Introduction

This is the 6th and final review of the new 25 pdr gun crew figures recently released from Resicast.

The other five reviews can be found here:

Officer in Greatcoat

Gun Crew Sergeant

Gun Crew Layer

Gun Crew Loader No 1

Gun Crew Loader No 2

There are 6 figures that make up the crew: The Officer (in Greatcoat), The Gun Crew Sergeant, Gun Crew Layer, the Gun Crew Loader No, Gun Crew Loader No 2, and Gun Crew Rammer being reviewed here
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 Rammer. The figure was Mastered by G Detroeye and painted by Christophe Nachtergael.

Gun Crew Rammer

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 5 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, arms and hands holding the ramming rod.

The figure is dressed in Battle Dress and wearing a leather jerkin, with anklets and ammo boots. The jerkin on this figure is open revealing a 37/40 Battle Dress blouse with pleated pockets. The stance of the figure is standing and slightly bent forward holding the ramming rod to complete the 25pdr load. The uniform is nicely done with all elements being present and correct to my eye. The jerkin has the join lines of being made from several pieces of material and I believe this to be correct, particularly as the war progressed and materials became short in supply.

Both the left and right arms are separate items being clad in battle dress sleeves. The hand comes attached to the ramming rod which has a slight bend in it, but should straighten out when fixed to the arms. The head, also a separate item, is another well detailed one and portrays the face of a young looking gunner adorned with a General Service Cap. 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 a very acceptable size.

Normal precautions apply when working with resin.

Conclusion

A simple figure that will require minimal clean up. 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 Rammer, or perhaps with new hands someone carrying/lifting equipment. Digging in was an option that came to mind!

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. Another excellent figure to complete the Gun Crew.

Overall thoughts on the six figure Gun Crew

This is a quality Royal Artillery Crew who although specifically designed for the 25 pounder Field Gun could, I dare say, be adapted to almost any field piece.

The generic nature of the figures means that most could be adapted for other roles with minimal effort. The omission of the belt on the No 1 Loader is the only disappointing area. The commander, some might say, is a bit too relaxed looking, but then he has the seasoned look of an experienced soldier so I don’t see that as a problem.

I hope these will be enjoyed by many as a NWE Gun Crew is something I have often heard requested here and on other sites.

Both figure painters and diorama builder should enjoy these simple to assemble and detailed figures. I was glad to see them released as separate items, so modellers can buy to suit their needs, or over a period of time. These separate figures are an option I would to see with other Resicast Gun Crew Sets.

Congratulations to both sculptor and manufacturer on a welcome and useful set of British/Commonwealth soldiers.