Introduction

In this review I will be taking a look at a series of Russian motor troops which represent Tank's very early figure releases, in fact if the identification codes represent Tanks release schedule this is the 9th set of figures to be released. This set consists of two figures which can be used individually or with any number of the six 2 figure sets available in the same vein. The sets are designed to be used on or around Russian armour of World War Two.

Contents

The figures in this pack are in the standard white card box with a colour print showing the figures assembled and painted on the front. Inside the box there are two clear zip lock bags with the parts for each of the figures together in each bag. Both figures are moulded in a light grey resin and consist of;

• Torso and legs moulded as one
• Two arms
• Flat top head
• Water bottle
• clip magazine canvas pouch
• Helmet
• Personal weapon
• Satchel

Review

Moulding detail of both of the figures such as facial features and hands is of a very high standard which will allow the more skilled figure painters to achieve a very lifelike appearance. Uniform detail is good throughout with nice crease detail and no obvious issues at all. The moulding all appears to be free of any of the issues that can affect resin such as air bubbles or distorted parts caused during the curing process but there is, of course, a limited amount of flash that will be easy to remove.

Figure 1 is supposed to represent a soldier about to dismount a vehicle, however the this figure could very easily be shown as a seated figure on a flat service, the figure is wearing the appropriate summer uniform. This figure is armed with a Pistolet-Pulemet Sudareva obrazets 43 with a folded stock, I would have liked there to be the option of having the stock open. I consider this the 43 rather than the 42 version as the pistol grip has a protruding bulge at the front bottom of it which is the only way I know to tell them apart in this scale. The other personnel equipment supplied with this figure consists of a water bottle, a magazine pouch for three magazines, and a satchel.

Figure 2 is depicted in an almost upright position and is walking forward, on the box this figure is shown holding onto a turret grab rail and walking along the track guard, This figure is again depicted wearing the appropriate summer uniform. This figure is armed with a Pistolet-Pulemet Shpagina obrazets 41 with banana clip magazine. The figure is supplied with a banana clip magazine ammunition pouch and water bottle, and satchel.

General Observations:
A large proportion of my reviews of these early Tank Russian figures has been copied and pasted from the first reviews I wrote, I make no apology for that as it has only been done where appropriate and to my mind shows the level of quality running across this range of figures. Moving on, the level of detail is enhanced via the use of some very nice undercuts where needed on the uniforms with the exception of the cuffs. The undercuts around the cuffs may be possible with more modern moulding techniques but I suspect that this would lead to a number of figures arriving with their hands broken off, this could be overcome by supplying the hands as separately moulded items with long pins representing the lower arm and wrist but on the whole these figures are fine.

An area that Tank could possibly improve on these figures is the bottom of the boots which while where applicable an instep has been included no other detail has been replicated. I am aware that some footwear had no tread pattern with the only detail being the nail heads and stitching visible from the construction process that is not always the case. The fit of the figure parts that I have checked where they have been broken from the pour plugs during transit is very good and should not concern anyone.

Conclusion

During the course of writing the reviews of these early Tank figures something that has struck me is that moulding quality from Tank is of an exceptionally high standard. Looking at the early figures and some of their very latest the only real quality difference is in the finesse of the areas such as the hands. Moulding quality is for the most part excellent with the only issues encountered in any of the tank figures I have reviewed being one figure with some air bubbles and a poorly cured rifle.
Taking everything into consideration I have absolutely no trepidation in highly recommending these figures to you.

Pictures of the built and painted figures are from Tanks website.