Karel Kirss takes a look at German Tank Crew 1943-1945 from Zvezda, a five figure styrene set in 1/35.

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Thanks!

Judging from the anemic response I'd say Zvezda fell short on this one. As you say, the poses don't match up to the artwork, which is a pet peeve of mine. Also this is familiar ground more adeptly covered by other manufacturers. Although Zvezda's figure quality is getting better, they aren't yet as good as MiniArt, MasterBox or DML. If they had released a more imiganitive set, I am sure people would overlook the quality issue and buy them. This set, though is just another bunch of tankers standing around. An excellent review though, hopefully Zvezda will be a little more daring next time around. They could still be useful, but many will pass on this, I think.

Two problems I see here:

Masterbox is KILLING everyone with its figure sets.

Zvezda has relatively poor distribution, at least in the States. So if I was tempted to buy this set, I would have to hunt around to find it (please, no messages with your favorite Internet retailer who happens to have Zvezda). So unless I want to pay for shipping, it's harder to bundle it up with other purchases.

But the review is excellent, Karel!

Hi

Thanks for the review.

I love the box art on this kit and was hoping the inside would match the excitement created by the outside. Sadly it appears not so.

Although I do think the figures have a Miniart look about them. Maybe done by the same sculptor. The production methods may not be up to the same level, with all the mould lines, flash etc to clean up but I reckon its either the same sculptor or a fan of his style, especially the faces, these look very Miniart of a couple of years ago in my opinion.


Alan

Hmm shame the figures arent as good as the epic box artwork. Zvezda still seem really hit and miss, their modern Russian tank crew I reviewed was a very good set.

I still refuse to buy into some of the masterbox hype though, their sets are imaginative no doubt, but I find the quality is still lacking and I would say far off these guys. Masterbox figures have terrible heads, tons of flash and incredibly dodgy fit. The only company in my opinion that used to be crap but has really improved is mini art.

Totally agree Rob, I don't get the love of Masterbox - I have a few of their sets and feel early dragon (albeit a bit on the large side) are still streets ahead of anyhting from the masterbox camp.

I much prefer dragon and minart for figures.

The masterbox poses are great and the boxtops look inviting, but I always feel let down when i see the plastic - everything seems a bit 2 dimensional(if that makes any sense!) with them.

Back to topic: Zvezda do seem a bit hit and miss and I for one wont be rushing out for this set.

John