King & Country · Battle of the Bulge · BBG050
BBG050 Winter Traffic is a single German military policeman in a long coat, carrying a red-and-white traffic paddle. The metal gorget on his chest, cap and equipment distinguish him from an ordinary infantryman. His turned head makes him look engaged with a vehicle or column outside the photograph.
German military road movements depended on planned routes and controlled columns. The US Army’s wartime handbook notes that civilian traffic could be diverted from designated military through-routes. A traffic-control figure represents a practical part of moving troops and supplies, particularly where vehicles had to pass through a restricted junction.
The paddle is the useful visual cue. Put a vehicle within his line of attention and the figure has a job immediately; leave him facing an empty edge and much of that purpose disappears. He can also bring a little activity to a scene built around the BBG009 supply tractor without adding another large object.
Review
This is a good supporting figure because the equipment and pose explain his role at a glance. The long coat gives him a solid silhouette, while the colored paddle provides a small bright detail. The reference photograph suggests that he works best slightly offset from a vehicle, where both the chest badge and arm can be seen. As a standalone purchase he is a character figure; beside transport, he becomes part of an action.
References: archived BBG050 release description and photographs; historical background. Review observations are based on the product reference photographs.
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