Introduction

Paracel Miniatures lately released a series of new figures named Desert Eagle Series representing 1990’s Gulf War U.S. Tank Crew for M60, M1 Abrams or all other AFVs.

The first figure DE-3501 Mr.Charlie depicts a tank commander standing on the tank hull.

Review

Figure comes in company’s standard cardboard box labeled with boxart painted by Ryan Thuan.
As all Paracel Miniatures figures, it is sculpted in 1/35 scale by Giang Xuan Le and cast in resin. All parts are served with casting blocks and inserted into a zip-lock bag.
Resin quality is nice. There were no air bubbles or casting mistakes on review sample but a few seamlines need to be cleaned.

Sculpted as a full size figure with right arm posed to put his hand over his pistol belt and left arm pointing forward, he wears OD green Nomex fireproof Combat Vehicle Crewmen - CVC Coveralls and Woodland camouflage Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops Body armor known as - PASGT vest which protects upper torso. Besides well defined cloth folds and wrinkles, coverall details like front zipper, side seams, typical 7 pockets with zippers on the sides, thighs, calves and left arm, details of the vest like high collar, velcro closure of front opening, shoulder pads, pockets with flap covers on both sides and grenade hangers are all well sculpted. He has flame retardant, gauntlet sytle Nomex CVC Gloves and tanker boots as for the footgear.

Head ; Generously 3 different head options are offered for the figure. All of them wear CVC Tank or Combat Vehicle helmet DH-132A with outer hardshell, inner liner and earcups. DH series CVC helmets were replaced the T-56-6 helmet in 1973. DH-132 had a very thin outer shell which provided minimal bump protection and it was replaced by the DH-132A in 1987. It was an upgraded version having a heavier outer shell which supplied fragmentation protection similar to the older T-56-6. In 1995 the DH-132B was developed and first issued to Tank Commanders and Tank Drivers who normally had their heads exposed and required greater cranial protection. DH-132B had a heavy outer shell made of layered Aramid (Kevlar) and was consistent in ballistic protection to the PASGT helmet.

First head shown on boxart figure has a moustache and sun glasses. Over his helmet, he carries a sun/wind/dust goggles. Second head have a scarf or tube covering his mouth and nose to protect him from dust and wind. Third one is just with CVC helmet. Facial features, goggle and helmet details are well defined.

Pointing left hand with Nomex gloves

M12 pistol holster

Conclusion

Mr.Charlie is a very nice figure to display in Modern War U.S Armor scenes, especilly when used with his crew Mr.Gunny and Mr.Rock & Roll. It may need a short cleanwork , but coverall, vest and helmet details of the figure are realistic and well sculpted.