While this one didn't appeal as a full figure, due to the cavalry boots and shoulder holster, I've always been drawn to it whenever listings pop up during unrelated searches, especially the tank helmet/M1 combination.
Ujindou's recently announced UD9038 2nd Armored Division infantryman, which included a 2nd pattern tank jacket, put the idea back in mind of putting together a tank commander. However, it was a no go as a starting point because their jacket's collar, cuffs and waistband are a strange mustard colour. (Ujindou's colours are sometimes really
off).
The alternative options were either the DID or Facepool Wardaddy 1st pattern jacket (the prices were almost identical).
The 1st pattern was officially designated 10th February 1941 by the U. S. Army Quartermaster as
JACKET, WINTER, COMBAT, P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26, and the 2nd pattern on 26th March 1942 as
JACKET, WINTER, COMBAT, P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26A.
These were my main go to photos, both from North Africa in 1942, showing a mixture of 1st and 2nd pattern:
I looked at as many in hand photos and unboxing videos as I could find of the DID and Facepool to decide between them, but the collars on both brands put me off because they appeared to be too tall and awkward, and would bury the figure if fastened to the top.
Nevertheless I kept coming back to the listings. I figured I could leave the jacket open, which would help to pull the collar away from the sculpt. I settled on the Facepool since it was the later release.
I wasn't expecting the jacket to have a wired collar, so it turned out to be more workable than I expected.
The unform is mainly from Facepool's Wardaddy: M1938 Tank Helmet under M1; 1st pattern Tanker jacket; T-shirt and trousers with the belt removed because the buckle was too bulky under the jacket.
The M1936 webbing belt is from DID's Rafe; the first aid pouch is from an unknown DID figure; the M1917 Smith & Wesson and 'US' holster are from Facepool's FP013 USMC Sledge Hammer, and the boots are Dragon Models' US Army M43 buckle boots which are a great sculpt. While M43 boots were worn from 1944 onwards my plan was to have the trousers hiding the buckle section anyway.
The body is from Alert Line's NKVD Tom Hardy, and the sculpt is Facepool's Sledge Hammer.