introduction

Besides the proven quality of their products, I appreciate variety of Evolution Miniatures figures - World War II Soviet, German,United States and British soldiers, Modern Russians, Civilians, Stalkers and more.
They lately released a World War II Soviet Soldiers at rest 1943-45 series depicting soldiers playing music, dancing and watching that can be used to build nice scenes especially for end of war.

EM-35132 of the series is the one playing music.

box

I think the company made a positive change on the figure box. Neat, smaller and more informative. As usual, front cover shows a photo of the figure painted by Sergey Traviansky (also the sculptor) and backcover tells the origin of company - Russia decorated with a Matryoshka. Top flap has a warning about piracy as some of the products are illegally recast and sold online. Bottom flap shows general info and warns about the kit.

parts

Sculpted in crisp details and cast in 9 pieces with no mistakes or seamlines once again reflect the always increasing quality of Evolution miniatures. Almost no cleanwork will be needed other than seperating it from resin blocks. Parts are;

Body with head : Facial details, eyes, ears, open mouth and moustache are very well defined. He wears an Ushanka or Formovka, a fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, or fastened at the chin to protect the ears, jaw and lower chin from the cold. The dense fur also offers some protection against blunt impacts to the head. Fur texture and enameled red star badge are well defined. His uniform consists of Gymnastiorka M43, traditional Russian soldier’s shirt-tunic and Amoeba Camo Pattern Trousers. This version of gymnastiorka shirt has a standing collar, long front end with buttons and no pockets. A nice touch is added by the sculptor on the left breast ; a Defense of Stalingrad Medal. Trousers are Amoeba Pattern which shows big brown blobs on a pale green background, usually worn by Russian snipers and paratroopers. Over his uniform, he wears a Telogreika, Russian Army quilted winter jacket. Short collar, padded texture, side pockets, shoulder boards and back straps are well defined. Rifle strap crossed on the left shoulder and accordion strap are cast on the figure. He has a leather utility belt on his waist and carries a Drum magazine pouch for PPSh-41 on the left side and a bayonet holder on the right. As for the foot gear; he has black leather long boots.

Arms : Posed to hold the accordion, cloth folds and padded texture of quilted jacket are well defined.

He plays an accordion, more correctly a Melodeon which is a type of button accordion on which the melody-side keyboard contains one or more rows of buttons, with each row producing the notes of a single diatonic scale. The buttons on the bass-side keyboard are most commonly arranged in pairs, with one button of a pair sounding the fundamental of a chord and the other the corresponding major triad. Bellows, buttons and other details are well defined. Boxart shows the accordion painted as a German Hohner. Hands are cast on side keyboard buttons.

Figure carries a PPSh-41 - Papasha, magazine fed submachine gun. 71 round drum magazine is given as a seperate part.

A captured German K98 Bayonet will be attached to the front right side of belt.

Side straps of accordion ; This part looks hard to remove from sprue and assembly. I think using lead foil will be a better choice.

conclusion

Impressive figure with his pose, sculpting details and casting. It can be a part of a very nice 1945-End of War diorama. For example, in front of Reichstag Building ruins after Battle of Berlin.

Highly Recommended

Special thanks to Olga and Sergey for review samples.