Need help w/Tamiya 1/48 german figs.

Hi all.

I am working on four figures out of Tamiyas WWII German infantry set and have two questions:

1) Instructions state two personal equipment configurations. One w/bayonet; spade; duffel bag; canteen and some canister-type item. The second with the above equipment w/ the addition of a map case and swag. Can these two options be mixed among figures in the same scene or not?

2) The diorama I am making will feature a StuG and StuGs entered service in 1942, but the figure set features 'early' infantry troops. Is there anything I can do to make the figures more accurate and later, particularly w/ uniform colours?

Many thanks for any help.