Introduction
This is the 4th in a series of 6 reviews of the new 25 pdr gun crew figure releases from
Resicast.
The other three reviews can be found here:
Officer in Greatcoat
Gun Crew Sergeant
Gun Crew Layer
There are 6 figures that make up the crew: The Officer (in Greatcoat), The Gun Crew Sergeant, Gun Crew, the Gun Crew Loader No 1 Layer being reviewed here, Gun Crew Loader No 2 and Gun Crew Rammer. Each of the figures is available individually and I thought I’d follow on the review of the series by looking at the Gun Crew Loader no 1.
The figure was Mastered by G Detroeye and painted by Christophe Nachtergael.
Gun Crew Loader No 1
The figure comes packed in the standard Resicast format of a zip plastic bag containing a colour card insert of the painted figure and the manufactures details. The figure itself is contained in a smaller zip bag and consists of 3 parts.
Cast in a light cream resin the figure was free from any damage or air bubbles. The body comes cast as a whole with separate head and hands holding the shell. The left and right arms are moulded onto the torso.
The figure is dressed in Battle Dress and wearing a greatcoat, with anklets and ammo boots. The greatcoat is nicely done although there is a small pour stub to remove from the back area. The buttons and coat pockets are all in evidence. Gerard has portrayed the early 1939 style Greatcoat on this figure. This had no pleat in the upper back and the small half belt could be tucked inside the coat allowing greater expansion of the garment for wearing extra layers of clothing underneath. The two lower rear buttons are present. This is a nice subtle touch and everything else appears to be in good order. The stance of the figure is leaning forward holding a shell ready to load the gun.
Both the shell and the hands are well sculpted. The head, a separate item, is also another well detailed one. The head shows the face of a mature looking gunner, wearing a Mk I/II helmet with the chin strap under the chin. The detail looks excellent and the head also has a fine crop of hair on display where appropriate.
The uniform has nice natural folds and creases. The figure has good body proportions, and looks to be a very acceptable size.
Normal precautions apply when working with resin.
Conclusion
A simple figure that will require minimal clean up. I missed the tucked in belt so thatnks to Pat for bring it to my attention, this was an option available on the 1939 style pattern Greatcoat. The figure should paint up very nicely indeed. This one should be of interest to both figure painters and those looking for a RA Gun Loader or perhaps with a new hand someone carrying/lifting equipment.
I like the order of dress here, it adds a little variety to the overall crew uniforms.
Although designed for NWE the order of dress could be used in Italy and probably the latter part of the N. African campaign. A simple change of helmet would take the figure to the latter part of the war in Europe.
