Introduction

When it comes to figures of World War One combatants, no one has done more to provide us with figures from all sides during this period than ICM. The latest set of World War One figures from ICM covers French Infantry from the start of the Great War.

Contents

The contents of this figures set consists of two sprues in tan plastic. One sprue contains the parts for the figures and the other sprue is from the WW1 French Infantry Weapon and Equipment set released by ICM towards the end of last year. The sprues are packaged in a re-sealable plastic bag. Also included with this are two instruction sheets, one covering the figures and the other the weapon and equipment set. These contents are supplied in a cardboard tray with a card lid.

Review

From the start I should say that I will be looking at the figures in this set, but will be supplying a link to the excellent review of the WW1 French Infantry Weapon and Equipment set written by Alan McNeilly.

First Impressions
Taking a good look of the plastic parts included is this offering leaves me with a positive impression. The parts are free of flash and moulding defects. The mould seams present due to the moulding process are very light and in many cases next to invisible. The gates between the sprues and the moulded parts are very small, with most being on mating surfaces; the only gates placements I would rather not have are those on the elbows and back of the boots.

The parts for the four figures are laid out in their own area of the sprue and this makes parts easy to find. The figures break down in the usual manner of;
2 arms
2 legs
A torso
A head
In addition to these parts there is a separate hand with cuff for each of the three infantry figures. The hems of the jackets are also moulded separately which gives a nice look of an open area rather than a solid lump of plastic. The crease and fold detail on the figures looks good due to not being sharp and so having a natural look to it. The uniform detail itself looks to be accurate to me judging from what I currently know about the uniform and looking at images of French World War One infantry.

The backpacks supplied on the figure sprue for the three infantry soldiers looks good despite being a single moulding, this of course can be further enhanced via the use of parts from the weapon and equipment spread. The hand or should I say finger detail is good in this offering and gone are the clenched fists of old. The heads are particularly well done have nice variation in look and the moustache detail present on three of the faces. I will say I would have liked to see a neck as part of the heads and a recess in the torso’s as that would have provided a better look in my opinion. I should say that due to the high buttoned collar this may not be as big an issue as it could have been. The Kepi’s provided on the figure sprue look nicely detailed, but if preferred there are 4 Adrian M1915 steel helmets which could be used but would move the figures slightly forward in time, I believe.

Conclusion

I am well aware of the discussion taking place over this figure set and the uniform as depicted in a war setting. It is my opinion that these figures representing French Infantry at the start of World War One, are a colourful addition to the range of World War One figures from ICM and the war of words over what finish is correct for the period will continue. Moulding quality is of a high standard and to a good finish. The inclusion of one of the sprues from the WW1 French Infantry Weapon and Equipment set is icing on the cake. I will be building this set of figures as I like the fact that they will be brightly coloured in a field of brown.

WW1 French Infantry Weapon and Equipment
Review by Alan McNeilly Live links