Introduction:

A photographer from The Associated Press captured the teen Palestinian boy in an iconic image - his right arm bent back to launch a rock toward an Israeli tank directly in front of him – an image that crystallized the very spirit of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The act of throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers and tanks has become a symbolic act of defiance and resistance for the Palestinians. The juxtaposition between boys and men armed with stones against the Israeli military has drawn comparisons to biblical foes David and Goliath. Like the kaffiyeh, the checkered Arab scarf that Palestinians sometimes use as a shield - against tear gas, and to hide their identities - the stone has become a symbol of Palestinian struggle.

Adapted from: https://abcnews.go.com/International/palestinians-throw-stones-reporters-notebook/story?id=55200067

Review:

Boys throwing stones (749) from Royal Model delivers a 1/35 scale figure set depicting three boys throwing stones. The set is packed in a vacuum-sealed hard cardboard box with the box art image showing an IDF tank vignette using assembled and painted figures from this set. Opening the box reveals a plastic bag containing resin pieces of the set, additionally protected using bubble-wrap.

The set consists of 12 pieces cast in grey resin. The cast is really good, with some of the delicate details very nicely delivered in resin. I did found several thin seam lines going along figure arms and pants…. these imperfections need to be carefully cleaned without compromising the detail.

The fit of the parts is superb. The pieces feature protrusions and indentations which help in optimal placement of the parts, so the putty work is kept to a minimum. Assembling the figures was very easy and the finished figures look very realistic. I particularly like the nicely balanced figure poses.

The largest figure is depicted hurling the stone. The body is moving forward with the right shoulder rotated and arm fully extended, transferring the weight completely on the stride leg, as if the figure just released the projectile. The figure wears jeans and a short sleeved shirt, with sneakers on his feet. The facial details are nicely defined, showing a shout.

The second figure is preparing the arm to throw the stone: taking a stride step, trunk rotated, raising the throwing arm to the point of maximum external shoulder rotation. This figure is dressed in sport pants, football shirt of his favorite club (the box art suggests Milan) and sandals.

The third figure is bending over and picking up the rock from the ground. Dressed in short pants and short-sleeved shirt, this figure also wears flatbed sandals.

Conclusion:

Boys throwing stones (749) from Royal Model is an exceptional 1/35 scale figure kit. Nicely cast in resin but with some seam lines to clean, the figures are easily assembled. The poses are extremely realistic and well balanced.

As the name of the kit suggests, the figures depicts teenage boys throwing stones. Dressed in Middle Eastern fashion, these are most suitable to depict Palestinian protesters, hurling stones at IDF tanks, but can also be used in a variety of different settings.

My thanks to Royal Model for the review sample.