Introduction

The equipment system «Ratnik» («The warrior») is a set of uniforms and regimentals for Russian soldiers, also referred to as «The future infantry combat system». This system of equipment began to enter service with the Russian army in early 2015, first of all it was supplied to special purpose units and the marine corps. Currently, «Ratnik» is widely used in the military, every year Russian Armed Forces receive about 50 thousand sets. There are two options of color performance of equipment – for a wooded and for desert areas. Desert color option is actively used during military operations in Syrian Arab Republic.

Overview

This figure, like all of the kits manufactured by Live Resin, is packed in a small cardboard box. There are several 3D images printed оn the box, showing the general view of the assembled figure from different angles. After opening the box, we can see a bag with resin parts, additionally packed with a protective air film.

The set consists of seven sprues with 18 parts made of gray resin, which can be easily separated by side cutters and cleaned with a model knife and fine-grained file.
The kit contains the following parts:
- torso;
- legs;
- helmet;
- right and left hands;
- AK-74M assault rifle with GP-25 grenade launcher;
- a set of 8 items of equipment;
- a pair of combat boots and a head.

The three-dimensional model with which the «master» was printed to replicate the figure was created using 3D scanning of a real person in the appropriate equipment. This made it possible to withstand the correct anatomical proportions of the figure, as well as to make realistic folds on clothing and ammunition in various positions. The resin parts are molded qualitatively, the edges are clear, there are no bubbles or weights. On some of the parts there is a very thin layer of resin film from the moulding process that is easily removed with a model knife.

Details

The figure represents a «Komandir otdeleniya» («Team Leader») or «Starshiy Strelok» («Senior rifleman») of the Russian Armed forces standing with a cigarette. Booth of them equipped the GP-25 under-barrel grenade launcher. The warrior looks straight ahead, with his left hand on his belt and his right hand holds the AK-74M assault rifle, The rifle sling is over the head and on the shoulder. The soldier is dressed in elements of the «Ratnik» outfit, which includes a 6B47 helmet with 6B50 glasses, a 6B45 body armor, 6B51 elbows and knees protection, a jacket and trousers from a 6Sh122 double-sided camouflage set.

The set in this option includes two (right and left) pouches for two magazines for AK-74, one flare or bayonet; two pouches for two magazines for AK-74; six grenade pouches; two pouches for five grenade launcher rounds VOG-25 (VOG-25P) each, a pouch for a flask and a medical pouch P-MD-00. Additionally, on the left side of the belt there is a bayonet-knife for AK-74 and the radio station R-187P1 «Azart» («Ardor») in the pouch. Combat light 6E2 is mounted on the left side of the helmet. Folds and irregularities on the equipment The equipment clearly shows the folds and irregularities, there are all the necessary fasteners and eyelets in the pouches, the slings of the MOLLE system are clearly shed. A balaclava is visible under the helmet, the lower edge of which is shifted under the chin and does not cover the face.

Assembly

The seams at the joints between the individual parts of the figure are practically invisible, apart from the joints of the legs and body. Hands are joined with a torso without visible gaps and perfectly fit into place, conveying features of the pose.

There is no assembly instruction, but the layout of the elements is clearly visible on 3D images. Before assembly, you can pre-place the equipment on the figure, using the «Patafix» or «Blu Tack» glue pads for temporary fastening. The location of the pouches and equipment on the figure is reasonable and is confirmed by photos of real military personnel. The only drawback, in my opinion, is the large number of grenade pouches. In the standard set of equipment, there are only four of them, the manufacturer also offers to hang six pouches on the soldier. In addition, the part with pouches has an increased bend and does not fit tightly against the body armor.

Existing tactical glasses 6B50 have clear lenses, and the manufacturer made a small copy of them from opaque resin, so the modeller will have to choose a way to simulate the gloss and transparency of the glasses on his own.

The 6B45 body armor is made at a high level, the armor plate is visible through the fabric, the MOLLE system slings and an evacuation strap are shown. There are no pre-marked places for fastening pouches on the vest, which allows you to freely change their places or not stick some at all.

The AK-74M assault rifle with the GP-25 under-barrel grenade launcher is excellently detailed, there are holes in the front sight and the flash hider, and there is even a loaded VOG-25 round in the barrel. Unfortunately, due to casting restrictions, the manufacturer was not able to fully make the gun sling. Only part of it is made of resin, which goes from the from the assault rifle through the back to the left shoulder, the front half of the model will need to be made independently. On the model of the GP-25 grenade launcher there are no sights located on the left, however this problem on the assembled figure will be hidden between the hand and the body of the soldier. The assault rifle AK-74M can be glued after assembly and painting the figure.

Conclusion

This kit is the second in a series of figures of the Russian Armed Forces from the company 'Live Resin'. It can be used both independently and as a supplement for any model of military equipment in a wide variety of environmental conditions. The anatomy of a soldier is carefully designed, and his pose is natural and believable. During assembly, some improvements will be required.