Introduction

Armor35 is a Russian based online modelling store since 2012 offering a wide variety of products to our friends in Russia and around the world. Recently Armor35 has branched out into offering a line of products, “Project Armor35”, including kits and accessories in 1/35th scale geared towards Railway Transport and the Second World War from resin and wood and most recently a line of 1/35th scale resin figures.

The model

I have recently had the opportunity of taking a close look at another addition to the ever growing line of figures from Armor35 with their release of Russian Driver 1941-43 #4. This is a single cast resin figure based on a Russian soldier form WWII. The figure comes in their standard end-opening cardboard box with a color rendition of the completed figure on the front of the box. The figure is sealed in a Ziploc type baggie consisting of four parts.

The legs, torso and head are cast in one single mold with the arms and bucket provided separately. Each of the parts is cast cleanly and free from bubbles and any visible flash. One note, the right hand of the figure is molded to the handle of the bucket.

As I have seen with previous Armor35 figures, the construction is straightforward and fairly simple. The parts fit together well for the most part with the exception of a small gap on one of the arm joint. This is corrected easily with a small amount of filler and a light sanding. The facial expression on the figure face, albeit a bit angry looking, is original and the detailing of this figure is not quite as prominent as with previous figures I have had the opportunity to look at. This could be form the subject matter at hand, mainly the fact that this is portraying a Russian Driver apparently fetching a paint of water for some use and not in the heat of battle fully decked out for the field or there was a rush to production of this figure leaving the details a bit soft.

One note to this figure is a small void in the left side on the soldier’s belt. There is a small depression as if there should be something else hanging off the belted area…pack, holster or something; however, there were no other parts included in this kit. This could be a minor oversight but judging from the box art where there is no item hanging from the belt area on that side, I would have to guess the base figure was to be used for another purpose and slightly modified to create the configuration of the soldier carrying a pail. The area can be filled and with some putty or sculpting clay a small section of belt created to filling this area to complete the figure.

Conclusion

While I do like the figure and the subject it lends itself too, I do have to question the oversight of the missing item on the belt; whether it is forgetting to pack the part in the box or simply missing the correction of the base figure. I am giving this figure a lower mark than the high grades I gave on figures I have previously reviewed from Armor35. I do feel that this figure has the potential of being a decent addition to one’s project but there is some work needed to get this one there.

Again, this is a simple fix with nothing more than a little bit of putty and some time spent lightly sculpting and sanding. The figure would fit well into any relaxed, Russian themed diorama or vignette or alone if so desired.

I do have to emphasize here that while I do find this figure to be lower on my personal grading system than all of the other figures I have seen and/or reviewed from Armor35, I do feel that the quality of the products provided by Armor35 are top notch. Even in a barrel of fresh apples, there is a bound to be at least one sour one in the bunch. With little effort, this figure would spruce up nicely and make for a fine addition to wanting static display.

Thanks for taking the time to read through my review of this figure and please take the time to stop by the Armor35 site and see what they have to offer.