Masterbox German Motorcyclists WWII Era 1:35

[Mike]

German Motorcyclists WWII Era
1:35 Master Box

A new figure set in injection moulded styrene from figure specialists Master Box. Arriving in a standard figure-sized box with a stylish painting of three of the figures pushing a bogged down motorbike & sidecar through thick mud. The first item of note is that you're not getting a motorbike into the bargain, but no-one would seriously expect one for the price they're asking!

The set consists of four figures in total, three of which are designed to be pushing one bike, the other leaning on another bike with his foot on the kickstarter pedal. Inside the box are two sprues, one of which contains the parts for the figures in a mid-grey styrene, while the other in a darker grey holds all the weapons, kit bags and other accessories. My accessories sprue had taken a knock at the factory, and has a few broken parts, but as there are duplicates aplenty, that shouldn't be an issue, even if yours has too.

The three figures pushing one bike are each grabbing a different part for purchase. One is pushing the handlebar, another the back of the bike and the rear of the sidecar, while the final chap is pushing the rear of the sidecar, with one hand on the welded-on machine gun mount. Figure four has one foot on the kickstarter, bracing himself with his hands on the bike's frame. Each one is wearing a winter greatcoat that flows naturally around the legs by having separate parts that attach to the figure's waist at belt height. The legs, arms, torsos and heads are individual parts, the latter having balaclavas sculpted in, leaving just their faces visible. Helmets are separate, and the riders also have separate goggles. The usual complement of MP40s, KAR98s, plus one eacxh of MG34 and MG42 are provided on the accessory sprue, plus a pair of STG44s, gasmask canisters, water bottles, pistols with holsters, entrenching tools, ammo pouches and boxes, potato-masher grenades and some other weapons I can't remember the names of right now.

Painting
As usual with most figure sets, there is a painting guide on the rear of the box, which shows part numbers and suitable colours from the Vallejo and Lifecolor ranges.

Conclusion
Sculpting is up to Master Box's usual standards, and was done by a Mr. A. Gagarin. With sympathetic painting, a suitable motorcycle combo and lots of mud, it should result in a dynamic diorama.

Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of