contents

Packed in zip-lok bags and bubble wrap, the usual Hobby Fan box contains a resin set of three (RAAC) Royal Australian Armoured Corps figures: one tank crew member seated and two infantrymen walking. The two infantrymen are equipped with SLR rifles, rucksacks, canteens, and ammo pouches moulded in excellent definition. One is left with an extra canteen for the spares bin, as it doesn't really suit the seated crewman figure. The 4-part figures consist of separate torsos, heads, and arms.

construction/painting

The heads and hats of the two infantrymen are moulded as one part. Pins and holes are provided for easy first-time location of arms, while the rucksacks are located by tabs. I found the two rifle barrels to be very slender indeed, so take care. One may wish to add rifle slings from paper or foil for extra detail. As with all Hobby Fan kits, the limbs, weapons, and accessories fit the torsos first time around, with no need for gap-filling or trial-fitting.

Although intended for the (RAAC) Centurion Mk. 5 kit by AFV Club (item AF AF35106 ), these figures would well suit any Vietnam Nam era diorama featuring an Australian/New Zealand vehicle. Resin is certainly not cheap, especially when compared to plastic figure sets, but the addition of a resin set from Hobby Fan will turn an already great model/diorama into a show-winner. I especially like that there is little flash and no moulding seams to be removed.

I primed the figures with a couple of thin coats of GSI Gunze Sangyo flat white, after which painting with acrylics is easy. You are on your own to research color references for these sets; none are included. The completed figures look very animated, with life-like facial expressions.

Please note: the bases for the two infantrymen are not included in the set.

conclusions

With the investment in resin made, only then can one appreciate this expression of art in 1/35th scale. Creases and seams in clothing are distinct and well-portrayed. Expressions are believable and the poses very human-like. If I have one complaint about resin, it's that removal of pour stubs is more laborious than the clean-up involved with styrene plastic. To take the work out of this task, I purchased a Dremel grinder. Proper safety precautions are recommended, of course.

Once over my initial misgivings about working with resin, I thoroughly enjoyed this set, and look forward to tackling a whole line of figure and accessory sets from Hobby Fan. These figures make a very nice addition to my RAAC Centurion dozer Mk.5 from AFV Club, Reviewed Here on Armorama, and may give me the inspiration to tackle a full diorama someday soon.