Introduction

Dragon Models Limited has graced us with an interesting figure set for folks who lean toward the Allied side of modeling. This is something of a hybrid set for a couple of reasons. One, Dragon has continued their recent policy of '39-'45 Series figures mixed with Gen2 accessories, although the only Gen2 items are the weapons, not the personal gear for each of the figures.

Secondly, this is another one of those mixed forces sets with 3 American troopers and one British commando figure. In that sense it is a bit like their earlier release of kit #6563 “Fragile Alliance”(Reviewed here) and #6344 “28th Division in Poland” (Reviewed here) which included an Italian and a Polish soldier respectively. It is a bit different in that the two sets mentioned were centered on a common theme, something that is missing with this particular grouping.

Review

The set comes with four figures packaged in the end opening style box with a Ron Volstad illustration on the front, repeated on the reverse with the painting guide. There are no instructions included beyond the back of the box; which are easy enough to understand. The four figures are all very well done, certainly up to Dragon’s recent standards of excellent figure releases, '39-'45 Series or not. The three American figures, an officer with M1 Carbine at the ready, an NCO in a relaxed pose with a Thompson at the hip, and a private with an M1 Garand in a slightly relaxed on guard pose. The British, or perhaps more properly, Commonwealth commando figure is armed with a Sten gun at the ready.

For head and footgear the commando is wearing the distinctive beret and canvas gaiters, the EM wears a helmet with the net cover along with combat boots, while the other two wear the standard US helmet and M38 canvas leggings. The sample I had unfortunately was struck with the dreaded cooling disease on the torsos of three of the figures, the only one spared was the officer (typical officer type I guess!). These are the visible lines seen in the images.

The weapons, all Gen2 , are excellent; two M1 Garands, the Sten gun, M1 Carbine and, for good measure, a BAR. The weapons all feature pre-drilled barrels. Included now as standard with the Gen2 US weapons are the twelve 8 round en bloc clips, but does anyone really use them? I can’t recall seeing them in a model yet. One minor annoyance was the lack of slings for the weapons, I know they have them, throwing them into the box and charging a bit extra would have seemed to be an acceptable tradeoff.

Conclusion

Another very useful group of figures from Dragon that can be used in a myriad of post D-Day situations. I kind of like the different armies approach, it is almost like a couple of mini figure sets all in one box. And of course, anything Allied is always welcomed by most modelers.