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Built Review
135
USMC Tankman #2
Tankman, the US Marine Corps, 2015 (AM35011)
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by: Mario Matijasic [ MAKI ]

Introduction:

Marine equipment is not typically described as being "heavy," but exceptions can be made when "heavily armored" and "heavily armed" are also part of the description. At close to 70 tons, the M1A1 Abrams is among the heaviest tanks in the world, but it more than makes up for its heft with tremendous firepower and surprising maneuverability. The principal battle tank of the Marine Corps, the M1A1 provides armor-protected firepower in support of Marine ground forces.

(source: https://www.marines.com)

Review:

Assault Models recently introduced two modern USMC tank crewmen to their 1/35 scale miniature catalogue. This review covers the second USMC tanker of the pair: Tankman, the US Marine Corps (AM35011), while the first tanker is reviewed here: link.

The figure is supplied in a hard plastic box, featuring an image of assembled and unpainted figure. The kit consists of 5 pieces safely secured in a zip-lock bag:

- full body,
- right arm,
- left arm,
- head,
- helmet microphone.

The pieces are perfectly cast in grey resin. Not only there are no imperfections in the resin whatsoever, but the pieces also feature a ton of details wonderfully delivered in scale. Just check that tiny microphone boom... I don't think there are many companies willing to the try casting something as fragile as this. A lot of care should be taken when cleaning the microphone though, but extra patience is well worth it in the end. As for the assembly, the pieces fit really well and the figure is very easy to construct.

The figure represents a USMC tank crewman pointing to an object in the distance. The figure wears Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) over his flame-resistant NOMEX CWU-27/P coveralls. As for the headgear, the figure sports Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) Helmet. I complimented the sculptor on a very impressive work on the first USMC tanker, and I have to do the same with this figure... I like the folds of the NOMEX suit, as they convey the properties of the material really well, the numerous zippers and pockets on the suit, as well as all the PALS loops on the IMTV... I took my time to research some of the reference images I had on USMC garb and gear and, as far as I can tell, the uniform and the equipment are accurately depicted and very nicely delivered in scale.

When asked what modern figures they would like to see released, one of the most frequent answers voiced by modelers is: "We need more Marines, and we definitely need more Marine tankers!". Well, here they are... USMC Tankman (AM35011) and his pair figure, USMC Tankman (AM35010), are both great figures which work really well together and should complement your modern day USMC M1A1s perfectly.

Conclusion:

USMC Tankman (AM35011) is a very nice 1/35 scale figure. It is sculpted really well and perfectly cast in resin. Also, it is very easy to assemble, with lots of details all around.

As far as I know, there are no Marine tankers in 1/35 scale on the market featuring the latest USMC gear. With their USMC tank crewmen, Assault Models delivers two figures which fill the gap perfectly.

Big thanks to Pavel from Assault Models for this review sample.

Click here for additional images for this review.

SUMMARY
Highs: Nicely sculpted, well cast and easy to assemble. Resin microphone boom is a plus.
Lows: None.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: AM35011
  Related Link: Assault Models website
  PUBLISHED: Mar 03, 2016
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 93.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 94.92%

Our Thanks to Assault Models!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Mario Matijasic (Maki)
FROM: CROATIA HRVATSKA

You wonder how did this addiction start? I was a kid when my dad broght home a 1/72 Concord airplane; we built it together as well as couple of other airplanes after that. This phase was just pure fun: glue, paint, decals in no particular order... everything was finished in a day or two. Then I disc...

Copyright ©2021 text by Mario Matijasic [ MAKI ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Hello Mario, I don't know if it's the angle for which images 8-10 were taken but the back of tanker helmet seems a bit short to me. Shouldn't it come down a bit more to cover the back of tanker's head? See this photo as a reference: vs. and Of course I am nit picking.
MAR 02, 2016 - 09:18 PM
You just might be correct in this. Perhaps some of the guys with more "hands on" experience could say a few words on accuracy here? Mario
MAR 03, 2016 - 02:56 AM
If they are accurate, they're certainly welcome. Have a USMC M1A1 for A'stan that could use one or both.
MAR 03, 2016 - 03:44 AM
On Fig #2, the helmet looks OK. On Fig #1 (pointing), it does look too short in the back. They don't look bad though. Maybe Fig #1's helmet is a size or two too small?
MAR 06, 2016 - 07:00 PM
Gino, I think you got Fig #1 and #2 mixed up. #2 is the one that is pointing. It is a fixable error but still below my expectation.
MAR 07, 2016 - 12:32 AM
mannnn, companies release really cool stuff at really good prices, and its never good enough.!! I say well done to the team at Assault Models
MAR 09, 2016 - 10:05 AM
Nobody said they are not good figures and the price should not matter. Why is it wrong to point out a flaw? No one said not to get them or they are crap. The helmet is just not right, a small issue and totally fixable with a head replacement. If you are content with the way the helmet looks, by all means, use it as is. I don't understand why people get all bent out of shape when flaws are pointed out on kits or figures. Not everything is perfect and I thought one of the reasons for this site is to discuss new products; good, bad, or otherwise. Are we to blindly accept everything model companies and AM companies put out? If that was the case, we would only have 1970s Tamiya crap to build since no one was asking for better quality and holding model companies to task on accuracy.
MAR 09, 2016 - 06:40 PM
Very nice figures. However, I agree about the size of the helmet. Legend Productions or Hornet ones are better.
MAR 09, 2016 - 11:32 PM
HeavyArty, wasn't having a go dude, no issue at all at pointing out faults, maybe i should have worded it better, i myself work in the industry, and just see a trend of no matter how good a product is, people like to fault find is all. Happy Modelling i say and keep the groovy products coming. Cheers
MAR 12, 2016 - 11:23 AM
   
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