ZVEZDA [ MORE REVIEWS ] [ WEBSITE ] [ NEW STORIES ]

In-Box Review
135
Mountain Infantry
Soviet Mountain Infantry WWII 1942
  • 0001102

by: Charles Reading [ CREADING ]

introduction
Soviet mountain troops, perfect for the Caucasus’! This kit by Zvezda contains six (6) figures, all depicting Russian mountain troops. Although the kit figures don’t replicate the box art, they are pretty nicely done.
review
There are two sprues, molded in gray plastic, which include numerous ‘extra’ pieces as most of the weapons are replicated twice, one with a hand molded onto it and another without.

The molding is crisp with a minimum amount of seam/flash to clean up.
As stated , there are two of each weapon including a mountain carbine, PPSh-41 submachine gun, Degtyarev DP-27/28 Light Machine Gun and several RGD-33 Grenades.

These figures are well equipped both in weaponry and mountain climbing accessories. There are ice picks and boot grouses, and three of the figures have climbing rope. The rope is particularly well molded but it comes in two pieces (for being wrapped over the shoulder) which will present a challenge gluing and hiding the glue seam.

Included is a printed page of instructions showing the sprues and their part numbers, blow up drawings of each figure identifying each piece with it's number, and a paint guide in Russian with the suggested colors also shown with the Model Master paint equivalent.
conclusion
The box art is stunning with mountain troops seeming to be surrounded and firing in all directions, while a wounded soldier grasps his arm and shouts out to his comrades......unfortunately, the poses and figures depicted in the box art don’t have much to do with the figures in the kit.
SUMMARY
Highs: This set is unique in subject matter and very well done in crispness of detail. You’ll end up with a few ‘extras’ for the spares box.
Lows: Although the figures in this kit are very well done and will look great when finished and painted, they are not nearly as dramatic as the poses depicted on the box art. The coiled rope will be difficult to clean up since it has been molded in two pieces.
Verdict: I would end up purchasing this kit in spite of the difference between the box art and the contents of the kit. The figures are well done and will look good in a mountain scene.
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 3606
  Suggested Retail: $14.95
  Related Link: Zvezda website
  PUBLISHED: Mar 06, 2009
  NATIONALITY: Russia
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.80%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.57%

Our Thanks to Dragon USA!
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.

View Vendor Homepage  |  More Reviews  

About Charles Reading (CReading)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I live in the mountains north of Santa Cruz California. I have been building now since the early 1990's when I rediscovered modeling. Most of my kits are built with dioramas in mind. I took a "creative block" hiatis for a couple years - 2011 to 2013. I wasn't active in the modeling world. During tha...

Copyright ©2021 text by Charles Reading [ CREADING ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I had not heard about this set, but when I saw the artwork ... WOW. I can understand your frustration when seeing the kit doesn´t match the artwork. Anyways, thanks to your great photos, there are still some highlights worth mentioning.. the close ups of faces .. no need to change these heads .. the facial detail appear to be excellent. Its also an excellent idea to include hands that are moulded onto the weapons. I would definatly pick up this set. Thanks for the review Charles. Nice one.
MAR 06, 2009 - 08:47 AM
nice figures, nice to see some more russian figures, would be nice to see more british, hint hint. Ant
MAR 06, 2009 - 09:45 AM
I just received this kit in the mail earlier this week and I am STOKED. The figures -- even though they don't match the box -- are awesome.
DEC 10, 2010 - 02:14 PM
   
ADVERTISEMENT


Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • 0011126
  • 001050
  • 000944
  • 000844
  • 000753
  • 000656
  • 000559
  • 000468
  • 000377
  • 000275
ADVERTISEMENT