Introduction

This is my third look at the range of Airborne troops available from Resicast. The previous 2 reviews can be seen here on Armorama:

Paratrooper with Stretcher

Paratrooper with Radio

This time a more action type figure, the Airborne Soldier kneeling.

The Figure

Packaging:
This standard for all Resicast figures, a zip plastic zip bag holding a paper insert, showing a colour picture of the product and the makers name. The figure(s) are contained within a further small plastic zip bag. The picture should help aid painting and rarely do you need, or get, any specific building instructions.

Casting:
Cast in a light grey resin, this figure depicts an Airborne Soldier kneeling with a No 4 rifle rested across his right knee, and his left arm raised in the motion of signalling. The cast is excellent with good sharp and clear detail. The figure comes with a complete body while the head and arms come as separate items. Minimal clean up should be required, with only the removal of the small pour stubs on the individual items. This figure had a bit of an air bubble hole under his left buttock that required a bit of filling, but this was an easy fix and takes nothing away from the finished figure as you’d need to stand him on his head to see the flaw.

The Body:
Cast as a whole, the figure is shown in a kneeling position with his right leg bent at 90°, and his left leg folded under his backside. The figure is dressed in a Para Smock, BD trousers, anklets and ammo boots. The smock is well depicted showing the correct number of pockets and crotch strap fixed up at the rear of the jacket. Studs are present in the right quantity and right place on the garment. Under the smock can just be seen the collar of a shirt. On the trousers the map pocket is in evidence, whilst a good set of anklets and ammo boots finish of the clothing.

The figure is depicted wearing full battle order, consisting of left and right ammo pouches, water bottle on the right hand side and the short stabbing bayonet on the left hand side. He sports a small back pack. The level of detail on the equipment is, quite frankly, amazing. All the brasses and straps are in the right place and in the right order. Even the ends of the backpack straps that contained the brass end with the two small holes are present - just superb. One feels you could almost unbuckle the kit!
A little clean up may be necessary between the legs and the small pour stubs will need removed from his right boot and left knee.

The Head and Arms:
The head wears a camouflaged paratroopers helmet, again the detail is excellent, with the netting clear and detailed together with some hessian strips of camo. The face is that of a young man and has very sharp detail. The right arm is bent at the elbow to clasp the No 4 Rifle. The rifle itself is a good representation of the weapon. The left arm is designed to be fixed in the raised position signalling to others.

Equipment:
No other equipment is provided or necessary.

As always, normal precautions should be taken when working with resin.

Conclusion

I like this figure a lot. It has potential for a good action scene or as a scout/patrol leader pausing whilst advancing.

I was delighted with the standard of the web equipment. I can’t recall seeing such brilliant detail on any other fully equipped figure other than on the other Airborne figures I bought from Resicast. These really are a work of art. The only thing you will need to add will be a rifle sling.

Both figure painter and diorama builder alike should get a lot of pleasure from this offering. This is quite simply a brilliant figure in terms of detail, with a perfectly natural pose. The Resicast Paratroopers have been around for many years but equal and excel many, if not all, of the present day offerings I have seen.