A.R.T.O. Production - new figures in 35th from the SS & heavy tank battalions of WWII
A.R.T.O. Production resin figures are a new brand, but fast making a name for themselves with some lovely new figures in 35th scale that rival some of the best on the market.
It seems that the people at A.R.T.O. Production pride themselves on getting the smaller details right. Those of the clothes, hair and appearance of these soldiers that are more typical to soldiers from that time, in the 1940's.These are some of their first lot of releases...
Today we look at two more figures in their range sure to entice some modellers out there...
12. SS-Panzer Division Hitlerjugend 6. Kompanie , SS-Pz.Schutze '616'
Kit No #35012
1/35th scale
This SS-Pz.Schutze is the third of three figures of the 12 SS 6 Kompanie, a crew member of Panzer 616.
In the first photo the sculptor saw of this man, he was standing facing backwards. The folds of his uniform were such that they flowed like uninterrupted, fluid water from top to bottom which highlighted his movements. For a sculptor, sculpting folds such as these is the greatest pleasure.
Two of the photos of the man the artist used as an inspiration fro this figure...
If all figures were standing with a serious expression, they would undoubtedly feel like an ordinary "figurine". The sculptor wanted to breathe life into this figure.
Not all viewpoints of figures need to face the front. His facial expression was sculpted to show him sharing interesting conversations with his fellow crew members.
The Leaning Unteroffizier 1935/1940
Kit No #35018
This figure is an NCO that can be used in both military tanks and armoured vehicles from 1935 to 1940. The characteristics of the first pattern panzer uniform have been accurately depicted here in this sculpt. This sculpt depicts an Unteroffizier leaning casually against a vehicle (or object for that matter) which can be placed in any events or situations between pre-war and early WWII.
The uniform of the ‘leaning unteroffizier’ is the first pattern Panzer uniform that was issued in 1934 and features all of the Panzer uniform’s distinctive features. Firstly, the main features of this first pattern Panzer jacket are the collar and lapels.
Unlike the improved second version of the Panzer jacket, the lapels could not be buttoned up that would allow the lapels and collar to close. The only possible option for this first version was to have the neck area exposed. This design meant that there is hardly any space at gorge between the collar and lapel on the first version. From the second version onwards, the space between the collar and lapel would noticeably become bigger to allow the lapels to close with buttons.
Some representatives of Panzermen of the time with this uniform
The shoulder seam line is also visible, appearing slightly behind the shoulder straps. Furthermore, unlike the later types in which the shoulder straps could be replaced at any time, the shoulder straps were fixed on this first pattern uniform. The shoulder straps were sewn down flat to the shoulder line.
Attention and effort were put into sculpting such differences between this first version and others, and are accurately depicted on this figure.
The second distinctive feature is the two-part Panzer beret which is a beret over a crash cap which also has been accurately depicted. Unlike other military berets, it was impossible to flatten the beret due to its distinctive bulky design. The ‘stalk’ in the top centre of the beret has also been precisely reproduced with our sophisticated and superior casting techniques.
The national insignia on the right breast of the jacket is not reproduced on this figure. In 1935, as per new regulations, the national insignia was attached on the right breast of jackets and berets, but early WWII photographs sometimes reveal panzer jackets without them. The photograph of the NCO that was used to sculpt this figure did not have a national insignia on its right breast.
Also, the oakleaf wreath embroidery of the panzer beret with a metal national cockade in the centre was later replaced by the BeVo type along with the insertion of the national insignia. This figure is wearing the beret as per regulation in 1935.
Through minor modifications by modellers such as scraping off the national insignia, this figure can also be used for pre-1935 situations. Therefore, this figure can be used in any events and situations from 1935 to early WWII in 1940. It can be used along with any vehicles, armoured vehicles, or tanks. Arto’s ‘The Leaning Unteroffizier’ is the only product available on the market that can also be used with pre-WWII vehicles such as the Four-colour/tone camouflaged 'Nbfz' and 'Pz.I. Ausf.A'.
Modellers can also use this figure not only for tank units but also for reconnaissance units if the deep pink colour lining on the collar and the shoulder straps is replaced with yellow.
During early WWII, most tank regiments had their regimental numbers embroidered on their shoulder straps. Hence, if modellers draw in the symbol or number when they paint this figure, the figure’s affiliation can become clearer.
You can see more of ARTO Production's work on their Facebook page
You can purchase these figures from a hobby shop of your choice at these links
Germany: https://www.exter-company.com/en/By-Brand-Manufacturer/Arto-Production/
Germany: https://www.exter-company.com/en/By-Brand-Manufacturer/Arto-Production/