Zvezda

German Infantry in Winter Uniform 1941-1945

German infantry sets have been produced by the thousands by uncountable manufacturers but this one is slightly different as it has a distinct winter feeling to it and dynamic poses.

In this box you get two sprues carrying 5 figures, in 4 different poses. The sprues also contain a base to support all five figures and five individual bases (always handy when painting), a wargaming flag and an unidentified "ridge".

The box leaves nothing to the imagination as both the drawing at the front and the pictures at the back clearly show what to expect. Together with the instructions there will be little doubt about the way these figures assemble. Diorama potential is obvious even before opening the box.

The boxtop says "1941-1945". Personally I would have put "1939-1943", as the greatcoats seem to have the narrower collar of the M36/M40 model, not the wider collar of the M42 greatcoat. Obviously these earlier models were still around later in the war, but why Zvezda excludes the first years of the war is unclear to me. (Perhaps the toques the figures are wearing were still uncommon then.) The gas mask cape rolled around the gas mask canister on four of the figures is an indication of an early war setting, however.

The figures have a convincing vigilant pose, that would conform to a diorama depicting a cautious advance. All the figures are wearing standard frontline gear, attached to Y-straps. Three of the figures are armed with the standard Kar98k rifle, of which two are slowly advancing and one is lying down reloading (which is a unique pose in our scale); one is throwing a grenade while crouching and holding his MP38/40; the last one is pointing out targets, with his MP38/40 slung on his back.

Obviously, these sets are aimed at the wargaming community (with a stats card -not shown-, flag and base) and while this might drive up the cost due to extra parts not needed for static modeling, it also reduces the cost due to a larger sales potential. Besides, I actually like the bases as they are very practical for handling the figures during painting, while the flag is a good source for thick plastic when scratchbuilding.

Casting and detail is really good (the finger of the figure that is pointing is exceptionally thin, for instance), except at the level where the two mold halves meet. In this area some resculpting will be necessary. The joints between the parts will also need a bit attention, but as the plastic react well to MEK, they can easily be smoothed out. The turn-back cuffs of the greatcoats might benefit from a quick pass with a sharp knife to make them just a little bit more prominent.

As far as I can tell, these figures have accurate anatomy, gear and uniforms, even if they are a bit on the tall side (around 6 feet). The folds and creases of the greatcoats are equally impressive.
No longer does the moniker "wargaming" on a box put dread into the hearts of the static modeler.

Review sample purchased by the author.

Zvezda kits can be purchased from

Article Last Updated:
09 August 2017