Introduction

Blitz is a French manufacturer of resin models in 1/35th scale covering subjects from World War 1 and World War 2; by far it is World War one that gets the most attention and due to the area they cover offers kits seen nowhere else that I am aware of. Recently we received some figures from Blitz in 1/35th scale and the one I will be looking at here is identified as an Artilleryman No.6 and has a No.6 written on the rear.

Review

This offering is listed by Blitz as a Artilleryman No.4 and depicts a relaxed figure with his jacket undone and open and with the hands in pockets it is a very relaxed pose. The figure is very well moulded in all respects as detail goes and is in good order in the carton. The packaging consists of an end opening card box with the figure and the parts in a Ziploc bag. I am wondering if something needs putting in the box to stop the mouldings moving and so prevent potential damage.

The figure is stood in a relaxed pose with it has to be said groin pushed forward. The figure is wearing uniform trousers from the 1916 on period after the more garish uniform was discarded due to it making the troops easy to see. The shirt is unidentifiable but is fully buttoned at the front with the colour used by Blitz confusing me even further as to its identity. The jacket is correct for an artillery man of the period in terms of cut, length and detail, but I again question the colour of the jacket shown on the Blitz artwork. I do like the braces showing attached to the trousers as they were more commonly used than belts at this time.

The footwear looks appropriate for the French military and I appreciate the effort put into the lace and eyes on the boots. I initially thought the puttees were way too high up the leg, but further research revealed this to be correct for the uniform of 1916 on. The hands are hidden in the pockets of the trousers so detail is not an issue with this one. The head is supplied separately but with a soft forage cap in place rather than the Adrian steel helmet. The face is very well done, especially the facial hair that provides this figure with great character; I did quite a bit of searching concerning the full beard and I have located a few images where beards are present, but moustaches were far more common.

Conclusion

This figure is an unusual one and it is the unusual pose that initially drew my eye. the head with its well defined beard looks more like a U-Boat figure than a WW1 French artillery man. My only concern about this figure is would troops be allowed to look so dishevelled regardless of where they are especially during this period? With my concerns I still rather like this offering from Blitz and it will certainly draw attention.