Meng US Marines Individual Load-Carrying Equipment (SPS-027) 1:35

[Mike]

US Marines Individual Load-Carrying Equipment (SPS-027)
1:35 Meng Model

Meng's Supplies series continues to expand with this handy set of load-carrying equipment, MOLLE bags and such that would be extremely useful in dioramas or to add to your AFV as stowage. The set comes in their usual black box with the funky orange interior, and the resin parts broken down between two bubble-wrap bags and four re-sealable clear foil bags. There are no instructions in the box, and none visible on the site, so it's either a head-scratching session while you figure out what goes where, or you can use the guide below that I've pieced together from what I know, photos on the net, and trial-and-error.

The parts list online doesn't show everything in the box, so I've laid out a complete list below, with the straps and attachments cross-referenced with their part numbers in brackets for your ease.

• Duffle Bag (1) with harness (2)
• FILBE Main pack (3) with side pouches (4,5) and harness (6,7,8)
• ILBE Assault Pack (9) with straps (10,11)
• FILBE Assault Pack(12) with harness (13)
• MOLLE II Patrol Pack(14) with harness (15)
• Folded MSS Sleeping Bag (16)
• Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) (17)
• Soft Gun case (18)
• M4A1 Rifle with EOTech 552 Holo-Sight (19)
• M4A1 Rifle with Trijicon ACOG TA31 Sight (20)
• Folded APLS Litter (21)

Casting is first rate and the detail is crisply moulded and of superb quality, with one exception being the barrel on one of the guns, which had an unfortunately placed bubble that has rendered the muzzle separate. That's fairly easy to fix though, so a dab of CA will be applied to join them up, and some light sanding to return it to the correct section.

As usual, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in. Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them. The parts fit together beautifully once you know where they go, so a little super glue (CA) and you'll be done.

Review sample courtesy of