A Soviet tank crewman in padded coveralls and ribbed leather helmet, hands held out to an unseen fire. The figure between sorties, not in combat. Period: WWII Eastern Front, 1941-1945.
T-34 and KV crews wore the distinctive padded black coveralls and ribbed leather tankistka helmet across the campaign. Between engagements they refuelled, reloaded, and warmed their hands - tank interiors froze in Russian winter and burned in summer.
Painting tips
- Coveralls: very dark grey-black, never pure black.
- Tankistka: warm brown leather with darker ribs.
- Skin: ruddy at the cheeks and hands - this is cold weather.
- Boots: dark leather, dust or mud at the soles.
Historical sources & further reading
- Red Army armoured branch uniform studies
- Eastern Front tank crew photography
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.
