Randy Harvey reviews and builds a set of German Mountain Troops & Soviet Marines, six figures in 1/35 from Master Box.

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I was wondering what this set would look like in the flesh. I am sure the figures will look much better with gaps and seams filled, and seam lines removed. My only concern, not being a 'Soviet guy", is the machine gun looks thick, overscale and almost toy like. The bayonet looks huge but maybe that's just how they were. The subjects are vibrant though - Soviet Marines in a variety of kit and uniform, and German Mountain troops devoid of the "stereotypical" if you will, mountain tunics, heavy coats, etc. Very unique - they suggest a haggard, almost desperate look so typical of the Eastern Theatre. I like the "sapper" pouch set up on the German, I wonder how common this was? Also of note is the Germans have some Russian weapons and the Russians have some German weapons, very typical of the tit-for-tat street fighting, a very cool touch. Of course, these guys could be used in seperate scenarios as it were, without the need to combine both nationalities in one dio. I might just pick this one up if I can sneak it in the house!

Another winner from MB, let's hope they are listening to the myriad of figure requests that our Armorama peeps have suggested. I wonder what the next one will be? I like the "Kubelwagen Crew at Rest" idea or maybe LRDG?

I see what you mean about the rifle Julian. very good review Randy.

Randy, an excellent Review. I've also built this kit (for Review as well, although you beat me to the punch ) so, I agree with your asessment.

There are a couple of things that MBox need to improve on. This is particularly true with the fit of the headgear. They need to take a slightly different approach.

There are two figures in particular which really caught my eye - the officer and the greatcoated figure - both of them have massive possibilities for other settings.

Julien I see you have the same problem as me sneaking new kits into the house,if you have a sucessful method let me know....lol

Good review, I built this set too. With careful clean up and some scribing around pockets and with replacement heads these are great figures.

A good review with excellent pics and plenty of detail.

Now a point I must make, and its not really just directed and you but all reviewers in general is the rating you gave the figure set. 85% to me implies a set of figures which is pretty flawless apart from a few small problems, however very clearly based on your photos the figures will require lots of filling and cleaning up. To me 85%, despite the cool subject, seems way to high a rating for these figures, that places them on par with DML figures in terms of rating which, it cannot be denied, are far superior in terms of detail and quality of molding.
As I said this isnt really an attack on you, more an attack on what I consider the problematic rating system.

Randy

A great review thanks for sharing it...and your time.

Kit does look good though and I agree about the SVT40 it looks massive

Martyn

Darn good review. To see the figures built up without any filling ect. is very professional. What you see, is what you get and is in my mind very important. Looks like another must have set for me. We can always replace the oversized weapon and the heads don't look too bad. Lots of potential for this set. Thanks Randy.

Thank you for the feedback everyone. I appreciate hearing all of your comments. I am glad that you like the way I display and describe everything. It makes me want to continue writing the reviews.

I do like this set and there are several possible uses for the figures. I have a diorama in mind that I will use these figures in, if I ever get a chance!! I really like the German in the greatcoat. For some reason he just has a cool look. I guess he just looks tired, worn out and ready to go home.

Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate the comments.

HARV

A very nice review. It is always good when a reviewer actually builds the figures, then the public can see for themselves how the endproduct looks like!
I also reviewed this set for a Finnish magazine. One thing you failed to notice is that these German troops are not actually Mountain troops. Like you said one of the Germans has an Engineers backpack and pouches. I suppose the name of this set is only some sort of a translation error?
One odd thing I noticed is that the sculpting of these figures is not as good as the earlier MB figures had. The wrinkles and drapery are not as sharp etc. These figures are not bad and the poses are top notch. I only hope MB will regain their earlier level of sculpting.

Randy,
Thanks for the review! Nicely done and exceptionally helpful. I really like your built photos showing all the warts and problem areas one can expect (and actually see!) to have to deal with. Thanks again!

Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate any and all that I get as it helps me write better reviews in the future and also gives me ideas as to what I should research more.

I am glad that you liked the review.

Thanks again,

HARV