Thinking about the East... (1 Viewer)

[Lo1863]

Hello all,
As many of you probably know I am a big collector of the American Civil War and World War II Normandy lines from First Legion. Well, more recently I have been doing a lot of reading focusing on the Eastern Front as I've always been interested in that area, but have not went in depth research of it like I have the Western Front. I have been thinking of expanding my collection to include the Eastern Front. I know that this was the first area FL released several years back and from what I can tell all the items are still available for the most part.

I have a couple questions. I know the focus is on Stalingrad, but can these figures be used to include the entire Eastern Front from early to mid-war (with the exception of the unit markings or course)? Can it portray typical "classic" Russians and Germans in general from the start of the invasion to mid-war? Also, and I do not want to start another scale war, but how do they match up with the Western Front figures as far as size? I thought I remember seeing previous posts talking about the Eastern Front figures being smaller overall. Any help on the matter would be most grateful as I am excited about purchasing some of these soldiers.

:salute::

 

[braddinpa]

Head to the East Cameron!!!! Outstanding figures.

 

[bradleyl30]

Great question.

When it comes to troops, yes they are very reflective and useful across a wide range of scenarios. This is true even deep into 1943 (and really even beyond, but wearing old equipment which did happen.)

Vehicles are a little different as the StuGs and Panzer IIIs & IVs are specific units that operated these vehicles primarily in the Southern sector (Fall Blau.) Most of the FL vehicles would have been available starting in March of 1942 in small numbers.

Only the Panzer IV F1 really would have been available at the beginning of Barbarossa.

The Panzer III J did start production in 1941 and some were available for Barbarossa, but would have had the L42 (short barrel) 5 cm rather than the L60 5CM (long barrel) on FL version.

The actual version of the StuGs produced by FL would have arrived in Stalingrad in Sept/Oct of 1942.

The Hanomags (Sd Kfz 251s C) would not have been available at the start of Barbarossa, but would have started arriving in Sept / Oct 1941.

So, most of these vehicles are spring/summer/fall of 1942, although would have still existed in 1943 although most would be getting new paint jobs by then.

Hope this helps!

 

[bradleyl30]

Btw, I really get where you are coming from regarding the Ostfront. Same thing happened to me.

I read Sajer's Forgotten Soldier and then got hooked and have devoured a lot of books on the Ostfront since then.

It was also my gateway drug to toy soldiers, where I wanted to see physical representations of what I was reading about.

That led me to many of the manufacturers that create general representations of troops and vehicles, before getting hooked on FLs highly accurate and historically correct fare.

What long strange journey it has been!

 

[fmethorst]

The East has always been my primary interest. There is so much to study and learn making it very rewarding.

The German side has already been covered in the posts above. FL's Soviet soldiers are pretty versatile as are their small arms. The most notable change that occurred in the uniform is the reintroduction of shoulder boards in January 1943 which indicated rank and arm-of-service and a change from the M.35 to M.43 tunic which featured a standing collar as opposed to the classic collar.

The T-34 evolved throughout the war and the STZ (Stalingrad) manufactured model portrayed by FL is appropriate for 1942.

Frank

 

[Lo1863]

Thank you all for the responses so far as they have been very helpful! Another question, I notice that some of the German's have helmet covers and I assume they were used as a type of camo? When did those start to appear?

 

[bradleyl30]

Thank you all for the responses so far as they have been very helpful! Another question, I notice that some of the German's have helmet covers and I assume they were used as a type of camo? When did those start to appear?

I do not believe these are intended to be General Issue, but were pieces of scrap or zeltbahn that they used to make them individually. Issued helmet covers came later, I believe.

Helmet covers did become more popular in Stalingrad. This is when they saw widespread use, but they were usually field mods at this time.

Before this they used the bands to attach brush or other natural camouflage.

Frank may have more specifics. The only exception I can think of would be the specialized Pioniere (assault engineers) Battalions that were sent to Stalingrad. They may have had helmet covers issued.

 

[Lo1863]

I do not believe these are intended to be General Issue, but were pieces of scrap or zeltbahn that they used to make them individually. Issued helmet covers came later, I believe.

Helmet covers did become more popular in Stalingrad. This is when they saw widespread use, but they were usually field mods at this time.

Before this they used the bands to attach brush or other natural camouflage.

Frank may have more specifics. The only exception I can think of would be the specialized Pioniere (assault engineers) Battalions that were sent to Stalingrad. They may have had helmet covers issued.

Thanks so much for the response, Bradley! :smile2:

 

[fmethorst]

The general issue helmet cover for the German army was factory produced starting in 1942. Prior to that improvised solutions were utilized. In comparison the SS introduced helmet covers in 1937.

 

[bradleyl30]

As I look at the figures from FL they seem to be split between factory and home made according to my all seeing eye.

The new Hanomag machine gunner and officer appear to have a factory made version, and GERSTAL004 and GERSTAL007 might as well. (but it could be zeltbahn) A lot of the original troops appear to have the field improvised versions.

 

[Lo1863]

Thanks again for the responses guys!! I really appreciate it. I plan on placing an order later this week for some of the Stalingrad Germans. Very excited to get my hands on some "traditional" Germans. Like I said I have all of the Waffen-SS from the Normandy range. And Frank, I have been looking back through your picture forum on here of the Stalingrad range and it's a fantastic reminder of how awesome First Legion's products are.

Also Bradley, I responded to your private message but I am not sure if it went through or not.

 

[sammy719]

Thanks again for the responses guys!! I really appreciate it. I plan on placing an order later this week for some of the Stalingrad Germans. Very excited to get my hands on some "traditional" Germans. Like I said I have all of the Waffen-SS from the Normandy range. And Frank, I have been looking back through your picture forum on here of the Stalingrad range and it's a fantastic reminder of how awesome First Legion's products are.

Also Bradley, I responded to your private message but I am not sure if it went through or not.

Hello Lo, I can promise with a few of the Germans from the Stalingrad range you'll be wanting more in a very short period! no doubt the sculpts/painting of the sets are some if not the best in the WWII First Legion range, and I look forward to seeing your response once you grab a set or two...Sammy

 

[Lo1863]

Hello Lo, I can promise with a few of the Germans from the Stalingrad range you'll be wanting more in a very short period! no doubt the sculpts/painting of the sets are some if not the best in the WWII First Legion range, and I look forward to seeing your response once you grab a set or two...Sammy

Thanks Sammy!! I should have several in my collection in a week or two.

 

[braddinpa]

Cameron. Be sure to pick up this one. It is one of my favorites.

 

[Lo1863]

Thought I would let you all know that a family member placed an order for several of the Stalingrad Germans as a birthday gift for me. I should be receiving them soon. I also plan to place an order tomorrow for a couple myself (going to make good use of those nice Rivet Rewards I have saved from our host). I will post pics of my collection when all are here.
:salute::

 

[sammy719]

one of my single favorite sets is the German infantry advancing with rifle, can't go wrong with any but I have always loved the look of this set...Sammy