German Anti-Tank Rifle Team

While primarily aimed at the wargaming community (witnessed, for instance, by the base with oversized banner), this typical 4-figure Zvezda set is a very welcome addition to the figure collection of a static modeler, as it carries a high diorama potential. As usual, the front and back of the box leave little to the imagination.

Inside the small end opening box are two sprues of fairly hard grey plastic. This contains the parts to assemble four figures. A large part of this sprue is taken up by a banner and four base plates, which the display modeler will probably not use (except during painting).

The four figures are all wearing the M36/M40 type uniform (which could easily pass for an M41 model if you don't pay attention to the tunic buttons) and the early war boots with a somewhat higher shaft.
Going into more detail, we see the following:

• Two figures are lying down, one preparing to fire the Panzerbüchse 39 (PzB 39), the other one spotting and holding a Kar98k.
• Another figure is walking carrying a PzB 39 on his shoulder.
• Another is standing, holding a Stielhandgranate with Geballte Ladung and a Kar98k. This figure is slighty different from the boxtop as the actual figure is looking straight ahead, not to the side.

Note that the PzB 39 was produced from March 1940 to November 1941, and would thus primarily be an early war weapon, even though it soldiered on until the second half of the war, by which time it was outdated. Some were converted to Granatbüchse Modell 39.

Height of the figures from boots to halfway the helmet is 24.5mm (roughly 175cm). As far as I can tell, these figures have accurate anatomy, gear and uniforms.

The figures are very well molded with little flash and excellent detail overall, except for the areas that are on the mold line, which is devoid of detail, like the chest of the lying figures (which doesn't really matter) and the chest of the walking figure (which will require more work).

The instructions are simple and for most experienced modelers overkill.
While the figures might be built by snapping the parts together, glue really is needed to get a convincing fit, whatever the boxtop might claim. Even then, some filling might be needed, based on my experience with other Zvezda figure sets.
I am always wary when buying plastic figures, as most manufacturers use some ungluable vinyl. While the plastic used here is softer than some styrene, it does react very well to glues like MEK. I really mean VERY well, so be careful as the plastic will soften immediately. This is good to get a convincing joint, but it might also mar the detail. Removing the seams with a sharp scalpel is no problem (for as much as removal is needed) and sanding goes smoothly as well.

Review sample purchased by the author.

Zvezda kits can be purchased from

Article Last Updated:
31 October 2018