When it comes to modelling 1/35 scale World War Two subjects the modeller of German interests has always been better served than those with an allied bent, but considering the size of the market in the United States it has always surprised me how few figure sets there are of U.S. subjects, with this one being amongst the few decent sets out there, and also providing much needed heavy support weapons.
Coming in the standard Dragon open-ended box this kit comes on three sprues, one containing the six figures, one containing the weapons, and the third is a small sprue that containins the arms for the figures. Moulded in a light grey plastic these are all very well moulded with clear, sharp detail and a variety of faces with good expressions. The uniforms are all very nicely moulded with well picked out detail and good looking folds and creases.
The six figures represent three teams of two men, one team with an M19A4 .30 cal machine gun, one with a M18 57mm Recoilless Rifle, the third with a 60mm mortar. The mortar and machine gun teams wear the standard ETO uniforms with M1938 leggings, M1936 suspenders and M1 helmets, the Recoiless Rifle team wear Paratrooper uniforms and their helmets have moulded on netting.
Each figure comes with a first aid kit, a canteen, a bayonet in a scabard and a holstered M1911A1 pistol, though the holsters look a little long and the pistol butt is a little square. There is also two entrenching tools, one pistol double mag pouch, and two M1 carbine double mag pouches, with an additional six double pouches to make two bandoliers, and two helmet mounted aid packs for the paratroopers.
The weapons included are an M18 57mm Recoilless rifle, an M2 60mm Mortar, an M19A4 .30 cal machine gun and a M2 Browning .50 cal machine gun ( which comes as a bit of a bonus as there is no mention of it on the box ). There is also an M1 Garand and an M1A1 Carbine, the paratrooper version, which includes a very nice, very delicate, seaparate folding stock.
The machine guns are good looking though like most they could do with the opening up of the barrel shield holes and muzzle. Each comes with an ammo tin and a section of ammo belt and both include the elevating gear used on the bipods which are very finely moulded with a little flash to remove, the M19A4 one being one piece and the M2 one being two piece.
The M18 Recoilless Rifle needs the shoulder frame hollowed out and the muzzle drilled out but is otherwise a good example and includes several small, delicate parts for the sights. Again there is a small ammount of cleanup required and there is only one round included, and I do think at least a carry pack of ammo should have been included.
The M2 mortar has very delicately moulded legs and several very small parts for the elevation gear and sight. A little cleanup of the tube is required but nothing major. You get three mortar bombs, each with separate tail fins which is adequate though again there is no carry case for them.
A large glossy colour sheet is provided for the instructions and painting guide which is simple and easy to follow.
This is a very well produced set that provide you with three separate teams that can be used indiviudally. They could also be used together though you’d need to come up with a scenario where paratroopers and regular army troops are operating side by side. The mouldings are very good and the detailing nice and clear, the weapons being especially nice and the inclusion of the extra Browning .50 cal machine gun being a good bonus.
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