Miniart 53040 - 1:35 U.S. Airborne Tank Riders

1:35 scale plastic figure set of U.S. airborne tank riders

MiniArt 53040 is a figure set for self-assembly and painting, depicting U.S. airborne troops as soldiers riding on a vehicle's armour. The seated poses let the figures sit naturally on the hull and turret, giving a model a crew and telling the story of infantry being carried along with the armour.

This is a common and effective device in armour modelling – soldiers on the armour add scale, dynamism and combat context to a vehicle. Weapons and equipment are included, allowing the figures to be finished in a consistent way.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for 4 figures
• Weapons and equipment
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 53040
• Manufacturer: MiniArt
• Number of figures: 4
• Skill level: intermediate (figure painting)

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The figures are intended for self-assembly and painting.

Building the model:

Assembling the figures is straightforward, and the final effect is determined by the painting. It is worth test-fitting the seated poses to your particular vehicle beforehand so the figures rest naturally on the armour. We recommend brush painting with highlights and shadows to bring out the folds of the clothing and the faces. Olive and khaki tones are typical for WWII U.S. infantry; details can be emphasised with a wash and raised areas with dry-brushing.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes of various sizes (including fine ones for facial details)
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out folds and details

About the set – tank riders:

Carrying infantry on the armour of tanks and self-propelled guns was a common practice during WWII, when transports were in short supply or when speed of action mattered. Soldiers sitting on a vehicle are an image strongly associated with the dynamism of combat and advances deep into enemy territory.

Figures of this type break the static feel of a vehicle model and give it a "human" dimension. Combined with a suitable vehicle they create a coherent, story-telling scene – on their own or as part of a larger diorama.

About the manufacturer – MiniArt:

MiniArt is a Ukrainian model company known for highly detailed kits covering military vehicles, figures, buildings and diorama accessories. The brand offers a rich selection of soldier figures in various poses and uniforms, valued for their realistic anatomy and finely reproduced equipment. MiniArt products are aimed at modellers building elaborate, story-telling scenes.