Introduction

The second set of Iraqi figures from Warriors is labeled Insurgent Guerillas Set #2 (WA 35583). The first thing I noticed when I received this set was that the figures are shown unpainted on the box art. Although the figures have been nicely posed on a diorama base hiding behind a wall, the picture really doesn’t do the figures justice. I really wish Warriors supplied a more appealing box art picture for this figure set.

In the box

The figures are packed in a small bag inside the clear clamshell box. After opening the bag I found several delicate resin pieces broken. Although an easy fix with super-glue, adding a protective bubble wrap inside the box would probably minimize the possibility of parts being damaged during transport. Something for guys at Warriors to consider, perhaps?

The parts are cast in cream resin. The standing figure’s torso is molded in one piece with the legs, while both arms, the head and the right hand holding the AK are cast as separate parts. The sitting figure is made out of three parts: a complete torso with arms and legs cast as a single piece, the head and the weapon with both hands attached. Both figures are dressed in casual clothes, so the possibilities of painting are really endless… The standing figure’s face is masked and it carries a large bag around his shoulder probably filled with supplies and spare AK magazines. The nice details about the sitting figure are its bare feet, very detailed facial features and a beard.

Construction

There was no evidence of air bubbles in my Insurgent Guerrillas #2 set, so the boring putty work could be avoided. I need to stress that you should be patient with the clean up as large resin blocks tend to snap and damage the fragile pieces if you are not careful. Using a sprue cutter for removing larger bits, then gradually cleaning the part with an X-acto knife followed by fine sanding should do the trick. Test joining the parts revealed a perfect fit; there’s almost no need for filling the gaps between the torso and the arms. However some care should be taken when connecting the arms and hands holding the AK in order to align the parts correctly.

Conclusion

I like this set much better than Insurgent Guerillas Set #1 (WA 35582). I find the figures much more useful in dioramas since these insurgents are taking cover behind the wall, probably inspecting US troops without being noticed. The poses of the figures look natural and they are nicely sculpted, so I can recommend them to anyone wanting to add an element of “surprise” to their OIF dioramas.

Thanks to VLS for providing review sample.