Introduction:

After releasing the US Army tank crewmen in 1/35 scale, Assault Models turns to US Marine Corps armored vehicle crew. This review covers the first figure of USMC crew pair, Tankman, USMC 2015 (AM35024), while the review of second miniature of the pair can be accessed here: link.

Review:

The figure set is packed in a plastic top-opening box featuring an image of fully assembled and unpainted miniature. The kit consists of 5 pieces safely secured in a zip-lock bag:

- torso with legs,
- right arm,
- left arm,
- head,
- boom microphone.

The pieces are delivered in grey resin. The cast looks really good... there are no visible casting imperfections whatsoever, with the figure details wonderfully rendered in resin. Although large, carrier blocks are easy to remove using sharp side cutters and X-acto knife. A few passes with some fine-grit sanding paper finishes the job. I suggest a lot of patience when cleaning the tiny boom microphone as this delicate piece could easily be damaged in the process.

Assembling the figure was a breeze. The pieces fit really well and are easy to align optimally with minimal putty work required to make things perfect. I opted not to attach the microphone to the helmet in order to facilitate the face painting process.

The figure represents US Marine Corps tank crewman in the current garb and gear. Over the Nomex Flight Suit coveralls, the figure wears Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) fitted with integral neck protection. The MTV doesn't sport any equipment pouches, only the internal communication system (ICS) connecting cable held in place by the modular PALS webbing. On the head, the figure wears Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet.

The sculptor did a great job on the figure. The anatomy looks good with the facial features well defined. The relaxed pose is nicely balanced and realistically delivered. The details on the uniform and equipment are very impressive: the folds of the NOMEX suit conveying the properties of the material really well, the numerous zippers and pockets on the suit, PALS loops on the MTV... I took my time to research the reference images I had on USMC garb and gear and, as far as I can tell, the sculptor accurately depicted all these details in scale.

Conclusion:

Tankman, USMC 2015 (AM35024) from Assault Models is an impressive figure all around. The resin cast in flawless, the pieces fit perfectly and the figure is easy to assemble. This miniature, along with its pair, offer a very realistic USMC armored vehicle crewmen in 1/35 scale.