U.S. Paratroopers, 1944, one of the latest figure releases from the Ukraine-based company, Master Box Limited. It seems that MBLtd. has found a niche’ as of late with their new kit releases, as the last five have been all figure sets. All of them have been interesting and unique figure kits, all in 1/35 scale injection molded plastic

THE BOX

This new kit comes in a medium weight cardboard box, open end style, that is covered with colorful box art and photo’s front and back. On the front, is a painting depicting the three figures contained within in a battle scene, which will start the wheels rolling in your mind to develop a decent dio to use this set. On the rear of the kit box, are the kit’s assembly instructions and finished figure photo’s. Supporting text in several languages accompany the box art

The assembly instructions for this kit comes on the rear of the box and is printed in white on black,. the parts are numbered for easy part identification and assembly. There isn’t a recommended paint color scheme for this kit (although most will be O.D.) but it shouldn’t be a problem to accurately match up the proper colors for the uniforms and equipment

THE FIGURES

Inside the box you will find a sealed plastic bag holding one complete sprue of figure parts -- 37 pieces total -- molded in a light gray plastic. There are enough kit parts to assemble three different 1/35 scale Airborne soldiers complete with gear and armaments. Figure accessories include ammo cartridge belts, field packs, canteens and leg bayonets, all of which are molded in clean detail.
Each of the three figures is unique in their stance/position, head/facial expression, and gear/equipment issue. With every new release, MBltd. seems to improve the overall quality of their kits while offering new and unique figure subjects. Figures 1 and 2 undoubtedly work together as they are the medic and the wounded soldier who are supporting each other as they walk. The medic is equipped with standard issue medic field pack, ammo belt and M-1 Garand, while the wounded soldier is also equipped with an M1 ammo belt, canteen and M-1 rifle. His face is molded in an obvious expression of anguish from his battle wounds, which will surely add to the finished realism of this figure. Figure # 3, could be called the “lookout” as is molded in a semi-running position head turned to the rear and is holding his BAR at the ready. His stature seems to present a feeling of warning or concern, like he has just seen or heard something to their flank. Figure # 3 is toting an M36 Musette bag strapped to his back, as well as a canteen to his side.

Detail on these figures is very clean and crisp, well defined, with just a slight amount of flash on a few of the parts of this review kit. There are also slight mold lines on a couple of pant legs that will require very minimal cleanup. Included with the kit is a decal marking sheet which includes both helmet and uniform insignia. Helmet decals representing four different Airborne companies, two different airborne shoulder patches (the 101st and 82nd divisions) and rank insignia (private, corporal, sergeant, and captain). There are also plenty of Red Cross decals for the medic and his gear.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this looks to be another great addition to Master Box Limited’s line of 1/35 armor and figure sets.
Good definition with clean lines, crisp molding, minimal flash, and only a few mold lines make for easy cleanup, plus a decent set of markings makes this to be a good inclusion to your next late-war scene.
Rrecommended from this modelers point of view.
Many thanks to Mr. Alex Surzhenko, Director of Master Box Limited, Ukraine, for providing this review sample.