There was a bit of a stir when this kit was released as to whether some of the images were of the production kit or not. After examining the kit itself it's safe to say we were looking at CAD renderings of the figures and weapons and not real images. That said this kit still comes very close to replicating almost all the details shown in those photos. Everything within reason for this scale anyways.
Being that this is not a Generation 2 type kit for Dragon, this Africa Corps 1/35 scale 4-figure set seems to be setting new ground for Dragon figure releases. With subtle but carefully created details like the hand grenade tucked in the standing and kneeling figures waists, the luger pistol in hand, and the camo ruffles on two of the helmets, this set definitely delivers on detail.
The set it comprised of three (3) sprues. Two of which are weapons only and include an MG34, MG42, (2) Panzerfausts, (2) rifles, an MP43, and a MP40. The set is listed as "El Alamein 1942" so of course be wary not to use the MP43 as it was not yet in production.
I will let the photo speak for themselves. This set is an obvious plus for someone doing an African campaign diorama or vignette. As shown on the box art this set would compliment a half-track or other vehicle very well indeed. For the money you can't beat this set either.
SUMMARY
Highs: Fantastic details and overall well sculpted faces and forms. Very well proportioned.Lows: Some minor filling and seam line cleanup may be necessary.Verdict: A solid A+ figure release from Dragon Models.
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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim) FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES
I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...
I had a close look at this set at Telford, and the figures are indeed very nice. There is however one issue that you need to be careful about, the MG does not seem to fit against the shoulder. This may have just been sloppy building, but no apparent mis-allignment of the right shoulder was evident.
And I'm not nit picking here for the sake of. As anybody who has fired a MG in that position will confirm, unless you pull the stock right into your shoulder, you are going to hurt...
Cheers
Henk
Henk,
Good eyes!
However if you look closely at any figure you will note that their fingers are never 'actually' on the triggers either (cause there isn't one). So he isn't firing at the moment.
Sorry couldn't help myself on that bit of irony.
Cheers,
Jim
Hoi Henk,
Jokes aside, after reading your first post, and before reading Jim's repost, my first thought when looking at that pic of your's is that it appears like he is still pulling the MG into position...
Groete
Rudi
.0
Hoi Rudi,
That is a fair comment, and an option that did cross my mind also. But I fear that this is likely to fall under the 'to much realism', such as painting a tank roughly with a small rag or such. Although it was done like that for real, and the result may be 100% accurate, the majority of people will comment that the painter didn't do a very good job.. I suppose you just can't win sometimes...
Having said that, I'm actually considering buying this set, as it will fit nicely in a Italian diorama that I have planned.
Groeten
Henk
I don't know, but considering that the Afrika campaign was fought in the desert, I think that the use of the Panzerfaust would be most unlikely...
Cheers
Henk
No they did not.
The inclusion of these in the kit seems a bit strange. However, it could be down to DML simply including some of their generic weapons spruces in the kit which would explain their presence. Fine for the spares bin but a no no for El Alamein!
Looks like a great kit anyway. I like the helmets with the 'rag' covers and the potato masher with the belt attached, goodbye that pain in the ar*e cutting the stick in two and trying to subtract the correct amount of stick while still getting it at the right angle!
Nice to see dragon covering more areas, with the desert rat set coming out to complement this. Will we see more sets like this or is this a one off do we think?
James
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