are better known for their AFV interior sets. Not that long ago they released their first figure, a 1/35 scale representation of a Canadian sniper during WW2. The figure was sculpted by Radek Pituch from Poland. The miniature was based against a wartime photograph and to my mind gives a very good representation of same. The original photograph shows the soldier in Holland in 1945 and notes him as a member of the Calgary Highlanders.
The figure
The figure comes packed in a zip plastic bag with a paper cover depicting the completed product, product details and details of the maker . The main body of the figure is in the first zip bag and the remaining parts in a separate zip bag contained within the first.
The figure is cast in a light grey resin, I could find only one small pin mark on the rear of the combat jacket. The remainder of the parts seemed free from any cause for concern.
The figure consists of 9 parts. The body cast as a whole, separate arms, choice of two heads, sniper rifle with scope with the hands moulded on, binoculars, what would appear to be a Ghurkha Kukri and a Mills 36 grenade.
The figure is dressed in ammo boots, anklets and Battle Dress trousers, all of which are very nicely represented. On the upper body is a good representation of the Denison smock and tucked in around the neck area is a face veil. Around the waste of the body is a 37 pattern belt. You might need to add the straight brasses here, and on the back of the belt is a small pouch. No buckles are present on the rear of the belt but that is most probably correct as they would only shine when you least wanted them to.
To complete the figure you get two heads, the first of which is shown wearing a face veil wrapped around his head, as depicted in the original photograph. The facial detail is quite good, showing a fine moustache and clean features. The second head is also well done but this time wears a cap comforter often associated with the Commandos, although worn by all troops as required. Both should paint up well.
The separate arms are designed to hold the No 4 rifle at about waist height, again the detail looks good here with only a small seam to remove.
Equipment comes in the form of the No 4 Rifle with No 32 telescopic sight. The butt shows the addition of the wooden cheek piece added to sniper rifles and the pour plug is in a nice, easy to remove place. Overall the rifle and the hands molded onto it look very good.
Rounding off the equipment is a Mill 36 Bomb, Kukri and a pair of binoculars.
The figure stands approximately 41/42mm from heel to shoulder so a very acceptable height and the body proportions look good to me.
No build or paint instructions come with the figure, but this shouldn't be an issue as it is a straight forward build and information on uniforms is readily available.
Conclusion
Overall this appears to be a very good figure. The clothing has nice natural folds and creases, the detail throughout is very well done and with a selection of two heads and the order of dress the figure could be easily adapted as a Commando or Paratrooper.
The No 4 rifle and scope look well done, the Kukri adds interest and whether as a stand along figure or incorporated into a wider scene you should end up with a very decent chap indeed.
It is always good to see new British/Commonwealth troops coming onto the market so hats off to ITA for adding another useful figure to what’s already available.
SUMMARY
Highs: Good detail and body proportions.Lows: Small air bubble needs to be filled on the rear of my example, and the belt brasses could have been better.Verdict: Highly recommended.
About Alan McNeilly (AlanL) FROM: ENGLAND - EAST ANGLIA, UNITED KINGDOM
Greying slightly, but young at heart. I've been teaching adults off and on for most of my life. Left the services in 85 and first started modelling in about 87 for a few years. Then I had a long spell when I didn't build anything (too busy) and really just got started again during the summer of ...
Hi Karl,
Thanks for the link. He also features on the front of The Canadian Soldier (Jean Bouchery) and on page 118 of the same book.
Hi Roman,
Thanks I'll add that in.
It's possible we might see a few more figures from ITA in the future.
Cheers
Al
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