Introduction

Armor35 makes 1/35 models of Soviet and German subjects circa the Great Patriotic War. These include figures of civilians, railway workers, and soldiers, plus multi-media kits of Soviet railroad tracks and lineside equipment. This resin figure is a railway worker, ARM35136, Soviet Railroader On Duty, one of more than 50 figures and 34 railway models currently cataloged at Armor35.

Soviet Railroader On Duty

Armor35 cast this signalman in gray resin. Casting is very good. There are no air pockmarks nor seam marks, although under magnification I see bits of flash. Detail is sharp and crisp. The figure is cast in six pieces.

Body without arms
Left arm and hand
Right arm, no hand
Right hand gripping lantern
Flags
Canister

The parts are attached to their own pour blocks.

Detail

Soviet Railroader On Duty features excellent facial detail including eyes and a full mustache. A peak cap tops his head.

The figure wears a tunic. Baggy pants bunch up atop the high boots. A leather belt supports signal flags and a metal canister. He carries a signal lantern. Whether this is the gear of a "snipe" (track worker) or a signalman or brakeman, I do not know. Sculptor Anishchenko Dimtriy worked seams and buckle details into the cloths and belt.

Painting and Assembly Guidance

None. Refer to the box art.

The box art is a photo of the assembled model attached over sepia tone images of a scene associated with the model subject. The parts are secured in a zip-lock baggie inside a small tab-end opening box.

Assembly

Removing the pieces from the pour blocks is generally easy, although the flags have very fine handles that are easy to break off.

Armor35 engineers an interesting way of aligning parts. It seems they make the masters, attach them, then separate them before the master material cures. This creates definite contours that enhances the ability to align the parts when they are attached. Usually, Armor35's fit is almost flawless, with parts blending exceptionally well; any gaps have been slight and easily hidden with putty, CA, or paint. Unfortunately with my sample, the left arm does not fit so tight along the shoulder, leaving a significant gap to fill.

Assembly of Railroader On Duty took about five minutes, including de-spruing and cleanup.

Conclusion

More and more 1/35 models of railroad subjects are being produced. Eastern Front themes have huge potential for railroad scenes, and thanks to Armor35, modelers have high quality models of railroaders and railway physical plants to choose from. This figure is very detailed and can be placed in a vignette or a larger diorama with a railway, be it a bustling station, or repairing damage to the track.

Casting is good quality with excellent detail. The rough texture of the face is surprising compared to other Armor35 figures. My main complaint is the merely fair fit of the left arm and that rough face. I would like Armor35 to include some information about colors for the uniform.

With the growing interest in railroad subjects for 1/35 modelers, Armor35 has created another interesting figure for those who model Russia railroads circa The Great Patriotic War. I recommend Soviet Railroader On Duty based on the excellent sculpting and casting, plus versatility and uniqueness of subject.

Please remember to tell Armor35 and retailers that you saw this figure here - on Armorama.