I am compelled to begin this review by stating that this rather nice figure is suffering from an obvious “identity crises”, since the title given above (except for the product number) is entirely of my own concoction. In other words, there is no description of this soldier on the package, other than the product number. If I was to really go far a-field, I’d say that he is actually designed specifically to represent a soldier attached to the Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade, as seen in NW Europe in 1944-45.
He is what my good friend Ken Jones would call a “straight up-and-down figure” since he stands with his right leg slightly forward and has both arms hanging at his sides; his right hand holds the top of his Lee-Enfield rifle, whose butt rests on the ground. He is clothed in typical British Battle Dress and wears ’37-pattern webbing to include belt and harness, two ammunition pouches, water bottle, two different packs and folded entrenching tool in its case. There is a choice of head gear (beret or steel helmet).
He is well-cast and the smaller details such as buckles, buttons and shoes are quite crisp. There is almost no flash or seams to clean, but all parts must be carefully removed from the pour plugs, especially his “soft gear”. His right arm and head are separate parts, with the beret and helmet also separate. He only lacks a sling for hus rifle to be complete; this can be added from lead foil.
A single, full-color image of an assembled and painted figure adorns the tiny box, which will suffice for a painting and assembly guide, as is the custom with resin figures nowadays.
Recommended.
Frank V. “Curley Stooge” De Sisto
SKP Model kits are available direct from the manufacturer; for details visit their web site at: www.skpmodel.eu.
