Introduction

Black Dog recently released a set of WW2 British Paratroopers in full jump rig. These are the first 1/35 scale figures I’ve seen in this format. Although no suitable aircraft currently exist in this scale, these two standing figures will make for interesting subjects.

The Set

The set comes packed in what is the standard Black Dog figure format, a small blue/black box with a black and white picture of the product items and manufacturers details on the outside. Each figure in the set is contained in a small zip plastic bag.

The figures are cast in a grey coloured resin and depict two standing British Paratroopers in jump gear. The moulding seems sharp and the detail looks good. I could see no cause for concern with the individual figures or parts. No instructions are contained with the set.

The figures were sculpted by Radek Tomanec.

So let have a look at each:

Figure 1 – Sergeant - Standing, drinking tea and holding helmet. This figure is made up of 10 parts. The body is cast as a whole with separate head arms and equipment. The figure is dressed in an Oversmock with the parachute harness moulded to the body. The oversmock was worn over the Denison smock and equipment to avoid any thing fouling the shroud lines during jumping. It has a nicely depicted zip and the two small lower pockets. The parachute harness looks quite well done with the quick release buckle and the correct arrangement of straps. The figure wears a pair of parachutist trousers with the large left leg pocket, anklets and ammo boots. All the items are nicely done with natural folds and creases in the clothing.

The arms are separate items, both wear the Denison smock. The right arm holds a tea mug whilst the left is designed to attach to a para helmet. The left hand is moulded to the helmet and the combination shows the figure holding the helmet against the left leg. Sergeants’ stripes are moulded to the upper arms

The head for this figure wears a beret with a badge and the facial features are well depicted. The face sports a moustache, showing the face of a mature tough looking soldier.

Equipment comes in the form of a separate parachute helmet (already mentioned) that attaches to the left arm, and the helmet has camo and a net on it. The parachute is nicely done with the correct layout and buckles along with a kit bag that is very nicely done and detailed. This bag has the end of a Sten Gun sticking out which suffered a little damage, and I would have preferred the bag to have been shown closed. Two of what I think are shoulder straps which are attached to the parachute are included.

Overall, a very pleasing figure depicting a paratrooper waiting to board a transport aircraft.

Figure 2 – Lance Corporal – Standing. This figure is made up of 9 parts and is very similar to figure 1, the difference being in the stance of the body which stands with the legs slightly further apart with the feet angles to the left.

The order of dress is the same and the uniform detail of the same quality as figure 1. The difference in the figure is arms, right arm hanging down with the left at a 90% angle. The upper arms have LCpls chevrons. The head is a half head and comes with a separate helmet. There should be a small chin strap to add to the helmet but this disappeared somewhere on route to the review table. The straps to attach the parachute to the harness did survive though.

The facial detail is good and like figure 1 this chap should paint up very nicely.

The kit bag is the same as that previously mentioned. Whilst these are extremely well detailed on the outside the open rounded top just doesn't look right to me but may be OK when painted up.

From heel to shoulder the figures come in at about 42/43mm so well within the 1/35 scale range.

Build note: be careful when removing the base from the feet, I had a foot come off even though I had a good grip, and the pour stub that runs into the helmet takes a bit of cutting out so you might damage the rim, but a bit of Milliput will fix that, especially easy as it is a camouflaged helmet. I found the shoulder straps for the chute a bit short so substituted some lead wire ones and I managed to break off the mug!!

Conclusion

These are two very nicely sculpted figures of British Paratroopers in jump gear. Whilst we have had many 1/35 scale paratroopers from various manufacturers these are the first I've come across in jump gear. The moulding and detail is excellent and if there is a down side it is that the kit bag tops are open rather than sealed up.

Although no suitable aircraft yet exist, these will still make for interesting stand along figures or beside a vehicle on the tarmac/runway.

The mug of tea and open kit bags would suggest these chaps are not in the immediate act of departing, perhaps another cancelled operation or unforeseen delay.

However you display them they should paint up well and give a very good representation of troopers waiting to board an aircraft.

I've attached a couple of WIP pictures, no build issues in the assembly.