WIP: Eisenkern 5-man squad...complete!

[former user]

Congratulations on the very appealing PJ for Your figures and especially the vehicle. I would love to have the skills to do it that convincing - thank You for sharing it with us.
There is a slight "however"
I don't want to insinuate anything when manufactureres make and customers like to buy miniatures that are inspired by the uniform of the German army in WWII. I aknowledge that it makes sense to imply militaristic societies by this, so far OK for me.
The skull in the shield on the vehicle however is very clearly the badge of a military formation belonging to an outlawed nazi organization. The symbol is not only banned by German jurisdiction (here is a link)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strafgesetzbuch_section_86a
but also identifies a unit that was initially formed by the guards of concentration camps and that has quite a record of breach of laws against humanity.
I very much hope that the use of this badge on wargaming miniatures is only an insensitive mistake and misunderstanding, because I cannot recognize anything related to the depiction of history here.
I very much hope that noone who has seen this badge "in action" will ever be confronted again with seeing it in such a context, whether physically or on pictures

[dwartist]

My apologies if you're offended by the badge (this thread has been viewed over 3000 times on LAD and this is the first time the issue has been raised): I chose the decal, from a Machinen Krieger kit, for the colouring (yellow background) to contrast with the various greys and never gave the imagery a second thought. The vehicle and soldiers both represent imagined futuristic designs and the only connection to the historical events you refer to are wholly in your imagination. Thankyou for your kind words about the models themselves; I have taken on board your comments and I'm quite willing to paint out the offending symbol if others are of a like mind to yourself. David

[dwartist]

...I've painted it out. My apologies if the unwitting use of the imagery upset or offended anyone; that, of course, was never my intention.

[matakishi]

I've removed the images that showed the offending emblem, it does break the rules as far as displaying Nazi symbols on the forum go. Having the emblem on the actual vehicle isn't a problem but showing it here is. The usual solution is to block it out on the picture rather than the model. The problem isn't that it may offend someone, rather that it breaks the German law that this forum must abide by.

I apologise for the late action, I've been absent or I would have picked it up sooner.

[former user]

I am sorry if I may have sounded too harshly.
I am indeed surprised to find out that such a symbol is used so nonchalantly  (by the manufacturer, not by the user) and I have to admit that these fine details of German law about Nazi symbols may not be as obvious as swastikas and other symbols. Generally everything recalling the units of the "Elite" organization should be avoided, and the two runes especially.
I understand that the manufacturer offering these decals might not have been aware of this.
It is sad that there are such events in human history that force us to be constantly aware, but I think it is necessary not to forget.....
However, I would like to return the focus to the good painting, please......

[dwartist]

No problem former user - thanks for the 'heads-up' Interestingly it was as I researched the symbol after your comments that I realised my error but was surprised to find that the image is very visible on numerous websites including the very Wikipedia article that discusses its ban!

[Westfalia Chris]

No problem former user - thanks for the 'heads-up' Interestingly it was as I researched the symbol after your comments that I realised my error but was surprised to find that the image is very visible on numerous websites including the very Wikipedia article that discusses its ban!

Websites are fine if they are not hosted from Germany, or if they are working toward a clearly documentary or educational purpose.

Apart from that, lovely work on the camo and weathering.

[dwartist]

Working on the NCO standing in the cargo area....

[Sangennaru]

wow! i totally missed this thread! The pieces are coming out greatly! I'm starting wanting them...

[dwartist]

The third one is finished and on a temporary base for photos before placing him permanantly in the 'Jeep'. Took a few pics but they're not great (and the backdrop needs a liitle dusting!) so will do them again and post tomorrow. Meanwhile...

[Michi]

Apart from the above mentioned badge one can spot the heraldic of democratic Germany on those armour suits. Very cool project and totally outstanding paintjobs!

[dwartist]

The standing trooper is finished and on a temporary base for some photography. He'll be taking his place in the 'Jeep' later today....

[Jaeger]

Amazing paint job. Simply stunning!

[dwartist]

[Sangennaru]

absolutely stunning. and those plastic marines are extremely interesting to me.