Summary

WW2 US Army MP 45th Inf. Div 44 (SL) from Reedoak is a 1/48 3D formed American Military Policeman. It is item RRC480050. It is also available in 1/32, 1/35 and 1/72.

Reeodak

Reeodak is a new figure and accessory company from France. Founded by Nubert Jakob, Reeodak produce 3D printed figures from masters that appear to be scanned from actual people wearing the clothing and equipment of the subject. These masters are digitized and thus Reeodak can create the subject in many scales from, at least, 1/24 through HO (1/87). This includes small parts like connectors, weapons, etc. Interestingly, Reeodak does not advertise models of resin, rather of a rubber composite medium. Reedoak categories are Figures and Connectors. Under Figures the current subcategories (available and in development) are;

Misc. accessories and weapons
50' civilians (typical 1950-era fashion, in development)
Modern civilians
WW2 France
Modern France
WW2 civilians
WW2 Germany
Modern Russia
WW2 Soviet Union
Modern USA
WW2 USA
WW2 United Kingdom

Note that figures are printed when ordered, hence they may be some days before shipment. Also, the ultra fine detail is created with "sprues"; Reeodak offers 20% discount if you order the figures with those printing supports attached.

WW2 US Army MP 45th Inf. Div

First off, I intentionally ordered my first two Reedoak figures with the casting/printing/forming connectors ("sprues"?) attached. (I don't know the exact term yet so I'll refer to the process as "form -ed, -ing.") I want to see if the "sprues" will be a problem to remove. For a 20% discount to entice budget conscious modelers, I figure we want to know if the saving is worth the effort.

Reedoak prototype scanned 3D printing creates incredible detail and extraordinarily natural stances. My first impression of the figure was How can any model detail be that fine? Then I actually noticed that the overall detail looks as amazing in person as on the Reedoak webpage.

The figure is securely held in a U-shaped foam cradle, contained in a zip-lock baggie. That in turn is inside a clamshell plastic bubble pack. "Box art" is a printed label. That packaging securely protects the delicate model from shock and crushing.

The model is a single piece. About a dozen sprues attach to the model from the top, looking like he is tangled up in a jail cell. I nipped these with my old sprue nipper. The material separated easily. In fact, the sprue on the end of the carbine had already separated. Most of the sprues came off with minimum burring but some, like on the helmet and two on the front shoulder, left a burr.

Reedoak was clever with positioning of these connectors, e.g., the one at the tip of the barrel is where the front site is; those on the shins are where the boot straps are. Regardless, the extraordinary fineness of parts of the M1 barrel and strap will require immense care lest they be broken. My 1/48 sample barrel is little more thick than a hair. It makes me nervous to handle the figure as it will probably be extremely difficult to replace the barrel if I knock it off. There is not much material on the stock to drill if I need to replace the barrel.

Ultra fine forming of these incredible models are both a blessing and a curse. Of course, they aren't made to be played with and conscientious handing should mitigate damage. However, it remains to be seen if that gun barrel can withstand the pressure of my paint brush?

3D printed objects frequently reveal fine layer lines which sometimes do not show themselves until paint is applied. Even after applying a light tan primer, I see none on this model.

Detail

Okay, my definition of 'detail' is expanded for this model. I now also use it to refer to the authentic depiction of human posture like a natural weight bearing stance. Starting with that, detail is excellent. There are some authentically postured resin and injection-molded figures out there, yet all too many have subtle nagging deficiencies in that regard. Having only sculpted a couple of figures with wax decades ago, I have utmost respect for those sculptors that can freehand even reasonably authentic figures. Scanning real people mitigates that. Thanks, Reedoak.

The face is also very detailed.

Uniform and equipment detail is also, as you might expect, extraordinary, with distinct raised and recessed folds and peaks, sharp definition between articles, and crisp clasps and button and similar details.

This MP wears the 1943 uniform: Field Jacket M1943 with the separate hood buttoned on; M1 Steel Helmet; trousers; Boots, Service, Combat M1943 (Double Buckle); cartridge and pistol belt, suspenders; Pocket, Magazine, Double Web, Carbine, Cal .30, M-1; canteen; bayonet; what looks like the M1942 Pouch, First Aid Packet. It is difficult to tell but it looks like the MP wears both types of ammo pouches for the M1. To complete his kit is that big M1911 .45 holster.

Additional detail is the 45th Infantry patch on the MP's arm. It does not show the Thunderbird emblem (and of course not the pre-war swastika!). However, I see no sign of the MP arm band.

Painting instructions

None.

Conclusion

Needless to say I am immensely impressed with this figure. The level of detail and the fact that it is available in the great scale of 1/48 is phenomenal. If one wants it in another scale, all one must do is order it.

I am impressed with the natural and life-like posture. That and the overall definition of detail is exceptional. I appreciate the clever positioning of the connector sprue attachment points.

I do wonder if the incredibly fine M1 barrel and the sling will not prove to be too fine and fragile. Will the connector burrs be difficult to clean from the detail?

The figure is an amazing model that I am anxious to paint. This is an exciting technology and Reedoak heralds a new horizon for 1/48 figures. Highly recommended.