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These simple wooden MG transport carts first appeared during the mid-war period (1916 onwards) and were used predominantly to transport the lighter of the German machine guns, the MG 08/15. Other uses of the cart included the transport of the heavier German MG 08, the Mauser 13mm Anti-Tank Rifle, general supplies, incl. ammunition or even the carrying of wounded personnel away from the immediate front-line areas (the rear MG support being used as a backrest for a sitting person, with legs each side of the second and front MG support).

The MG carts come in 3 versions:

German MG 08/15 Cart with MG

German MG Cart with Mauser Anti-Tank Rifle

German MG Cart – empty

Also released is the German Drum Magazine Box Set / Kasten für 2 Stück Trommelmagazine Set

On many of the original WW1 photos the MG Cart displays a 08/15 MG Drum Magazine Box installed within the front partition. There seems to be at least 3 different types of cases, with minor differences in the number of latches, position of handle, corner reinforcements and the inner layout. The one which is supplied is generally seen most and is copied from cases showing the installed drum magazines facing each other (others show the drums facing to the left or right, depending on direction the cases open). The inner spaces allow for the cranking handles to have room to be in the locked down position, facing to the rear of direction of firing the MG. Original items still around today, show these boxes painted in a grey-green shade similar to the wooden ammunition boxes of the time, although there are also some photos showing the distinctive WW1 German camouflage scheme, with dividing black outline. Metal parts will always show signs of rust where protective paint has become too thin or just chipped away and missing.

The Drum Box with the MG Cart is the closed version. In the Drum Magazine Box Set there are 3 boxes in total, with one of these as an open-version, displaying the internal compartment and 2 Drums.

At present the shipping of orders to the USA has been suspended (hopefully only temporary!) due to the cancelation of services by the German Postal Service on account of the delay in finalizing the custom processes between countries. The shipping to the USA will be renewed as soon as possible. Sorry for any inconveniences.

Jon Smith

German figure painter Maks Hof has changed the French Chauchat Gunner around, creating a different head (scratch-built headdress) and many JSM spares, incl. a number of Trench Rat, German German Gas Mask Set and Ammo boxes, all in 1/16th scale.

German figure painter Günther Sternberg has painted up the re-modelled 1/32^nd Stormtrooper, Saxon Divisional Assault Company, Western Front 1917. Instead of using one of the two heads supplied in this kit, Günther has chosen one of the spare single German Heads with Steel Helmet (article No. SH44). I believe one can appreciate the quality of the painting, which is not surprising if one has seen Günther’s work before.

The 20 new heads are available in both the 1/35^th and 1/32^nd (54mm) scales. Below is just a selection of some of the heads.

There are also 5 new Head Sets in both 1/35^th and 1/32^nd (54mm) scales.

There are thoughts of bringing out a small selection of the heads in 1/24^th (75mm) scale. I would appreciate any response to this idea, as to date JSM have not touched this scale. Just send me a quick email. Thanks.  

Japanese modeler Hiroshi Miura has created this lovely 1:16^th scale WW2 scene showing a Volkssturm member during the final battles in and around Berlin. He has converted the JSM Bavarian NCO 1917 figure, adding the MG 08/15 and a Panzerfaust (not JSM). I really like the way that he has sculptured the pullover and extended the trousers.

Canadian model-maker Gary Edmundson has built this wonderful Panzer Concepts 42cm Gamma-Gerät artillery gun & crane in 1/35th scale. The gun-crew figures he put together from the spare-box, using various manufacturer’s parts and adding some of the JSM Spare Heads from the German Field Cap Set. An interesting and complex model.

German figure painter Gunther Sternberg has done a nice job on the JSM 1/32nd 54mm Prussian Driver.

For more information on this figure, or the other versions in 1/35th and 1/16th scale.

Boris Kharlamov from Russia has sent photos of his painted version JSM Sapper Stormtrooper bust in 1/10 scale.

Boris has done a superb paint job on this subject and in a way makes the bust come alive. He changed the JSM helmet for the Young Miniatures version, then sculptured the cover over the top. I particularly like the painting of the face and the wood / metal effect on the Mauser Carbine 98 AZ, showing of cause the muzzle protector as seen on the original photo. A detail which I missed on my early 1/16^th full-figure version many years ago.

The first sets of JSM Single heads are also now available in groups of 5 in both the 1/35^th and 1/32^nd scales. There will be more Head Sets to follow including variations of the new Prussian Driver heads, (here the 1:35th versions) which can of cause be purchased separately.