Figure 35085 German Heer Panzer Crew #2 consists of the following six (6) parts:

The Figures

On the whole the figures are superbly sculpted and, as expected from Alpine Miniatures, the casting is crisp and clean.

The heads are all well-sculpted, and both pairs of faces match in terms of facial details – it is merely the headwear that distinguishes them. The faces are cleanly sculpted and well defined, with well-textured hair (particularly the two Feldmütze heads which both have fairly thick, wavy hair) visible under the headgear, which itself is well proportioned and nicely detailed. The casting blocks are positioned under the neck for all four heads, so modellers can effortlessly remove these without fear of damaging any detail.

The figures proper are excellently sculpted, and folds gather realistically for the materials and garments portrayed. All the finer details such as shoulder and collar insignia which stand proud, the enlisted man’s belt buckle, and the officer’s binoculars are well detailed and very crisply and clearly cast.

The sculptor has succeeded in portraying the bulkiness of the one-piece leather flight suit. While I would have preferred to have seen a few of the zippered pockets rendered on the piece, the lack of them is not incorrect due to, as noted above, the many variants seen in these suits. The indented spot for the holster assists placement, but more importantly helps accentuate the bulkiness of the suit.

Figure 35085 German Heer Panzer Crew #2 is similarly stunningly sculpted, with plenty of small details to admire, such as the right tip of the breast eagle sticking out from under the closed jacket front; the raised collar tabs (Totenkopf) detail; the thigh pocket, open with the tab tucked into the pocket which itself has contents (perhaps a box of cigarettes). The drapery in general is excellent, and shows the contrast between the close fitting Panzer jacket and the baggier work trousers.

Casting is, overall, excellent. That said, while figure 35084 is virtually flash free (there was a smigdeon between the legs which is hardly worth mentioning), there is unusually more flash than normal (for an Alpine figure) around the legs of figure 35085. This however is extremely thin, can simply be flicked off with a sharp blade and frankly negligible. As per usual the casting blocks beneath the feet have been cut away and no more than a quick clean-up is required.

The figures’ arms, as with the rest of the kit, are well defined and cast. 35084’s arms feature the casting lugs placed on the inside of the shoulders, while 35085’s casting lugs are placed inside the shoulder and under the bicep for the left and right arms respectively. In the case of figure 35084 (the officer), flat spots on inside of forearms for facilitate a closer fit to the body, thus again emphasising the size of the suit. The cuffs are also recessed to allow for fitment of the hands. Something that really stands out on these two figures is the hands themselves, which are well defined and cleanly cast.

The pistol holsters are as always finely detailed and cast, with only the casting lug at the top requiring removal.

Conclusion

While some may find these figures rather limiting, I actually find them quite versatile. 35084 German Heer Panzer Crew #1 certainly need not only depict a Heer tanker, but a Waffen-SS tanker who were renowned for their use of leather gear, or even an aviator –he does after all wear a Luftwaffe flight-suit.

As we have come to expect from Alpine, the casting and sculpting is superb, with only a negligible amount of flash on one figure.

This is another exceptional couple of figures from Kristian Bodi and Alpine Miniatures. The quality of the cast and the versatility of the subject should prove to be very popular. Recommended.

References

The following material was consulted for purposes of this review, and is suggested reading for more information on the subject: