[Soldier Story] Feldgendarmerie Des Heeres 1945 PREVIEW

Another WWII German 12-inch figure? Really? Fact: Germans sell better than Allies, that's the bottom line. Nazi figures sell incredibly well, and that is why almost all the big 1/6 companies (Dragon did it, then DID and Soldier Story) produce more WWII Nazi figures than Allies, because they make more money with these figures. As for me, I cannot understand it. Although I started collecting Action Man German Stormtroopers a long time back (1994), then Takara, followed by Dragon in 1997 (the first DML figure was "Hans" then he was followed by lots of Germans) and most recently DID, there's only so many Germans one can have.

After developing and releasing some killer modern forces figures, Soldier Story is returning back to the World War II era with a 1/6 scale 1945 German Heer Feldgendarmerie (English: Field Gendarmerie. They were the military police units of the armies of the German Empire) or "Kettenhunde" (English for chained dogs), the nickname given them by German soldiers for the gorget they wore with their uniforms. Even their own soldiers disliked them.

This one's pretty spot on for the period presented, with him wearing an M44 Tunic and Trousers, lowboots and gamaschen (leggings), and side cap. Interestingly, they included a metal M35 helmet rather than the M42 helmet which would have been a more appropriate choice. Standout pieces include the cloth A-Frame Pack and A-Frame Bag, and a killer metal MP40 sub-machine gun.

The [Soldier Story] 1/6 scale Feldgendarmerie Des Heeres 1945 12-inch WWII German figure Set includes: Character head with body, Field Cap, M35 helmet, Feldgendarme Gorget, M44 Tunic, Trousers, Belt with Buckle and Y Strap (leather), triple-magazine pouches (left and right), MP40 Magazines x 6, Entrenching Tool, Bayonet, Mess Tin, A-Frame, A-Frame Bag, Gas mask container, Bread Bag, Canteen with metal cup, Gaiters (cloth), Ankle Boots (leather) and MP40 (metal).

Close up of the [Soldier Story] Feldgendarmerie Des Heeres 1/6 scale head sculpt.

If the HS looks familiar, it's supposed to resemble English actor Mark Strong. He has performed in films as varied as Body of Lies, Syriana, The Young Victoria, Sherlock Holmes, RocknRolla, Stardust, and Kick-Ass. He often depicts villains or antagonists, such as Lord Blackwood in Sherlock Holmes, Prince Septimus in Stardust, Frank D'Amico in Kick-Ass, and Sir Godfrey in Robin Hood. He was most recently seen on the big screen as Thaal Sinestro in Green Lantern.

1/6 scale Feldgendarme Gorget

Highly detailed 1/6 scale cloth and leather MP40 pouches

Close-up of the Entrenching Tool and Bayonet

1/6 scale World War II German Mess Tin, A-Frame, A-Frame Bag, Gas mask container, Bread Bag, Canteen with metal cup

MP 40 (MP designates Maschinenpistole, literally "Machine Pistol"). These were submachine guns developed in Nazi Germany and used extensively by paratroopers, tank crews, platoon and squad leaders, and other troops during World War II.

This Soldier Story 1/6 scale MP40 will be made of metal and will include one metal MP40 spring loaded magazine with individual bullets for loading, like the real thing. How's that for cool!

Related post: "World War II - The Germans are coming!!" some of the 12-inch WWII German figures I have on display :)