From the Dragon USA site comes news of an Allied 1/35 Generation 2 figure set: DRA 6377 1/35 U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, Italy 1945 (4 Figures Set) ~ Gen 2.






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Thanks!

Hi There,

Great looking set but they look more like 1st SSF (I could be wrong) They are wearing what it looks like the mountaineering trousers and parkas that were pretty specific to the SSF.

Cheers

Ray

I gotta agree, either way I can't waait to get my hands on a set.

Got to agree this set is a must have, especially I have a 1St SSF Dio on the books to start soon

mmm replace the Bar with a Johnson LMG from the re-released DML Allied set, put them on a rock face call it Mt. Defensia the brain starts to go

Kudos to DML for releasing such a nice set, any rumours of any other releases coming out?

Cheers

Ray

Brilliant! Now we have Americans standing round doing nothing. Maybe the DML "standing around doing nothing" team could make a tea party of Germans and Americans sitting there having a brew together. Considering that DML led the field for so long, their current releases over the last few years have been...err..boring, totally unimaginative and have not compelled me to buy any of them. The last interesting ones were the British Normandy set which I bought a couple of boxes of. They've lost it completely as far as I'm concerned. I'd much rather spend my money on Masterbox as they are interesting poses, animated and up to Dragons standard so what do Dragon have to offer anymore? When they started they were a fresh breeze compared to the rubbish Tamiya had been churning out for years. They've become complacent now and it would appear that the old Eastern Bloc is now producing kits that level with theirs technically, are more versatile and above all more interesting. Anyone feel the same?

In war is there not a lot of sitting around doing nothing with short periods of action.

Cookie

A little harsh? I've gone on record (on many occasions) in both Reviews and Threads criticising the poses that DML have repeatedly done. However, in this case, why don't we just hold-fire until DML provide more images?

To try and play devil's advocate for a moment, i'm a little concerned by a couple of things. First of all, in this set, they are perhaps a little too 'Unit-Specific' ? If Ray is correct as I'm pretty sure he is, (without opening a reference book), then it may well limit their possibilities...

The second thing, is simply what is ACTUALLY needed - which is basically late-war GIs, another set like their 'Armored Infantry' set would be far more valuable in the scheme of things....

I defenitely agree with you. While this is a set I don't think has ever been modeled (as far as uniforms) it does truly limit our use of them. At least their armored infantry could be used from North Africa on, these gents seem to be limited to Italy and thats about it. None the less, I do enjoy it seeing as though its an Allied release.

But at least we have a set of Allied ( US /Canadian) figures that are unique to the Italian Theatre of operations. If my memory is correct, didn't the 1SSF also participate in the invasion of southern France in Operation Dragoon??

Darryl

Hi There,

A little off topic the SSF did participate in OP Dragoon but at that time they would have primarily worn the M1943 Field Coat which was issued just before leaving Italy. It was not unusual to see Forcemen wearing the M1942 Jump jacket as well before and during OP Dragoon. Hence it would be easy to convert many current American Airborne Figures to SSF.

These Guys do have mountain trousers which was a pretty distinctive part of the SSF combat uniform. I don't know much about the 10th Mountain but its possible they adopted some of the kit the SSF used because it was proven in combat. The boots also look like jump boots which again were specific to the SSF. The parkas if they are fur lined I cant really tell from the pic was also something the SSF wore during their winter mountain campaigns in Italy (Dec 43-Jan44).

Also after Anzio the remainder of the Rangers that survived became members of the SSF to reinforce lost members. They would have adopted the same dress.

All in all whatever DML is calling this set I'm excited about it because of its similarities and SSF look. The poses don't bother me and feel not all vignettes are action poses as I said I will probably buy a couple of these once they come out.

Cheers

Ray

Oh I forgot Osprey released a great reference on the SSF Elite 145 "First Special Service Force 1942-44"

Cheers

Ray

Hope they capture the baggy shaggy look as well.

