Bolt Action - Soviet Army Support Group (Winter)

This set contains:

• 1 x Soviet HQ (Winter)
• 1 x Soviet Maxim MMG Team (Winter)
• 1 x Soviet 82mm Medium Mortar Team (Winter)

Soviet Army (Winter) HQ

Like the soldiers they commanded, many Soviet officers were inexperienced and lacked training at the start of the Great Patriotic War. Stalin’s brutal purge of Red Army officers in 1937 had denuded the organisation of its leadership and left deep scars on the minds of the survivors. Throughout the war, initiative was considered a dangerous trait, with most Soviet officers following their orders to the letter even if it meant marching their men to certain death. Soviet operational leadership improved tremendously over time, but the heavy casualties suffered by the Red Army demonstrate that overall battlefield control was still managed by blunt instrument.

Soviet Army (Winter) Medium Machine Gun

The Red Army utilised the classic Maxim model 1910 as its medium machine gun throughout the war, the same weapon having served the Tsarist army in World War I. It was a capable weapon which could be mounted on a tripod, sled or wheels and was often afforded a useful shield to protect the crew. However, the Maxim was so heavy and unwieldy that unlike most other Soviet weaponry, the Germans rarely employed captured examples.

Soviet Army (Winter) Medium Mortar Team

The standard Russian medium mortar of the war was the 82-PM-41 or 82mm battalion mortar Model 1941. This served alongside the otherwise similar 82mm Model 1937. Both were highly effective and accurate weapons with a range of around 3000 yards. 82mm mortars were considered artillery rather than infantry weapons by the Russians and were typically employed in batteries for battalion support.

Storage and collection tips:

To keep your models in top condition, store them in a dry and cool environment. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to prevent paint fading and damage. It's best to use a display case or other protective packaging to preserve the details and shield them from dust and scratches.