Living the StuG life - photographed against one of this winter's snowstorms.

Black primer throughout - the dark base provides natural shadow depth in the recesses of the uniform and equipment before any paint goes on.

Corax White as the coat base. Off White highlights on the raised fabric areas. A super heavily diluted Nuln Oil glaze is then applied over the entire coat, concentrated into the folds and creases - the thinned wash settles naturally into the low points, giving the white fabric convincing shadow depth. The fur lining on the jacket hood is painted with a diluted Seraphim Sepia wash, giving it a warm, off-white tone distinct from the main coat white.

Coat fold and crease depth from the Nuln Oil glaze

Rear three-quarter - coat back and ammo crate

AK Field Grey as the base for both the pants and scarf. The creases are highlighted by mixing Field Grey with Corax White - lightening the tone gradually toward the raised folds. The same recipe is used on both pieces for consistency.

The face uses a four-stage approach: Cork Brown base, Reikland Fleshshade wash, re-layered Cork Brown, then a final highlight of Cork Brown mixed with Light Flesh to achieve a rosy, wind-burned winter complexion. The eyes are Corax White with a dot of black. Gloves in AK Lead Grey, highlighted with Lead Grey mixed with Corax White.

Face colours - Cork Brown base with rose-cheeked winter highlight

Gloves in Lead Grey

The metal receiver is a mix of Vallejo Black and Chainmail Silver - a slightly metallic dark tone rather than flat black. The wooden butt stock is Dark Fleshtone. Nuln Oil washed over the whole gun to finish.

Both the helmet and ammo case are painted AK11316 Dunkelgrau RAL 7021 - the exact same colour used on the StuG III tank, directly linking the crewman to his vehicle.

Suspenders, belt, pistol holster, and boots in flat black. Ammo pouches in Dark Fleshtone with a Field Grey strap down the middle. Breadbag in AK Medium Sea Grey. Mess kit in Field Grey with Dark Fleshtone straps.

Russian Thick Mud, Splash Mud, and Enviro Snow patches applied to a 32mm AK Interactive round base. The same three products used on the StuG itself - the base ties the figure directly to the tank without committing to a full diorama. A great way to display companion figures alongside a vehicle build.

All three basing effects on the 32mm round - mud, splash mud, and snow patches.

All paints and supplies used in this build are stocked at Wheels & Wings Hobbies in Toronto, available online with Canada-wide shipping. Dragon and Cyber Hobby kits are discontinued - we regularly acquire them through estate sales and collections. Check our Dragon brand page for current stock.