Continuing the German theme, this is the first of the usual two figure set featuring 12. SS-Panzerdivision "Hitlerjugend" grenadiers suitable for actions in Normandy just after D-Day 1944.

The figure is standing in a semi-action pose wearing the SS camouflaged reversible smock and a pair of Italian issue camouflaged trousers featuring the two thigh pockets which were issued to some SS troops. He also has a pair of binoculars around the neck and is armed with an MP40 and holstered Walther P38 as well as the usual choice of two heads, one with M1942 steel helmet and the other a steel helmet and camouflage cover.

The full body is cast as one piece with separate arms and heads as well as a separate left hand cast holding the MP40. There was a bare minimum of cleanup required on the small casting blocks on the feet and heads, there is some minor casting seams in the insides of the legs that is easily removed with a #11 blade.

Detail on the uniform is well done with nicely defined fabric seams, pockets and collars as well as the MP40 magazine pouches cast in place to conform to the body nicely with the facial features also well done with natural expressions that will come up nicely with painting.

Assembly of the figures was very straightforward without any trimming or other alterations required, most notably with the arms that fit very snugly into the shoulders for quick and easy assembly. The MP40 assembly posed a few moments with the expended stock that comes in three very fine parts that need careful handling as well as being quite fiddly to assemble. I had to trim a little off the rear of the gun for the arms to sit evenly and the assembled gun is quite fragile, I also added a small wire pin to the wrist for easy fitting to the arm.

As with previous figures I added a small “wire” pin to the neck to go into a hole drilled into the body to make fitting and swapping the heads easier but the head fit if you just want to glue the chosen head in place. This also allows the heads to be painted separate and easily attached later. A small tip if you do add the pin is to always drill the hole for the pin at right angles to the neck cut-off on both the torso and head as this will ensure the head sits correctly as intended when fitted together.

Conclusion:

Another excellent figure from Alpine Miniatures with excellent uniform and anatomical features and you can paint the smock in any of the SS camouflage patterns for some variety which provides an interesting contrast to the large cam pattern on the trousers.

Highly recommended 9/10

Also see set #35061 12SS "HJ" Grenadier and combined set #35062 12SS "HJ" Grenadier Set

The resin parts

Assembled MP40 with wire pin in hand for easy fitting to arm

Views of the assembled figure
note alternate heads

See the Alpine Miniatures web site for ordering details and thanks to Taesung from Alpine Miniatures for the review sample.