Hornet &Wolf are a well known established company, with Hornet heads tending to be what we hear most about. Earlier in the year I had a look at some of the Wolf resin British Army figures. This time around will be the Hornet side of the company, which specialise in 1/35 scale white metal figures.
The figures are designed to stand as is, made with the figure painter in mind more than the diorama builder. Nothing to stop you using them in a wider area, but just remember white metal is slightly heavier than resin or plastic so be careful where you place them.
The Figure
Hornet figures come in a nice presentation box that has a good colour picture of the product on the front along with the company name. On the reverse of the packaging is some text about the necessary glue to use and a warning that these are not for children under 14... so I am OK there.
The figure comes in a thick plastic sleeve along with a small paper insert which contains some useful information about the order of dress, and also reminding you that you can switch the arms and head with other figures in their range. If memory serves me correctly they make a set of white metal arms for this purpose.
The figure comes in 5 parts, the body comes complete with separate arms, head and side arm.
The left arm is designed to be located to the back of the figure and the right arm bend forward at the waist.
The head sports a British Side Cap often worn by the soldiers, the two buttons and a cap badge being present. The face is that of a young man.
The scale is 1/35, the headless body being about 46mm in height. The body physique is good, nicely proportioned and as can be seen in the box picture would paint up extremely well.
Dressed in the early style 1937 pattern Battledress with anklets and ammo boots, the figure is provided with a pistol holster and ammo pouch that can be fitted if desired. This is a nicely presented item. The battledress is well represented with the pleated breast pockets and button cover. There are nice creases in the sculpting to add to the realism of the uniform. A good set of brasses are evident on the 37 pattern belt, the belt buckles are present on the rear and the trouser pockets are all present and in the correct place.
Conclusion
I like the pose, it is one of relaxed authority. The figure has a smartness about it that implies an experienced and proud soldier. This is a good stand alone figure, although I bought it with other purposes in mind.
Working with white metal requires a slightly different approach, especially when handling the figure as the metal is soft and can be damaged if you are not careful, especially if dropped from a height!!
Note that the base is not included.
SUMMARY
Highs: A figure painters figure that also has wider use.Lows: Being white metal, care needs to be taken if placing the figure with a diorama setting, or in and around plastic kits. They also don’t come cheap.Verdict: Recommended.
About Alan McNeilly (AlanL) FROM: ENGLAND - EAST ANGLIA, UNITED KINGDOM
Greying slightly, but young at heart. I've been teaching adults off and on for most of my life. Left the services in 85 and first started modelling in about 87 for a few years. Then I had a long spell when I didn't build anything (too busy) and really just got started again during the summer of ...
Great figure. I'm not mad about working with White metal but there's not much clean up on Hornet figures.
He'd make a good Barrack Orderly Sgt, MP or vehicle crew beside a cleaned up tank on parade.
Hi John,
They have some interesting figures, aimed more at the figure painter than the diorama builder but useable nonethelesss.
The build of the figures is spot on as is the way the uniforms hang on the body.
Al
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