Tamiya 36306 - 1:16 German Machine Gunner

Plastic figure kit of a German machine gunner (WWII) in 1:16 scale

Tamiya 36306 depicts a German machine gunner from the Second World War. The figure wears a greatcoat (typical of the cold season) and shoulders an MG42 machine gun. The figure makes a natural pair with the machine-gun ammo loader (kit 36311).

What's in the box:

• Figure parts for assembly in a greatcoat
• MG42 machine gun
• Illustrated assembly and painting instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:16
• Item number: 36306
• 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. Emphasise the ample greatcoat folds with a wash and dry-brushing. 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 – machine gunner:

The MG42 machine gun was one of the most effective weapons of its type in the Second World War, known for its very high rate of fire. It was usually operated by a team of soldiers. The figure depicts the gunner in a greatcoat and works well in dioramas, especially together with the ammo-loader figure.

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.