Orion Figures 066 1/72 WWII Italian Tank Crew

Although on paper the Italian Army in the late 1930s had a substantial armoured element, far too many of those tanks were the small tankette, or old, light models which had poor armament and even poorer protection. When Italy entered World War II in 1940, Italian industry was producing better tanks, but in numbers much too low to adequately supply the army with its needs as it faced more modern, European foes both in Europe and Africa. While the most modern tanks were a match for their enemies, the rest were soon used in reconnaissance, escort, patrol and other duties away from the battlefront.

Italian tank crewmen’s appearance underwent a number of changes in the mid 1930s, settling the look that they would have in 1940, and this is the look we find on these figures. Many of the men wear the early model (pre-1941) overalls with breast and front thigh pockets, while the others wear the double-breasted three-quarter length leather coat over breeches and cavalry-type leather gaiters held by straps. Some have the distinctive Italian domed helmet with brow band and neck guard, and the rest wear the standard Bustina forage cap. This is correct uniform for both Europe and Africa, although as might be imagined, the leather coat was more common in cooler Europe.

Specifications

• Contents: 48 figures
• Poses: 12 poses
• Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)