About 20 years ago, Vietnam figures were limited to Dragon Models and resin companies like Verlinden. Then for a while figures for that era where hard to come by. Dragon and Verlinden where still around, but by today’s standards, Dragon was not good enough and Verlinden didn’t have the variety. Now you have a company called Bravo 6 that produces superb resin figures, but a lot of modelers are intimidated with resin. Master Box Ltd. has started to fill that void with its third installment in their Vietnam series called “Head for the Huey.”
the set
In the kit are two tan sprues. Sprue A comprises of the figures, weapons, and most of the gear that the instructions call for. Sprue B has the head gear, packs, extra weapons and extra gear. There is hardly any flash present and mold lines are easily removed with the back of an X-Acto blade. Details on the figures are sharp and noticeable. For plastic, the facial features are very good.
Master Box provides extra weapons in the kit. Along with the weapons that the instructions call for, three plain M16’s are included along with a M16/M203. Four “Frag” grenades and four smoke grenades are there also. You have your choice of K-Bar knives or bayonets to add to the figures if you choose.
Other than what the instructions call for, there are two extra rucksacks with partial frame showing and one extra frame. The instructions don’t call for it, but there are four entrenching tool cases on the sprue. The one thing that really stands out is that there are four different head gear that you can choose from. Two different types of boonie hats, a soft cap, and a regular “steel pot” are your choices.
As you can see, I went ahead and constructed the figures to see how they went together. The two single figures went together well. The only thing needed is straps on the rucksack that is carried by one of the figures. On the other hand, the two soldiers carrying the wounded were not as easy to put together. You have to pay close attention to alignment for the three to stand properly while holding each other. Because of the alignment issue, you have to build all three figures prior to painting and the painting process might prove to be difficult for a novice figure builder/painter.
All in all, these figures are very well done and will be a welcomed to anyone who builds the Vietnam era.
SUMMARY
Highs: Four different types of head gear, and extra personal gear is provided.Lows: Two soldiers carrying wounded might prove to be difficult to put together and paint by a novice.Verdict: Good to see, good looking, and well detailed Vietnam figures offered in plastic.
Our Thanks to Master Box Ltd.! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Pete Becerra (Epi) FROM: TEXAS, UNITED STATES
I am 48 years of age. I have been modeling since I was around 8 years old. As you can see from my signature, I am retired from the US Army and Texas Army National Guard. I served 6 years in active duty from 1989 to 1995 and in 1998 I joined the Texas Army National Guard and been serving up unt...
Hi James,
I'm just finishing this set.MB has been doing a great job with their new releases and as I said in an earlier post on "head for the Heuy"their customer service is the best I ever seen.
The instructions do get a little complicated to follow and a more detailed set would help.That of course would bring up the cost,so I can live with a little frustration.I found the best way to deal with it is to blackout parts I have assembled.There is the odd part that has the same number.
The spare parts you refer to are used in the "patrol" set where you also according to AI hats can be used on all,but the figures all have rounded heads and only the helmets fit.You diffently have to assemble all 3 together to get a correct fit and it does make painting more complicated.Photos to come.
Tom
Alot of possabilities with this set. Nice animation and the pics make them look much better than the W.W.2 jungle Marines I am doing now. Masterbox will need more shelf space in the fantazy factory I'm afraid. God, my wife is gonna kill me. Maybe she'll spare me if I get rid of some of the German sets I have around. Yeah, that's it. Get rid of them and P/U all M.B.'s U.S. sets, never know the differance!!!
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