Contrary to popular belief, Dragon are committed to enlarging their 'Ordinary' figure range, whilst still producing their 2nd Generation range and improving on earlier sets with their 'Premium' range. This set of four figures From Dragon was based on a drawing submitted by Ron Volstad a few years ago, and is a welcome addition to their figure range in that it includes a Polish Officer as prisoner.
the set
As mentioned, the set of four figures is an 'ordinary' release, and therefore doesn't include any of the 'goodies' we've come to expect from the 2nd generation and premium releases. Now really, I can't understand why a 2nd generation weapons set isn't thrown in? The Kar98 rifles for example, are the old ones..... no pre-drilled barrels, and fairly prominent moulding seams that aren't that easy to remove, given the detail on them.
As was usual with these figure sets, you get one sprue in the box, that holds all four figures, with a very small extra sprue holding 3 rifles. there is also a tiny photo etched sprue with the two straps on for one of the helmets. I think these were to hold camouflage? Only for one of the helmets though!
The set consists, as shown on the box art, of three German figures, all wearing the same uniform, and all holding a rifle. The fourth figure is of a standing Polish officer, with arms folded, looking a bit defiant. As such, you get exactly what is shown on the box art.
The moulding of the figures takes me back a few years, with fairly prominent mould seams, almost non-existent ears on the heads, and equipment that is sometimes hard to get to 'sit' right on the completed figures. If you look at the close-up of the Polish officer, particularly at the 'sit' of the folded arms, you will see that it's quite difficult to get them to sit right? I think it might have been almost better to mould the torso with the arms already in place.
in conclusion
It's a useful set because of the presence of the Polish Officer. If you take that figure away, you're left with three Germans, with pretty uninspiring poses. I have to say recommended, if only for that polish figure, but I do fell slightly disappointed with this figure set, not least because it also exhibits one of my pet hates, which is that there are no helmet decals, when the box art clearly shows them!
My thanks to Dragon for the review sample.
SUMMARY
This set will prove useful, and will no doubt sell. But if you've become used to the all the goodies recently offered by Dragon, you might be surprised.
Our Thanks to Dragon Models! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
Hi Vinnie,
Yup, no. 4 is how it should look like, makes one wonder why didn't Dragon do their homework properly, especially considering they do the figures based on the Ron V. artwork which got the cap looking right, and the pictures of originals are there, or even real caps available for purchase.
Pat, the head from Hornet's set has the parade type cap nad the dragons figgie has the field type, but I can't say for sure if the POW's body can't go together with the parade capped head
Greg
Pedro, thanks, I had this conversation with Vinnie about the rogatywka a week or so ago, and expressed the opinion that it just didn't look 'right'. So nice that it's been confirmed . told ya Vinnie :-)
Oh, and the rogatywka is STILL part of the (Dress Uniform) of the Polish Army as are the high boots...
Er.........we did? You sure it wasn't 'another' Vinnie? 'Cos I don't remember? I mean I know you have dreams about me an' all............. :-) :-) :-)
Vinnie
Vinnie,
Maybe you could update the review with some info about the awful cap on Polish officer's head? It really looks nothing like rogatywka... You wrote that Polish officer figure is what makes this set useful. But with this "thing" on the head this figure is not really a Polish soldier.
Pawel
Pawel, no I'm not going to do that. The review is the review, and this is the discussion. Also, this topic is linked to beneath the review, so there's really no need. Thanks for your suggestion!
Vinnie
Pawel, of course it can! But it's not going to be! :-) And I don't think you do understand no. If I correct it, it would make this discussion topic redundant. As it is now, everybody can see the progression that has led to the conclusion about the hat.
Thanks Pawel!
Vinnie
I actually meant adding the new information to the review, possibly clearly marking it as update - not correcting it in "invisible" way. I know that in perfect world everyone who reads a review should also read related discussion, but this is not a perfect world I'm afraid. I usually don't read these discussions, only the main review text.
But of course it's your review and if you think that updates belong to the forum thread it's your choice.
I apologize for these off-topic (?) comments!
Pawel
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