Hi Erwin,

My apologies, I see what you mean now, and how it would add an element of dynamism.

Cheers, ,

G

Hi Ryan,

No problem, hope it helped. Will we get to see some photographs of your Russian project? If you start a log, can you give me a heads-up so that I can follow your build?

In many ways, your suggestion of simply transposing the scenario to France makes sense, would be simpler, and would probably save a few pennies. There would be more accessories available, e.g. Miniarts railway signals, telegraph poles, etc., not to mention the figures you've already alluded to. However, now I’ve got the image fixed in my mind, plus the support I’ve been given by the folk at RMweb, I’m loath to give up on the idea...if that makes sense?

Good luck with your build, and cheers, ,

G

Hi all,

Another question if I may, before battle commences...

...As previously mentioned, the diorama will be set late winter/early spring and I have been trying to determine what changes I will have to make to the uniforms of the British troops.

I will probably be using a mix of figures from different companies; however, I’m guessing that they are typically (ignore North Africa/Far East figures) shown in non-cold weather uniforms.

Apart from greatcoats, did the British have standard ‘cold weather/winter’ clothing, or was it the standard uniform that would be worn? I imagine tank crew would wear the pixie suit and simply have more layers beneath, but I'm thinking more about the poor ol' infantry. I have tried ‘googling’ but I’m not getting much joy apart from the aforementioned greatcoat.

Any comments or ideas?

Cheers, ,

G

Quoted Text

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Hi all,

Another question if I may, before battle commences...

...As previously mentioned, the diorama will be set late winter/early spring and I have been trying to determine what changes I will have to make to the uniforms of the British troops.

I will probably be using a mix of figures from different companies; however, I’m guessing that they are typically (ignore North Africa/Far East figures) shown in non-cold weather uniforms.

Apart from greatcoats, did the British have standard ‘cold weather/winter’ clothing, or was it the standard uniform that would be worn? I imagine tank crew would wear the pixie suit and simply have more layers beneath, but I'm thinking more about the poor ol' infantry. I have tried ‘googling’ but I’m not getting much joy apart from the aforementioned greatcoat.

Any comments or ideas?

Cheers, ,

G

---

Gareth,

How wintry do you wish to make this? If it's cold then the wearing of greatcoats would be authorised but it would be a command decision somewhere, not an individual choice. In addition to a greatcoat British soldiers were issued a pullover, a collarless woollen shirt, and undervests. Long johns were available to be worn - obviously - under the BD trousers. Khaki woollen gloves were also issued.

An item called a "Cap Comforter" - which was basically a hollow but closed knitted scarf that could be turned into headdress (often depicted worn by Commandos) - was also on issue; this could be worn under the steel helmet if it was cold. Bear in mind that the serge Battledress was not a lightweight design and provided a certain amount of warmth whether it was needed or not!

You may also run into the problem of finding sufficient figures wearing greatcoats; note that for AFV crews the Pixie suit was not issued until Sep 44. They wore a denim tank suit coverall, which in cold weather would be augmented by most of the above.

Personal Equipment/Webbing. This would be the 37 pattern. The then Fighting Order consisted of the small pack, 2 x ammo pouches, waterbottle and bayonet frog, and the entrenching tool ensemble - though I'm not quite sure when that came into service. However, that means that most available commercial figures for the time-span, come equipped thus. Cloth bandoliers continuing extra ammunition may also be present but would normally indicate imminent useage on the ranges or during a live fire exercise; I mention this so that if you use figures with them you can explain it all away and not have the tedious task of filing them off if moulded on (!)

I've remembered the missing fourth letter "W" from my earlier post: I believe it was "Why?" in that "Why" are your figures/vehicles doing what they are depicted doing?

Remember that the time of year ("When?") would also dictate what vegetation would be around.

Any further questions re 37 Pat webbing or Battledress please ask; I've worn and used both though I must hasten to add that my BD was of the 1949 pattern and worn in the late 60s, just in case someone thinks I'm around a hundred years old.

Brian

Hi Ryan,

I fall into that category, that’s part of the reason I did my last winter build on here...felt that once I’d started posting that I was obliged to finish, though I'm sure the perceived motivation won't always work, .

Hope you manage to find both the motivation and time as it sounds like you’re already partway there, having sourced the basics, .

Cheers, ,

G

Hi Brian,

Great information, and more food for thought...or the ‘What, When, Where and Why’ that you mentioned previously.

I presume then that the standard British uniform, as well as being warm, must have had a level of waterproofing/resistance?

Would they have also worn the leather jerkin at this juncture and, if so, would this have been worn by choice or, as with the greatcoat, would it have been everyone or no one?

Thanks again for your invaluable input,

G

Hi Brian,

I suspected that would be your answer regarding the leather jerkin, having had your previous comments regarding the greatcoat and its issue. Having said that, the opportunity to try modelling some 'rain' capes would be a good challenge, I’m sure I saw some images when I was ‘googling’ cold weather clothing.

It must have been a miserable experience for the troops when out on manoeuvres if it had been raining, brrrrr! .

Thanks again,

G