History

During World War Two, the United States Marine Corps deployed Navajo Native American Natives into the field as a method of providing secure communication. The bilingual Navajo Natives would communicate with their native language as a means of “encrypted” communication between sections. The communication was done with codes build into the native language, and allowed for more effective communication, that the Japanese were never able to decipher. More than 400 Native Americans served with the U.S.M.C in World War Two for this purpose.

Figure

Recently, Manta Figurines has released a Navajo Code Talker in 1/35 scale. The figure comes in a crouched position holding his issued carbine while talking on the radio strapped to his back. he casting on the figure and detail parts is very exquisite, and looks just great. There was no flash or bubbles found in the castings, but there is a cast line on the figure that will need to cleaned up.

The separate parts included are:
- The body with head attached
- Left arm
- Left hand with Carbine
- Right Arm
- Helmet
- Radio
- Canteen
- Navajo Knife
- Holster
- Small Ammunition Pouch
- Microphone

The pose and facial expression in my opinion are very well done, with the pose looking natural, and not staged. In my opinion, the face detail shows that of a Native American person. The detail on the face is very good, including the cast on headset over the right ear. As for the uniform the cast details is very good, and a quick comparison of images of U.S.M.C. uniforms of the time, show a good match, including the rolled up pant legs and pocket detail. The creases and folds look realistic and to be in the correct location for the pose. The cast on webbing is perfectly defined, and really adds to the overall appearance of the figure.

The included gear looks to be period equipment and the perfect accessories for the figure. Of the accessories include, a Navajo knife in its sheath is very well done. As for the radio pack, it is well cast, with the earphone cast onto the figures head, and the microphone cast separately. There is a small piece of paper included, showing the TBY-8 radio and wires. Not included in the figure package, a small bit of wire could be added to complete the figure when assembled.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an excellent looking figure from Manta Figurines and could be used in a diorama with other U.S.M.C. figures storming a beach, or on its own in a small vignette. This figure will look great painted and displayed and I would highly recommend this figure to anyone.