introduction

Value Gear has been changing the face of stowage sets for AFVs with a line of excellent resin tents, tarps and crates. Mix & match allows modelers to find the right combination of stowage for very reasonable prices. Now Value Gear has released two sets of US packs and "ditty bags" (USMC slang for sea bags).

kit contents

The usual Value Gear Ziploc baggie with hang tag card contains 25 items:

11 single knapsacks
2 double knapsacks (side-by-side)
1 triple pack
4 sea bags laid out flat
2 sea bags (or other bags) sitting up

plus a "bonus" of:

3 misc. tents/tarps
1 crate
1 misc. leather pouch

the review

In the past, Value Gear has focused on releasing generic tents, tarps and crates that would not be out-of-place in almost any era. While the word for canvas dates to the 13th Century, canvas made from hemp and other plant fibers is probably timeless. Indeed, one can imagine a quartermaster from a Roman Legion fretting over the tents and tarps used to cover the men and chariots.

Now Value Gear's Steve Munsell has targeted a specific era and army for a line of knapsacks and "ditty" bags (sea bags) for US vehicles. The Musette bag was a more-comfortable improvement over the M1928 "haversack" (more like a long bedroll with straps). While the Musette bag was never standardized, it's one of the most-iconic looks on US soldiers in all theaters of operations during World War 2.

Perhaps because it wasn't standard, the Musette bag had non-standard colors and a variety of straps. The straps aren't included in the set, so have at it you scratchbuilders!

The casting is Value Gear's usual crisp, exact look that some modelers have criticized as "too good." I would prefer resin accessories with too much detail, as I can always "tone it down" with primer or Mr. Surfacer. These seem "just right" to me, Goldilocks.

conclusion

Other than vehicle-specific stowage sets, there simply isn't a better solution for adding realism to a vehicle build or diorama than VG's resin sets.

Thanks to Value Gear for this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw the item reviewed here on Armorama when ordering.