As described in my other recent figure review, Firing Line is a small company based in Wales who specialize in excellent quality kits of unusual British Army subjects such as softskins and modern figures in a variety of scales. This is a review of one of their 1/35 figures of a British Army squad leader dressed and equipped for the 1970's-80's.
The figure
As with the other figure it is produced in white metal, with exceptional detail throughout.
The soldier is in a kneeling pose, pointing with his left arm and shouting. He is dressed in standard battledress for the period-which can be either olive green or DPM- and armed with the SLR rifle.
The figure is broken down into torso and legs, arms and head. The fit between the parts is excellent with no gaps around the shoulder joints.
The uniform detail is spot on, with crisp and realistic folds in all the right places. Pockets on the smock and trousers look full of kit which add to the realism of the figure. He wears full battle order around his waist and the sculpting of the 58 pattern webbing is perfect.
What's on top
The only problem i can see with this figure is the helmet. It doesn't replicate the standard infantry helmet, rather it appears in shape to resemble either an era appropriate para helmet, or the mk6 kevlar helmet which would be too late for the period this figure is intended for. Therefore it must be a para helmet, which is a shame as it limits you to only one regiment. If you want to use the figure for a regiment other than paratroopers, then you will need to replace the head with one by Hornet.
Wrapping up
Overall I give this figure a 9 -- an excellent and welcome release.
Highly recommended.
SUMMARY
A fine quality white-metal figure of a British Army soldier typical of the 1970's-80's in an action pose.
