Introduction:

Assault Models utilizes 3D scanning technology for producing their miniatures. The technology includes scanning a real-world person, collecting data on its shape and constructing a digital 3D model. The digital model is then refined, scaled and transferred into the physical world by rapid prototyping. In other words, the product is a miniature copy of a real person… can the figure get any more realistic that that?

Review:

Ranger, 75th Ranger Regiment, US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Afghanistan, 2011 (AM35023) figure set comes in a plastic top-opening box. The front of the box features box art image showing the assembled miniature. After opening the box, I found a zip lock bag with resin pieces organized on 4 carrier blocks. Some of the pieces broke off from the carrier blocks, but were all accounted for and after close inspection confirmed as undamaged.

The set consists of 10 pieces cast in grey resin. The pieces are:

- torso with both legs,
- right arm,
- left arm,
- head,
- equipment pieces (4x),
- weapon with hands,
- weapon accessories (1x).

The pieces feature a ton of details perfectly delivered in resin. No air-bubbles, seam lines or any other casting deficiencies were found on the pieces. The perfection is evident in casting the thin radio antenna, rarely supplied in 1/35 scale figure kits and usually being made by the modeler using copper wire.

The fit of the pieces is absolutely wonderful. Protrusions and indentations in corresponding pieces help in optimal alignment of the parts, resulting in almost no visible gaps and only minimal putty work needed to make things perfect. I had to play a bit with positioning the arms to the torso and hands with weapon to the arms… the extra effort is well worth it as the finished miniature looks amazing.

The figure represents US Army Ranger in action pose. The pose looks very realistic: the head looking down the barrel of the gun, both hands gripping the weapon firmly and the buttstock pressing to the right shoulder. The figure wears Crye Precision AC Combat Shirt and Pants with Asolo Fugitive boots. Number of equipment pouches are attached to his Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV): triple magazine pouch, canteen GP pouch, double M4 magazine pouch, modular assault pack, MBITR pouch with AN/PRC-148 and Silynx Communications C4OPS. The belt holds large IFAK pouch, multitool magazine pouch, retention sling, Under Armour hand warmer and USGI rappelling cattlehide gloves. Some of these equipment pouches are separate pieces in this set. On his head, the figure sports ACH with cover, MS2000 Strobe and Petzl Tactikka headlamp. On his hands the figure wears Oakley assault gloves and Foretrex 401 GPS.

The figure is armed with M4A1 upgraded with DD Rail Interface System II and KAC QD Silencer. Weapon accessories include AN/PEQ-15 Advanced Target Pointer Illuminator Aiming Laser, Insight M3x Tactical Illuminator, as well as Eotech 553 holographic sight and Eotech G23 magnifier. After finishing the build and the photoshoot for the review, I noticed I forgot to attach the magnifier, the only weapon accessory supplied separately in this kit, to the rifle.

Conclusion:

Two words: absolutely fantastic. Ranger, 75th Ranger Regiment, US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Afghanistan, 2011 (AM35023) from Assault Models is an absolutely fantastic figure. Cast to perfection and with superb fit of the pieces, the figure builds into an amazing rendition of US Army Ranger in 1/35 scale. The pose is wonderfully delivered and the ton of various equipment add to the busy feel of the Special Ops operative.

A must have for all those interested in modern US Special Ops miniatures.