I agree with the previous comments about the ever present "pointing guy" pose that Dragon just can't seem to get away from. I do like the soldier with the pipe though. There is a lot of photo reference that shows WWII soldiers (particularly Germans) with pipes, in all kinds of activity. I think it's a useful pose, but I think it might be a mismatch in a diorama where he is facing down a panzer

You are correct and that is the main attraction for me about this kit. The box art blows though Can't wait to see a review of this kit.

At first glance there seem to be some errors/omissions, the machine gun assistant (or loader) is not carrying his bag for spare FM24/29 magazines, this is the same bag that the gunner can (correctly) be seen carrying on his right side. The loader could also have a small backpack with extra magazines, but in a static situation likes this it might be located somewhere nearby rather than carried. On the left side of each figure they are all carrying a haversack (should be a little lower as it is attached to the belt), while this is fairly correct they should propably be wearing the gas mask satchel aswell as they do have the sling for it already across the chest. The gasmask satchel is not seen on the photos but can be seen on the loader in the box top painting. If it is not included in the set this satchel can be found in the french infantry kit made by Tamiya. The officer seem to be missing his pistol but have a standard rifle ammo pouch on his left instead, which seems weird (the LMG gunner though should have one as a utility pouch). The canteens also seem on the small side, but correct ones can (again) be found in Tamiyas set of french infantry. Granted these "errors" might not be in the final kit so this is just a quick evaluation of what the current pictures are showing us. The pointing figure and the officer are the ones that would lend themselfs best for ww1 conversion as the LMG team would need major surgery to alter their trousers. One would also need to find the older type of cartridge pouches (again this can be found in Tamiyas french infantry kit) and the older types of canteen and gasmask.

It`s actually a little confusing as on the box top painting they seem to be wearing correct gasmask satchels but on the prototype shots they are wearing havresacks in their place. The officer also seem to be wearing the Y-straps of the ordinary soldiers over his shoulders while he should be wearing a "Sam Browne" belt with a single narrow strap instead.

Given the picture it's hard to say for sure but, it looks like Dragon is the first one to finally get it right and provide the correct ww2 era MAS36 rifle! I might just have to pick up a set if its can be confirmed.

Just a quick comment regarding pointing figures. Whilst I agree its a bit tedious that DML seem incapable of doing other poses, actually I think pointing figures are quite useful when placed within a diorama. A figure pointing to something not in the diorama creates the impression that the diorama is part of a larger scene, as though events are taking place beyond the the depicted scene and actually helps to create a much more enhanced sense of atmosphere and reality, but also allows the diorama to feel bigger without the need to actually build a huge diorama with those other objects being pointed at. To an extent as well it allows the viewers imagination to place the diorama within a larger context, and imagine what events are taking place outside of the scene. Just my opinion anyway...

I have to agree with you Rob, about the pointing figure but, with the other guy signaling to wait it doesn't match up well in the set. It would be nice if they gave the option of two different arms for the one figure. As far as the equipment goes, I couldn't tell one way or the other and will have to reveiw my books. All in all, I will P/U a set or two because I'll kit bash them to different poses. They do look rather good and are really better than the Tamiya set. So with the problems with the equipment, maybe a set of the Tamiya figures will fix it. Wont be the first time and as modelers we often have to do this which is O.K. with me, as mixing figure parts leads to different looking figures rather than the same ole same ole.

Finally, new poses. I don't see myself buying the kit, but if the poses here are something new, maybe there's hope for something other than standing and pointing Germans. Probably just wishful thinking...

I think these are a decent looking set of very useful figures. I don't have any issue with the pointing figure nor the chap with the pipe. Nor the Box Art for that matter. I like the poses and if you group them logically then there is a direct link between the pointing chap telling the gunners to move forward and the NCO/Officer indicating wait/or get down. I don't know much about French uniform but these may well work very well for WW1 too which makes them even more useful. Modellers of French Subjects have now got more affordable choice, so that's got to be good and as has been pointed out don't we mix match and alter most of the time anyway? It is good to see more French figures coming along. If there are any issues with the kit these can usually be sorted out. Al