Dragon has released plenty of German and Soviet infantry plastic figures in its 1/35 scale series...but seldom together! The latest figure set is such a rare combination. The set includes two German and two Russian infantrymen all clad in winter clothing. Germany mounted a massive invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941, and the powerful force's momentum took troops to the very gates of Moscow. However, few expected to still be fighting when the freezing weather and bitter cold hit later that year, let alone the successive winters as German forces were forced into a bloody and drawn-out retreat. The dreadful winter conditions that both sides had to contend with are now the stuff of lore, and it's from such a desperate period of winter fighting that this current figure set emanates.

The box-top illustration shows two Soviet soldiers dressed for winter combat with such uniform gear as a greatcoat, fur hats and a snowsuit. Their weapons include a Mosin-Nagant rifle and a ubiquitous PPSh-41 submachine gun. One Russian is smoking a cigarette during a lull in the fighting, and this classic pose makes this figure a suitable candidate for a standalone vignette. The two Germans are also outfitted to resist the severe weather conditions. One is delivering food supplies (bread, food container and water canteens) to the frontline while the other is firing an MP40 submachine gun. The interesting mix of action and at-rest poses are very suitable for depicting an Eastern Front scene in the snow and ice, and the plastic sculpting is sharp and realistic. The inclusion of soldiers of two nationalities also adds to the versatility of this unique 1/35 figure set.