Tamiya 36302 - 1:16 Luftwaffe Ace Pilot

Plastic figure kit of a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot (WWII) in 1:16 scale

Tamiya 36302 depicts a German fighter pilot of the early and mid Second World War. The kit lets you build the figure in two variants: as an officer wearing a cap, looking left, or as the fighter ace Adolf Galland – without a cap, looking right. The uniform and flying gear are reproduced with great care.

What's in the box:

• Figure parts for assembly with two head variants
• Flying uniform and officer's cap parts
• Illustrated assembly and painting instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:16
• Item number: 36302
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Series: 1/16 World Figure
• Assembled height: approx. 11–12 cm (depending on the pose)

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly and painting.

Building the model:

It is best to build the figure from subassemblies (torso, limbs, head and gear separately), hiding the parting lines with putty and smoothing them gently before painting. Paint the face and hands separately, and the uniform and gear in layers, from base colours up to highlights. For the cap variant it is worth reproducing the officer's insignia carefully. Emphasise the fabric folds and gear detail with a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Modelling putty to hide the parting lines between parts
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Fine brushes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel) for the face, uniform and gear
• Panel-line wash to emphasise folds and detail, plus dry-brushing

About the figure – Luftwaffe fighter pilot:

German Luftwaffe fighter pilots took part in many air campaigns of the Second World War, including the Battle of Britain. Adolf Galland was one of the best-known fighter aces of the period and later a commander of the fighter arm. The figure allows you to reproduce a typical pilot of the period or Galland himself.

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Figures from the 1/16 World Figure series are valued for their careful sculpting of the face, uniform and gear. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.