Introduction

Armor35 specializes in 1/35 models of Soviet workers and peasants and soldiers of The Workers and Peasants Red Army, as well as Soviet Railways subjects, circa The Great Patriotic War of 1941-45. Soviet Mechanics, item 35138, is a set of two resin comrade mechanics of the WWII era. Modellers have identified a void between warriors, weapons, and the people they protect, and this interesting and versatile set should be popular in that category.

With the growing number of subjects like Trumpeter's ChTZ S-65 “Stalinez” tractor and other non-combat subjects, these civilian mechanics should find a place in the collections of many modellers.

Soviet Mechanics

These figures are sculpted by Anishchenko Dmitriy. They are cast in gray styrene. Five parts make up the set:

* Slim mechanic's right arm
* Rest of the thin mechanic

** Chubby mechanic body
** Chubby mechanic's arms

Casting is good although, uncommon for Armor35, there is a little flash, and an air pock. That blemish looks like a chicken pox scar on "Slim's" chin!

The poses are interesting. "Chubby" looks like he is leaning backwards slightly while Slim is leaning inward with his arm out. Maybe they are just meant to be passing time and chatting, yet to me it looks like Slim is chastising Chubby. Maybe Chubby has designs on "Matryona the Mechanic" (See Armor35 item 35139, Woman Mechanic.) and Slim is warning him away?

Chubby's arms are the only parts not attached to pour blocks. Both figures are held in individual baggies.

Detail

Both figures have excellent detail. It is cast sharp. Visible are seams and stitching of the clothes. Chubby wears overalls over a shirt while Slim wears a tee shirt and baggie trousers. Both have cloth hats. Chubby has boots and is holding a rag in his left hand. Belts and buckles are easily recognizable.

Detail of the faces and hands are first rate, too. These models should be a joy to paint.

Soviet Mechanics?

With such great detail, it would be a shame to limit these figures to a Soviet genre. I see nothing about their clothing that says Soviet mechanics! Thus, these figures can undoubtedly be used for almost any Occidental mechanics of the era.

Painting and assembly instructions

None. Only the "box art". Armor35 packs their figures in their standard one-piece box. "Box art" is a photo of the assembled and painted model glued over a sepia tone images of equipment and scenes associated with the subject; on the back is an armored train guarded by an anti-aircraft team. All kit pieces are secured in a zip-loc baggie.

Clocking In

Armor35 has issued some interesting and unique subjects. Modellers have been clamoring for quality civilian subjects and these excellent figures can help fill that popular category. I do not see anything that scream Soviet. Thus, this set offers great versatility of countries and era.

These figures feature excellent sculpting and detail. Excellent casting accentuates the detail, but there is that pock on Slim's chin and some flash on Chubby's rag arm.

Otherwise, I see no problems with this set. These are excellent models by Armor35 and I certainly recommend this set.

Please mention that you saw this model here - on ARMORAMA.