Introduction

Resicast have just released a very useful set of 1/35th scale Bergen's that can be used with a wide range of British soldiers, Glider Troops, Commandos, Paratroops and standard Infantry Soldiers.
The set was sculpted by Gerard Detroeye.

The Set

The set comes cast in a light grey resin and packaged in the normal Resicast format for small items (double ziploc plastic bags). There is an insert card with the product and manufacturer details and a colour picture of the 6 unpainted Bergen’s.

There are six different finish styles of Bergen. The Bergen’s are very nicely detailed with all the main pouch straps and buckles in the appropriate places. Each is finished slightly differently with one having a ground sheet under the main pack cover, another, a ground sheet and a rope, one designed to cross carry a 2” mortar, one with a Mk II helmet under the straps, one closed and finally one with an open top displaying the contents of tins, ground sheet, and personal gear.

Each pack has the appropriate 'A' frame with the curved metal joint on the bottom and the half moon leather holding joint at the top. There are 3 additional small rope coils that can be hung on as needed plus shoulder straps with buckles for extra detailing.

The 2 inch mortar is well represented and comes with a small base that needs fitting. Normally this weapon came with a canvas cover used to protect the opening to the tube and support the carry strap, but this one has been provided to be strapped across the top of one of the Bergen’s.

The casting, detail and quality look as you would expect; terrific. The shoulder straps should be a challenge but they appear very flexible.

Conclusion

A very detailed and useful set of accessories for British and Commonwealth 1/35th scale troops. This style of Bergen continued in use well after the World War Two and I can remember them in use in the 1970s and 1980s, so lots of scope for this product.

With each Bergen having it’s own particular style and with the open topped option modellers have a great choice to use either as stand alone items or added to their 1/35th scale troops. This is a really welcome addition to the Allied Accessory menu.