In figure sets of late Masterbox have become synonymous with sets that think offer something other than the norm, and this set is certainly one of those, giving us an instant diorama opportunity.
This kit comes in the usual Masterbox open ended box on a single dark yellow sprue which holds the five figures that make up this set. The figures depict a group of soldiers carrying an injured comrade from the field of battle in a zeltbahn. It is based on a wartime photograph which is printed on the back of the box for reference purposes.
The mouldings are the typical Masterbox quality having the usual light mould seams and some minor flashing to clean up, and requiring a small ammount of filling and sanding once assembled to remove the join lines. The faces have good expressions, the hands are nicely moulded, and the tunic skirts are moulded as separate pieces to give the best definition. At an average 50-51mm tall they average out at around 175-178cm tall or 5′9″-5′10″. As with many of Masterbox’s figure sets the heads are moulded as complete heads with no hair, though with the helmet chin straps moulded on. The helmets are moulded hollow but without liners.
The figure of the injured man is bareheaded with very nicely moulded hair. He also wears no webbing or personal equipment. The equipment included for the other four consists of four breadbags, four canteens, three entrenching tools, eight rifle mag pouches, four gas mask containers, two mess tins, four gas cape pouches, one helmet with a cover, three helmets without covers, and a mapcase.
There is also an empty entrenching tool holder which goes together with an entrenching shovel which is moulded together with a section of belt so that it can be positioned tucked through the front of the belt on one figure. Weapons included are five Kar 98K rifles as it is intended that one of the figures carrying the injured man also carries his rifle.
Assembly and painting instructions are provided on the reverse of the box giving the paint numbers for Vallejo, Tamiya, Lifecolour, Humbrol and Agama paints.
This is a great set of figures that makes up into an instant little vignette that can be displayed quite well just on its own. The small ammount of clean-up required shouldn’t detract from what are a very well made set.
Click thumbnails to enlarge images.
