Tamiya 35288 - 1:35 French Infantry Set

1:35 scale plastic figure set of French infantry

Tamiya 35288 is a set of six French infantry figures from the early stages of WWII. The soldiers are presented in dynamic combat poses, and their uniforms, helmets and gear are reproduced with attention to the details characteristic of the French army of 1940.

The set includes four riflemen, a machine gunner and an officer, allowing a complete scene of a squad in action to be built. The included weapon and equipment sprues considerably broaden the arrangement possibilities.

What's in the box:

• 6 figures: 4 riflemen, 1 machine gunner and 1 officer
• Two sprues of weapons and equipment
• MAS-36 rifles and a Mle 1924/29 light machine gun (with deployed or retracted bipod)
• Helmets and kepis, gas-mask bags, canteens, ammunition pouches
• Holster, binocular case and map case
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35288
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Contents: 6 figures with weapons and equipment

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

Building the set:

Each figure is made up of several parts (torso, arms, head, equipment) that fit together easily thanks to good engineering. It is worth painting the individual parts before final assembly, especially the faces and small gear. For 1940 French uniforms, khaki and blue-grey shades work well, complemented by leather and metal tones on the details.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Figure brushes (fine sizes)
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise uniform folds and detail

About the figures – French infantry 1940:

In the early phase of WWII, French soldiers wore the khaki field uniform introduced in the mid-1930s, often supplemented by a greatcoat. A characteristic feature was the Adrian-type helmet and leather gear. The riflemen's standard weapon was the MAS-36 rifle, with fire support provided by the Mle 1924/29 light machine gun.

In 1940 the French army faced the German offensive during the campaign in the West. The figures in this set let you recreate scenes from that period and pair perfectly with vehicles and dioramas depicting the fighting in France.

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka. The brand is renowned for exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit, which also applies to the figures in the Military Miniature Series, valued for their realistic poses and careful reproduction of uniforms. Tamiya figures are popular in dioramas, and the precision of their moulding makes them easy to paint for beginners and advanced modellers alike. Alongside figures and plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.