Introduction

Chasseur Alpins, translated to Alpine Hunters in English, are a unit of elite mountain infantry within the French Army. There are 3 battalions within the French Army which are all based in cities within the French Alps. In a new release from Manta Figurines, they have brought us a 1/35th scale figure of one of these Alpine Hunters as serving in Afghanistan in 2009. The figure represents a Mimini Gunner, carrying the Belgian 5.56mm light machine gun.

Contents

In the package is included one 1/35 scale figure that will need to be assembled. The body comes cast as one piece with separate arms, head, and detail parts. The hands are cast onto the Mimini gun. Included in the package is:

• Full body, with legs
• Head
• Right Arm
• Left Arm
• Mimini LMG, with hands molded on
• Helmet
• Ammunition box for LMG
• Bipod for LMG
• Skeleton Shoulder Stock
• Ammunition Pouch
• 5 Assorted Pouches

Review

The figure from Manta Figurines is cast in grey resin, showing great details. The standing upright body detail includes molded on body armor, including the flak vest, and knee pads. The detail is very well done, showing good creases and folds in the uniform, and well represented webbing and straps. The facial expression is also very well done, with helmet chin strap molded on. The helmet has cast on goggles, and looks to be very well done as well.

The casting of the Mimini Light Machine Gun looks to be done very well, with hands holding the weapon molded on. The shoulder stock and bipod come as a separate pieces to be attached and are very fine, extra care will be need to remove them from casting lug and attaching.

As for accuracy of the figure, the uniform and detail seems to match reference images I have found online with two exceptions. On the figure from Manta Figurines, there are little pockets on the upper arms that I can’t identify in reference images, and in most images of troops serving in Afghanistan the soldiers have the pants tucked into the top of the boots, while the figure has the pants hanging over the boots.

It should be noted that the figure set from Manta Figurines does not contain any painting guide or references for the figure, thus it will be up to the modeler to check their references for painting.

Conclusion

Overall this is a great looking figure of the Chasseur Aplin from Manta Figurines. The figure is very well cast with great detail. With the release of new French AFV’s in 1/35 scale kits that served in Afghanistan, this figure would be a great compliment in a diorama setting. I would highly recommend this figure for French Infantry fans.