Introduction

A recent package from Legend Productions included not just their new products, but also some of their older offerings as well. In this review I take a look at WWII German Tank Commander and Riders Set, a set of three resin 1/35th scale figures. Has this product held up to the rigours of time? And does it offer a good purchase for today.

Contents

This set of three resin 1/35th scale figures from Legend Productions are packaged in the usual end opening card carton favoured by Legend Productions. Inside is a single Ziploc plastic bag containing all of the parts for the figures. All of the contents in this sample have arrived safe and sound.

Review

An examination of the contents reveals to me the typically high quality of casting I have come to expect from Legend Productions, flash is at an absolute minimum. My only complaint at this point is that the pour plug is in possibly the worst possible place on some parts, more on that as this review continues.

The three figures (2 seated and 1 standing) follow the typical breakdown, two are one piece torso and legs and the other has separate torso and legs. The arms and heads are separate mouldings, it is the heads I have issue with as they are attached via the top of the head rather than the neck.

A dry fit check of the connections between the arms and the legs results in a surprisingly tight and clean joint, so clean that I do not believe any filler will be needed as regards the figures. An aspect I approve of is the use of locaters by Legend Productions, this takes a lot of the guess work out of positioning the various body parts and helps with the very clean joints I spoke of.

The two tank riders are both wearing what I believe is Waffen SS Winter clothing. The crease detail, with these being resin offerings is very good having the soft natural look well replicated. The rider that is a single piece torso and body suffers in that the undercut of the jacket is no where near as nicely replicated as on the two piece figure, but careful painting will help, or you could clean the undercut up yourself. The only detail that jumps out at me as being missing is that there is no detail on the soles of the shoes other than heel definition.

The heads as mentioned previously have been attached to the pour plug via the top of the head, I do not believe this has interfered with the detail, but it will make removal and clean up a pain I feel. A positive is that Legend Productions have placed a locater on one of the necks to avoid mixing the heads up. The facial detail is good if a little expressionless, but I know this product is not a new offering. The hands I like a lot due to quite good finger definition on the mouldings.

The tank commander is a little stiff for my liking, but the position of the arms loosen his stance up, also assuming this figure is placed in a turret and so hiding the lower half of the torso will result in a far better look. The uniform and crease detail is good overall and adds to the figures appeal. The face detail is acceptable, it is however the finesse of the throat mic and cans that caught my attention, this detail being especially well done.

The equipment supplied with the figures is very good; my only complaint here is that there should be two water bottles rather than just one. Another oddity is that the artwork on the packaging that is used as an assembly guide and this depicts the binoculars being worn by the machine gunner, I am 99.9% sure these should be shown on the tank commander as they look out of place otherwise.

The weapons are a mix of holstered side arm for the tank commander, an MG42 and Kar 98 for the riders. The weapons are of an acceptable standard, but better is available for those who need the best possible. The image on the box shows the stand for the MG42 attached, but I cannot find any sign of this broken or otherwise.

Conclusion

As a set of three German WW2 resin figures, these should be a popular choice as armour riders are always being looked for. The quality of the figures is good and the joints exceptional; I do still dislike the way the heads have been moulded, but I will update you when I get around to using these figures. The equipment could do with being increased upon a little. Items such as an extra water bottle and an ammunition box for the MG42, I do like the belt around the neck though. I would like to see Legend Productions add to this set photo etched weapons slings, as that is the sort of detail that catches the attention of modellers I believe. I have seen this product on sale for as little as £15, at that price you would be a fool to pass them up. Lastly having looked at these I hope that Legend Productions considers adding to their range.