Just received my kit the other day.
As usual everything goes together very well.I was a little disappointed to see that that the 2 main sprues are identical,but I have to give Tamiya credit for supplying a choice of arms and heads to make them appear different.Good business move on their side for production cost.Also my hat off to them for the very smart little tool they include to bend the wheels spooks.Saves a ton of aggravation.Last pic.Netting on helmet is very fine touling.

Tom

I too recently picked up the kit, and agree with your overall impressions. I have not yet assembled the bikes, but the detail looks good, and the etch-shaping parts are a good idea. And the heads are nicely done, not the usual chunky-featured blockheads that are characteristic of Tamiya. My two small nitpicks are the fact the heads and helmets are bare (no straps on the heads, no netting/cloth strips on the helmets). I realize it's more realistic to fashion the straps out of lead foil or the like, but the instructions don't even mention this as an option. And the netting can be added, as you did, without too much difficulty. Same with the cloth strips.

That said, they're a welcome addition to my Market-Garden/A Bridge Too Far" obsession! Now if some manufacturer out there would please make U.S. airborne figures in 1943 uniforms, and not the 1942 Sicily/Normandy style, I'd be thrilled! And I'm talking action poses, not sitting or standing with index finger extended. Patience!

Hey James,
Finally finished them.Your right about the helmets.I've added some pics of the Bronco jeep with the netting and strips molded on.The rifle straps are thin masking tape and I added a little to the helmets with static grass.Sripes were left over from the Bronco figures.another thing Tamiya should have included.

Tom

You guys work fast! I've just glued two figures together. Nice work. I think Tamiya's figures are certainly better than some previous releases, especially the heads. I've never tried posting pics on a modeling site, but this might be the time to start, with this set. Stay tuned!

The Tamiya figures are getting a lot better and they have always made their kits with great fit to the parts.This is a nice set besides the lack of detail on the helmets,which is not hard to add.Stripes and airborne insignia decals would have been a nice addition.
Photobucket is great for Armorama when they're not changing things to the site.Hope to see some of yours soon.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Clearly an airborne landing in progress. You jacket camo is quite sharp, you could use some Mig filters to tone it down.

Nice work.

Al

Thanks Alan,
They're straight from the paint stage beyond a slight drybrush to the pants.
Totally finishing of them is still to come.

Tom