Osprey Publications

Modelling Fallschirmjager Figures

by  Jaume Ortiz Forns and Daniel Alfonsera Romero

Reviewed By  Jack Kennedy, IPMS# 12511

MSRP: $18.95 Osprey Publications has just released a new book in the Osprey Modelling series and it is even better than the previous ones. Mr. Forns and Mr. Romero have written a truly informative book on modeling the German Fallschirmjager from WW II. The first chapter shows the proper way to paint the face using Vallejo acrylic paints. Others paints may be substituted but this is the most complete method I have seen ever. The color photos are wonderful and by following the techniques shown, it would be impossible to make a mistake. This book is broken down into four chapters, each showing a different diorama or vignette. The building of each diorama is shown from beginning to end and different techniques used to achieve the completed scene. The first one is of a Fallschirmjager in Operation Merkur in May 1941 who has just landed, and is removing his helmet. This is the chapter that shows the method for painting faces and basic uniforms. The second chapter is called "Hunting Party". It depicts a scene from Normandy in 1944. This diorama shows a late war anti-tank team in temperate weather uniforms. Of note is the proper way to paint the "marsh" pattern camouflage with the blurred edges and also the Luftwaffe splinter pattern camouflage. Included in this diorama is a building that the soldiers are hiding behind. The authors show in complete detail the proper way to make the building look realistic and how to make the ground cover. The third chapter is a cute one depicting two Fallschirmjager in Italy in 1943 posing to have their photo taken. The authors have chosen to make some modifications on the figures to achieve the proper pose. These techniques are described in complete detail and beautifully photographed to complement the text. The soldiers are in tropical uniforms and one is in a variant of the splinter camouflage. Also included in this vignette is a table with a red check tablecloth and a bottle of wine. The last chapter is a rather large 1/35 winter scene showing the Fallschirmjager in the Eastern front in 1944. In addition to the figures in the winter uniforms is a horse pulling a Pak 38, 5cm gun through the winter mud. This chapter shows how to convert the horse into a plow horse and how to make the whole scene look muddy and cold. Four different uniform styles are depicted in this beautiful diorama. Overall eight different uniforms are shown in this book. By using this very well photographed book one cannot make a mistake in painting or converting a German Fallschirmjager. I plan on making several of these soldiers using the paint schemes from this book. Would I recommend this book? Definitely, yes. I think that Mr. Forns and Mr. Romero have done a fine job, not only with the well thought out text, but some very fine photographs. At $18.95 I think it is a steal. I look forward to more of these Osprey Modelling books. I would like to thank Osprey Publishing for supplying this book for review.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.