S & T Productions 1/16 German SS MG-42 Gunner, Kharkov, 1943 (# 16018)

German SS MG-42 Gunner

Sculptor and figure painter John Rosengrant is acknowledged as one of the finest craftsmen practicing this art today, and this creation of his bears out that assertion. The ease of assembly, logical separation of pieces, and consistent attention to detail made this the most enjoyable figure project I have ever done. The pose and attitude of the figure are also spot on, depicting a weary, stubborn fighter, glad for a ride and a rest during a difficult operation.
This figure kit consists of 12 castings, done in a light tan resin. Most of the large pour plugs had been removed from my example before I received it; what remained was easily removed. Surface texture differences are masterfully rendered; the cloth cover on the canteen, gauze bandage on the right hand, and the fleece/fur lining in the hood stand out. Tiny details abound, including the drawstring with knot on the hood, the puckering on the seams of anorak and pants, an accurate starter tab for the machine gun ammunition drum, and the accurized links on the extra ammo belt hung around the gunner's neck. The fit of the various components is perhaps the nicest part of the kit. This figure fit together with a precision that other manufacturers need to take note of. It's simply the best this reviewer has had the pleasure of experiencing. The canteen and mess tin had been pressed into the bread bag during sculpting, leaving clear indentations where they are to be placed. The inner surface of the right arm had the butt stock of the MG-42 pressed into it to ensure a tight fit. When fitted into the right hand and pressed into place the gun would stay put even when the arm was lightly shaken. Arm to body fit was perfect on both arms, with dual locator pegs ensuring they are installed properly. This is the first large scale figure I have ever built where NO filler of any type was needed. During the sculpting process, the figure was pressed down onto the Tiger engine deck base, thereby ensuring that the figure appears to be sitting, not floating above the base. The base itself is nicely done, with weld beads in appropriate areas, track changing cable clamps and wingnuts, and an intricately textured section of tow cable that just begs for washes and dry-brushing.

Construction and Painting

The remnants of the pour plugs were sanded away. There is paper-thin flash between the legs of the machine bipod and some of the holes in the weapon's cooling jacket; work slowly and carefully. I drilled holes for pins in the mess tin, canteen, both arms and the bottom of the body. Due to the pose, I felt it would be easier to shade and highlight the inner surfaces of the arms and corresponding body areas before attaching them. After clean up, all parts were washed with dish soap, rinsed, and allowed to air dry. A coat of Tamiya flat white primer was sprayed on to check for flaws (none found). Next, all parts were undercoated with Polly Scale acrylics in colors as close to the final shade as possible. Shading and highlights were then added using artist's oil paints. All figure painters have their own favorite mixes for colors and textures, do what works for you. I used a warm gray for the basic color, lightened with Naples yellow and white to lighten, and burnt umber and Payne's gray to darken. Earth colors can be worked into the mix at wear points for stained clothing, or laid on heavier with no blending to suggest splashes of fresher dirt/mud. The MG-42 received a base coat of medium gray, a heavy wash of black and Payne's gray, and a final rubdown with pencil graphite after the paints were thoroughly dry. I added a piece of window screen to the Tiger engine deck, cutting it away from under the figure to avoid spoiling the fit. Two lengths of painted nylon string were added for the track changing cable. A piece of .030 styrene was added to the back of the base, as it is hollow. Viewing surfaces were sprayed with Tamiya German gray, sides and back were sprayed flat black. When dry, a rough coat of white gouache water paint was brushed on to represent the winter white wash. After distressing this to my satisfaction, it was given a coat of spray flat, followed by various earth-colored washes. The base was glued to a walnut block to avoid handling the painted surfaces. In addition to the screen, I added an ammunition box from DML, and scratchbuilt sling and buckles to the weapon.

Conclusion

I love this figure. I had wanted to paint this figure since I first saw it advertised. I highly recommend figures from this line to anyone who likes to paint. Parts fit is perfect, textures and details are topnotch, and the posing is natural, not stiff and contrived. Simply put, the nicest figure I have ever worked on. I look forward to doing more . This figure was purchased by me at a hobby shop in St. Louis, Missouri.