German Headquarters
1939-1942

While primarily aimed at the wargaming community (witnessed by the base with oversized banner, the wargaming stats on the back of the box and on the playing card inside), this typical 4-figure Zvezda set is a very welcome addition to the figure collection of a static modeler, as they carry a high diorama potential. As usual, the front and back of the box leave little to the imagination.

Inside the small end opening box is a single sprue of fairly hard grey plastic. This contains the parts to assemble four figures. A large part of this sprue is taken up by a banner and four base plates, which the display modeler will probably not use (except during painting). For those who are interested, the bases offer the option of grouping the four figures together or giving each figure its own base.

The four figures are all wearing the M36/M40 type uniform (which could easily pass for an M41 or M42 model if you don't pay attention to the tunic buttons) and the early war boots with a somewhat higher shaft.
Going into more detail, we see the following:

• One figure is preparing to look into his binoculars. He's wearing a Schirmmütze, riding breeches and a pistol holster. The turned backed cuffs would make him an officer, even though the boxtop doesn't show the cuffs and shows NCO rank.
• One is preparing to fire a flare from a Leuchtpistole 34 and is also wearing a Schirmmütze, riding breeches and a pistol holster. This is the only figure that doesn't need assembly. The turned backed cuffs would make him an officer. Interestingly, the shoulder bords show two distinct pips (which is a first in this scale), which would make him a captain.
• Another figure is taking something from his map case. He's wearing the Stahlhelm, normal trousers and an MP38/40.
• The last figure is manipulating a radio set while carrying a Kar98k on his back. He has no headgear. While the radio is the same as in the Zvezda German recon set, the figure is different.

While the lower ranking troops have the standard equipment, like gas cape pouch, Zeltbahn, canteen, bread bag, they lack the very typical canister for the gas mask.
Height of the figures from boots to halfway the peaked cap is 24.5mm (roughly 175cm). As far as I can tell, these figures have accurate anatomy, gear and uniforms.

The instructions are simple and for most experienced modelers overkill. The figures are very well molded with little flash and excellent detail overall, except for the chest of the crouching figure, which is devoid of detail.
While the figures might be built by snapping the parts together, glue really is needed to get a convincing fit, whatever the boxtop might claim. Even then, some filling might be needed, based on my experience with other Zvezda figure sets.
I am always wary when buying plastic figures, as most manufacturers use some ungluable vinyl. While the plastic used here is softer than some styrene, it does react very well to glues like MEK. I really mean VERY well, so be careful as the plastic will soften immediately. This is good to get a convincing joint, but it might also mar the detail. Removing the seams with a sharp scalpel is no problem (for as much as removal is needed) and sanding goes smoothly as well.

The figures were eventually used in this diorama.

Review sample purchased by the author.

Zvezda kits can be purchased from

Article Last Updated:
03 June 2018
16 July 2021
12 August 2021