Introduction

In the last few years it seems that manufacturers have been listening to modelers and giving us what we ask for. One constant feature of wish lists on forums has always been a demand for more civilians and this figure of a “Big Boned” farmer from SKP Model fits the bill.
Released to go with their Zetor tractor:

SKP Zetor

he could also, of course, be used alone. Although the Zetor is a post-war vehicle and I’m not an expert on farmers clothing I’m guessing the figure could be used to depict a (well fed) farmer from the 1930s to the present day. Although titled as a driver he is not in the act of driving but standing with one hand on his hip.

the figure

The figure comes in SKP’s usual silver colored box. On the box top there’s a colour photo of the painted figure which doesn’t do justice to the quality of the kit at all. The figure is packed inside in a zip lock bag.

Cast in a blue grey resin the figure consists of four parts: the main body including legs, the head and two arms. The torso/legs come attached to a substantial resin plug which I keep on the figure until painting is complete. The head comes with a nicely modelled trilby hat which to me looks slightly too small. The face also has a jowly, well fed look which gives it a lot of character. The figure is depicted wearing high boots and a set of bib and brace overalls with a large chest pocket over a long sleeved shirt. He stands with one hand on his hip as if contemplating something. The hands are very well modelled and cast and the figure detail overall is very crisp. He measures approx 51mm from the top of his hat to the bottom of his boots which scales out at approx 5ft 8 inches which is a reasonable height for a 1/35 scale figure.

Assembly

I cut the pieces from their plugs, which are well placed with clean up in mind, with a razor saw leaving the figure’s feet attached to the plug to hold onto while assembling and painting. There’s a fair amount of flash between the figure’s legs but it cleans up fairly quickly with a new number 11 blade. The fit of the right arm is perfect while there is a small gap that needs to be filled when the left arm is fitted. There was one air hole on the back of the right arm but luckily in a flat area that can easily be filled. I have two of these figures and on the other one there were no air holes or flaws in the resin at all. There are no instructions included but as the assembly is quite simple this isn’t a problem.

Conclusion

This is a good figure from Skp Model and suitable for farmers from the thirties on. With a little imagination he could be used in other civilian roles and may have potential as a military conversion.