Tamiya 36311 - 1:16 German Machine Gun Loader

Plastic figure kit of a German machine-gun ammo loader (WWII) in 1:16 scale

Tamiya 36311 depicts a German machine-gun ammo loader from the Second World War. A machine gun was usually worked by several soldiers – a gunner and a loader who kept it supplied with ammunition belts. The figure makes a natural pair with the MG gunner (kit 36306).

What's in the box:

• Figure parts for assembly in a working pose
• Ammo belts and boxes for the machine gun
• Illustrated assembly and painting instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:16
• Item number: 36311
• 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. Ammo belts look good with a metallic finish and a subtle wash. 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-gun ammo loader:

A machine-gun crew in the Second World War was a team – besides the gunner there was a loader, responsible among other things for feeding the ammunition belts. The figure depicts such a soldier and fits perfectly in dioramas, especially together with the MG gunner.

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.