MiniArt is best known for their figure offerings in my opinion and I rate them highly in that respect. The latest figure set they have released is titled ‘US Soldiers at Rest’, a 1/35th scale figure offering. This release by MiniArt is one of those figure sets that calls out to every modeller interested in representing life during World War Two and I believe the Korean War.
Contents
This offering from MiniArt is packaged in one of the usual end opening cartons they use, it has a nice artwork on the front that looks to faithfully replicate the contents. My only complaint is that the box is not very strong and is susceptible to crush damage. Inside you will find a single sealed plastic bag you will find:
10 grey sprues
A piece of paper
Review
This offering from MiniArt consists of five infantry soldiers relaxing at the rear or some other quiet area. It features:
A figure sleeping
A figure lying on its back smoking (before it became a taboo)
Two figures in relaxed seated positions playing cards
A figure sat on its helmets catching up on time life
This figure offering is very well laid out on the sprues as each figure has its own sprue and so assembly is a breeze where finding the parts are concerned. Each of the figures has another sprue containing the equipment for each figure, these sprues are all the same and consist of:
Entrenchment tool
M1 carbine
M1 Garand Rifle
Bayonet
Water bottle
Steel helmet
Pineapple hand grenade
The figures themselves are the usual breakdown of separate arms and legs, torso and head, MiniArt has also included ammunition pouches on the figure sprues. The detail on the uniforms looks appropriate to me, and of a level that meets my expectations. What really upsets me about this offering is the amount of flash present on the figures; it is what I consider very excessive for a new model. I know that some of you will be saying “it is only flash”, but my opinion is that it is not up standard for what is expected today. Back to the high points and the crease detail is good on the uniform that should look good once painted.
Moving onto the hands which have been well replicated, the finger detail is very pleasing from what I can see. The faces are very good for injection moulded plastic. The features of the face are pleasing, but the ears are very poor in many cases which is disappointing. The inclusion of playing cards, papers and magazines is a big plus.
Conclusion
This is a figure set that I eagerly awaited and I am very pleased to see it. The excessive flash is a let-down that I did not expect to have to contend with. The stances have been well thought out and replicated and will add a nice touch to any diorama in which they are used. I would consider using resin heads with this set as they are really nice figures.
SUMMARY
Highs: Fantastic poses that I feel will prove to be very popular.Lows: The amount of flash is a big let-down.Verdict: The poses overcome all other considerations and negatives for me.
Our Thanks to MiniArt! 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.
About Darren Baker (CMOT) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...
Smoking as a taboo-something like 75% of the US Military in WW2 smoked. Even if you are anti-smoking (and I most assuredly am) you really cannot portray WW2 soldiers at ease without at least some following the directive "smoke 'em if you got 'em".
When I joined the Army in the early 80's they were still giving us C-rats and they were starting to field the new MRE's. Both had the little packs of smokes. I'm a non-smoker but I learned those little things were worth their weight in gold to the chain smoking nic addict. Not to mention I hated policing up cigarette butts. I could trade them for their desert, gum, coffee, t.p, anything. I usually traded for deserts tho. I ate so many canned and dehydrated peaches that I have never and will never touch a peach again. Fresh, canned or otherwise. Also to make this realistic they need the guy walking off with his e-tool in hand to do his business.
I never smoked until I got in the service ! If you smoked you got breaks . the c rats came with a little 4 cigarettes pack in them . they promoted smoking . Ive since quite .but back in Viet Nam we almost all smoked !!
My Dad started his career during WW2 and he said that he quickly found out (he didn't smoke) what you did, the C-Ration of Cigs was worth its weight in gold. He was a Lieutenant and he found that giving his men his ration was a nice little reward for jobs well done.
Getting back to the kit though, from the photos the weapons, especially the M1 Garands seem to have quite a bit of flash around the triggers. This looks like it could be a pain to clean up, maybe getting other company's weapons would be a good idea?
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