Hi,

Is it proper to depict Tamiya's U.S. Army Assault Infantry Set (see url below) as troops taking part in battle of bulge? (they don't seem to be earing enough winter clothing). I thought of putting the NCO with my Ardennes Sherman.

http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/list/35mm_img/35192m.jpg

Thanks in advance
Music

You can. There was a mix of uniforms during the bulge era, and some 1941 jackets were still in use until the end of the war. I'd say paint his hands an OD shade as if he's wearing gloves, maybe fashion a scarf for him, and he'd be fine. The biggest issue, actually, is that all the figs in this set have the older low shoes with leggings, which it's hard to find photos of after October/November 1944. I'm not saying they were gone completely, b/c they weren't, but they were not as common as the two buckle boot or shoes with overboots, etc.

Rob

You could justify most of the uniform items as regards period, but December, 1944 was the coldest winter western Europe had had in 30 years, and troops were usually wearing trench coats at least over their summer uniforms. US uniforms were designed along the principle of layering rather than specific warm and cold weather garments, and troops in the Ardennes wore as many layers as they could get. Tamiya's newest M4A3 Sherman kit releases have a few winter clad infantry for the Bulge. Dragon also has a set.