I hope I won't loose invitations to more gaming clubs with this, but I again observe the mix of winter uniform elements that I do not believe should be present at the same time.
Maybe I'm wrong. I welcome information that corrects my understanding.
I believe, from the titles of this thread and the description in the link, that we are talking about the Winter War. Please note the use of "Title Case" capitalization which indicates a proper noun, meaning not just war during winter months, but a particular conflict known as the Winter War (ie: Soviet Union vs. Finland, winter of 1939/40).
The second picture shows many figures wearing telogreikas (quilted jackets and trousers). I do not believe (from my readings, which I admit may not be exhaustively complete) that these are not appropriate for the Winter War.
As has been demonstrated by information provided by others on this forum, the first telogreika (that I am aware of, freely admitting that my knowledge is subject to correction by those with useful further information) were 1941 models. And I believe from my readings, that it was 1943 model of the telogreika that finally made a big impact on winter equipment, competing with the ever-present greatcoat that had typified Red Army winter outerwear to that point. Although standardized mid-war the telogreika did not become common in the Red Army (a BIG organization) until the late war (maybe towards the end of the winter of 1943/44, but more so during the winter of 1944/45).
Most of the soldiers in the second picture are wearing SSch36 helmets, which are distinguished by their adrian-style crests and the rather pronounced extensions over the ears. These are in fact a good match for the Winter War. These were 1936 pattern helmets, and for those soldiers who wore helmets during the Winter War, these would have been the most numerous type.
In the first picture at least, there also appears to be one soldier wearing a Budenovka winter hat. This center-peaked hat was again common in the inter war period, but rare after the first big battles of WW2. So again quite appropriate for the Winter War. The rest of the headgear, Ushankas (fur caps), Pilotkas (side caps) and peaked visor caps, are appropriate for almost any timeframe, although the pilotkas in particular do not appear to have been popular during winter months.
The soldier wearing the Budenovka seems to be appropriate for the Winter War, with no equipment I can easily see that does not fit the period (except that he is not warmly dressed). But the soldiers in the second pic … not so much, to my view.
By the time telogreikas became common, the SSch36 helmets were largely out of service, remaining perhaps in secondary, garrison or local defense forces but not much present in front line combat formation. Even if we are using the figures for winter months during later timeframes, we are again mis-matching. Front line forces, first to receive telogreikas, would have also been equipped with the M1940 pattern helmets with no crests and far more subdued extensions on the lower sides.
So again, to my observation this vendor has mixed winter kit in mis-matched combinations. I'm not saying you can't game with it … go ahead, it's your game. But I find it disappointing.
-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)
