I personaly believe that figures can make or break a diorama. I’ve never been really into the “standing around pointing” types of figure sets so I’m always on the lookout for sets that offer up something new, something that makes them the focus of the diorama as much as the vehicle, if not more. Which is why I think this set is a great little one to use.
This set from Dragon comes on one large, light grey sprue that holds the four figures, together with a small light grey sprue that holds the stretcher. It is an older set so the mouldings are a little thick in some areas, in particular the creases and folds in the clothing are a little understated and the tunic skirts lack any undercut detail, being solid instead, so a scalpel, drill, or dremel will be needed there if you like to have that sort of detail.
Other than that the faces look good with nicely defined features and individual expressions. One even has the head moulded in two halves, front and back, to get the best detail on the bandages, a style of moulding more akin to the newer Gen 2 figure sets. The moulds have only light flashing and mould seams to clean up and assembly is quick, simple and accurate.
The two medics wear standard field uniforms with high boots and both have helmets and moulded on armbands. They both get two of the brown leather medic’s pouches, one of which is moulded with a separate lid so that it can be moulded open and in use. The two wounded also wear the standard field uniform but with low boots and gaiters. Both are bareheaded, one with his headed bandaged. The other has his hand bandaged and both get a breadbag and an entrenching tool with an attached bayonet.
The only other equipment included are two canteens with the small bakerlite cup attached and two without the cup. No weapons are included but a sheet of decals is included with which to make a red cross flag as well as for the red cross markings on the medic’s armbands, helmets, and on the medical case.
The stretcher included is very well produced with beautifully done stitches and delicate poles. It comes with a straw pillow that also looks very good, though the straw is understandably a little thick at the ends. You also get a medical case and a large medic’s satchel with a nicely done textured surface and a small, raised red cross.
Assembly instructions and a painting guide are included on the rear of the box and are very simple and easy to use.
This is a great little set that makes a very nice vignette on its own or can be used to really set off a diorama of a knocked out light vehicle. There are a few shortcomings with the finer detail, most noteably the lack of undercut detail but that shouldn’t be seen as a major negative as it is more a minor niggle for those of us who like to drill out sleeves and is completely in line with other similar kits out there. This should be seen for what it is, a good little set that doesn’t need a lot of extra work to make it a very good set.
Click thumbnails to enlarge images.
Ditto, have used it myself.
excellent kit. highly recommended.