Darryl

I'm on the fence regarding these figures. On one hand, I think it's great to have some new, late-war GIs, however limited they are in their use because of the uniforms. On the other hand, I have to agree with Karl; Dragon seems to have lost ground to other companies that are producing figures that are at least as good, if not better, than Dragon's offerings, from both a technical and artistic standpoint. Compared to the 'Bail Out' Russian Tank Crew set by Masterbox, these figures seem quite uninspired.

Of course, I'm looking at a line drawing here, and once I've seen some injected plastic, I might have to reevaluate my opinion.

As an aside, I think the "American-German tea party" set would sell well, especially if it came with some PE to replicate the mug handles.

-YL

Hi guys, these guys are specific Mountain troops and trained with mountain warfare in mind. The uniform that the FSSF wore was basically the same in Italy as they wore the Mountain gear for the role they were used in. It is not a case of these guys being in FSSF gear but of the FSSF being in Mountain gear. In this cale with a few alternate weapons FSSF would be a easy alternate use. As for Dragoon I think there is a little matter of the weather precluding uniforms such as these. These are locked into Italy or USA training.
I actually like the poses of these guys and whilst I'd love to see a set of "resting" and "action poses" of each type these will do for me.
Cheers
Al

Hello guys,

reaction I saw is what I don't like in modellism : you bother me !
How many times I've read that dragon was only releasing german sets, very classical, all the same uniform blablabla.
Now Dragon has gone a very specific subject, following the trend coming from the eastern europe, you will always find people to say : "damn they didn't use the correct button, or there is no pouch on the left legs of the trousers", or "those mountain troops only fought in Italy" blablabla...lack of imagination and skills...
Why couldn't you be just happy that Dragon has heard your prayers ?
And sorry to say that but Dragon do tell a story with those four figs : one wounded guy waiting for medic because one of them fall of the path during the climbing towards german positions, and broke his legs, being just one of the many story you could create..
And if you don't like the poses, convert and/or scuplt but stop crying..

It seems to me that few months ago, we had a sneak peak from Masterbox, showing brit airborn, with a wounded guy exactly in the same position that the us moutain wounded guy, with his fellow asking him if he's all right, with another standing para looking at them. All the comments were saying : "great" "interesting" "brilliant"..I certainly prefer the Dragon details than the Masterbox, which is an imaginative company (I love some of their set) but not very technological for the moment...

One last word from an angry guy : how did you do 15 years ago, when your only choices was limited to 10 sets released by Tamiya and Italeri ? I've started with that and was more than happy. That's the problem of all of our rich,fat and spoiled developped countries : a cup of rice makes an Ethiopian the happiest man in the world, where europeans and americans wil throw it in the trashbin because it's too hot.

I would the happiest guy if Dragon were to release french "Compagnies Shararienne", because it changes, even if they fought only two years and only in the desert.....



Julien

These uniforms were not exclusive to the 1st SSF. The items worn here were issued for use by mountain and ski troops. Trained in these disciplines, the 1st SSF was issued these items, as was the 10th Mountain. I'm happy to see something a little off the beaten path so folks can see that the allied troops uniforms were not as boring as perceived. Personally, I seldom build these kits OOTB. It's listed as Gen2, so that's exciting. Go Dragon.

The dude on the far right looks familiar BTW.....

HI John,

Nice figure, I was going to start the process of converting some figures to FSSF and then these come out lol. I personally like this set and will buy probably a couple, not only will it be a good base for my planned SSF dio it will also provide an excellent guide for converting other figures.

Cheers

Ray

Here's one of the two dioramas that I did on the 1st SSF. It's a rich subject. I don't know so much about the 10th. Perhaps I should find out more. I really like the uniform that is represented in this kit. It's very different than what we're used to seeing. I'll definitely be picking up this set.

John,

That is awesome, really good job. I think you posted some in progress pics awhile ago but for some reason didnt see the final result. Thanks very much for sharing.

