introduction

We modelers are living in a real 'Golden Age', and hardly another week passes without another new set of 1/35 Military figures being announced or released. That the vast majority of these are variations on well trodden paths, seems not to dampen the enthusiasm of the manufacturers. It is therefore always a pleasure to hear of a trully new line of figures, and in the case of Jakrei, these are not only Allied figures, in fresh poses, but in metal too.

The subject of this review is the 'British Seaman WWII, (J3507) which depicts a generic seaman, in a casual pose which will adapt to use both seaborne and on shore. He wears a heavy duffel coat, with both hands deep in the pockets, and typical Navy round Hat and Bell bottom trousers.

A closer look

This figure is broken down into just two parts, the head being the only separate part. The parts are packed in small zip-lock bags, and stapled to a card header, which displays only the title of the subject, and the item number. As the parts are made in white metal, without any protruding limbs or accessories, this method of packaging is sufficiant, as damage is quite unlikely. I understand that subsequent releases are however to be packed in appropriate boxes.

No instructions are provided, and whilst in this case they would not be neccessary, the ommission of painting instructions are a different matter. Simple as the subject may be, a small insert with painting recommendations would be very usefull.

Close inspection of the parts reveals just one area of very rough surface, the left arm suffering from pitting and loss of detail. The damage can be remedied (I used thick paint), but the loss of detail around the cuff is more difficult to rectify. That is however the only flaw on this review sample, and the rest of the figure is flawless. {Reviewers Edit - I have had feedback from others who have purchased this figure, which indicate that the damage seems isolated to my example. - }.
The mould lines (the one on the right leg being the most pronounced) are easily removed with a few swipes of sandpaper.

The photos show the individual parts before and after construction (rather a grand expression for a two part kit.) as well as having given the base paint coat. The figures relaxed attitude, with his hands deep in the pockets of the coat, make this a very simple, and therefore easy subject, which is both a good diorama filler, as well as a great first 'stand alone' figure for figure modellers