Introduction

In 1931 the German army introduced a new pattern of shelter quarters made up of triangular fabric sections. They could be used singly or doubled as a wind break or simple shelter, or four could be attached to make a four man tent. They were produced in solid colors as well as with camouflage patterns.

Medico's D-tails have previously offered the zeltbahn shelter in 1/35th scale, reviewed by Randy Harvey
Review by Randy Harvey Live links

Review

This set comes in a simple plastic pouch. Two shelters are provided, one in the super splinter camouflage pattern, and one with the autumn pattern. The shelters are printed on a single sheet of paper. The printing is clear and in register. Details such as seams and buttons are clearly visible. The paper is printed only on one side which will leave the bare paper exposed in an open shelter.

Instructions are quite simple and provided on a separate sheet, showing where to cut and how to fold. A third sheet has historical use information and drawings showing shelter set up.

I cut the shelter sections out carefully. The instructions note that a small cut should be made at the top extending over the printed tent, following a seam. This will prevent crimping of the paper as it is folded. There are black dots showing where ropes and stakes should attach to the shelter sections. These need to be opened, which is done easily with a pin. The bottom edges are folded inwards and then the edges of the shelter sections are creased carefully to create the small standing tent.

A small rod or dowel can be used as the tent pole and the paper can be wetted with a white glue/water solution to help it hold shape for use in a diorama. It is very simple and easy to assemble, with the only downside being the above mentioned lack of printing on the inside surface of the tent.

This is a set that can nicely accompany 1/48 scale armor and aircraft kits as a field or diorama accessory.