Cheers

Ray

Hi -
I know how easy it is tyo fall into the trap of taking this WAAAY too seriously.
Its a hobby
Its supposed to be fun& relaxing
I personally applaud any new allied figures in a scale that is dominated by all things Germanic,especially late-war figures.In my presonal opinion,Dragon offers very good value for figures as compared to the resin manufacturers(Im not trying to start a fight, just an observation).
I feel that any kits/figures that are AFFORDABLE and of QUALITY can only enhance and grow the industry, because any industry is based upon an expanding customer base. That would be YOUNG people,who dont have alot of money,yet have 100% disposable income.See what Im saying?
Jim McI in Canada

I see perfectly where you're coming from on this, and yes, I agree, DML have stuck their neck out a bit by producing something TOTALLY different in Allied figure sets. However, that really isn't the fundamental issue. I'll go back to my original point. I do still feel that they are far too 'Unit-Specific' - elements of these uniforms are just unusuable in all but a few specific theaters. If we were in the position of the Axis modelers (with dozens of sets covering every possible zone of conflict) i'd say great - very welcome indeed. U.S. Army modelers AREN'T in that situation. This is only the second Gen II set for U.S. troops, the first the Marines, were absolutely superb. My guess is that (commercially) it won't be particularly succesful Allied releases don't sell as well as Axis in the first place, in the second place something that many will see as too 'obscure' ...

Of course, if John was to present his work on SSF as a feature on the site, perhaps that would get people's thoughts turning to the possibilities?

I agree somewhat .....but..
Try to look at it from another view.Dragon is an established corp.with alot of financial pillow. To produce a set of figs cant cost THAT much...and whos to say that Dragon hasnt already worked out that there is a GLARING whole in the market as far as allied figs and equip....and have every intention of filling it ...I merely advocate patience ..and am prepared to not look this in the mouth ,thats all. Jim McI in Canada

Hi Guys,

I haven't commented on most of the Dragon releases recently, but it's nice to see some more Americans and I like the poses. Unit specific is just one of those things, I'd have preferred to have seen the MB Paras as general infantry but hay a few more Allies are always useful, and I can see some good dio posssibilities with these guys.

However, I remember the great figure debate when a lot of good ideas were passed onto Dragon regarding the lack of Allied figures and support weapons and this is the first set I can remember seeing since then, other than the Armoured Infantry that complimented the new half track and their recent Allied Weapons set. So not much progress there but every little helps.

I haven't given up on them completely yet, but then again I haven't bought any of their figures since the last lot of British Infantry.although I did pick up the weapons set.

I'd like to look on the positive side and hope this will be the first of several new Allied sets they produce - always living in hope.

Al

Hi There,

I know many believe this specific to the Italian campaign but you know that was a pretty big campaign. These figures can be modeled interacting with M8 Greyhounds or half tracks, for example a little research came up with this:

"81st Reconnaissance Battalion

This battalion (part of the 1st US Armored Division) was sometimes used in support of the FSSF, and probably operated with one recon company (as shown below) in support of each FSSF battalion. The 81st Reconaissance Battalion used M8 Greyhound armoured cars, M5A1 Stuart light tanks, the M19 60mm mortar, and the 1/4 ton truck (both armed and unarmed)."

This is just a small example with a little research these figures can be shown in different ways. I always look beyond the actual set and try to imagine different applications and look at conversion possibilities.

What's to say you couldnt use the Torsos here with some different heads and make them a US Tank crew in the winter time. Soldiers are notorious for trading kit and getting their hands on stuff that worked in the field. (I know I used to do it ) Those mountain parkas were known to be warm and I bet if you looked hard enough you will find the odd tanker using one in the field, especially those units such as the 81st who were in regular contact with units such as the FSSF.

Looks like a good set and maybe not as limited at first glance.

Cheers

Ray

I should have added that to their credit they are releasing (I hope) some British 8th Army Infantry soon. Could this be the beginning of some more Allied figures?????...........

Al