper's dream one would have thought.

Brian