masterbox New Figures Sets (Various) 1:35

[Mike]

New Figures Sets (Various)
1:35 Masterbox

Four new releases from Masterbox that span almost 100 years of combat on the ground between various foes. As usual with masterbox, the standard sized end-opening figure box is the delivery method, and some superbly rendered painting show the modeller what to expect in the box. On the rear is a breakdown of construction and painting using actual painted figures, and including sprue layouts showing where all the parts are. The colour call-outs are Vallejo paints, which are a big favourite with figure painters, and are easy to convert to other brands at your preference.

German Elite Infantry
Eastern Front, WWII

Containing two sprues, one with all the figure parts, the other covering a host of weapons, ammunition, packs and helmets, this set permits the modeller to build five figures in later camouflaged field jackets and helmets, seen on the Eastern Front. The figures are at rest, ambling together after picking up some goodies for the evening meal, including chickens, eggs (in a helmet), and a cabbage, which is confusingly depicted on the box top as a melon! The figures are of the latest standards, with separate heads, arms, hands and legs. One figure must be built without helmet, and an optional second figure can also be bare headed due to an additional head being included in the box. Straps for the helmets are moulded into the heads, which are sized to fit within the helmets to give a more realistic finished appearance.

The choice of weapons on the second sprue is superb, including rifles, sniper rifles, MP40s, STG44 (the grandfather of the AK47), MG34, MG42 as well as captured Russian PPSHs, complete with their dinner-plate style magazines. Water bottles, gas-mask cannisters, entrenching tools and ammo pouches are also supplied in plenty, so you can personalise your figures at your whim.

A very nice set indeed.

German Tankmen
WWII

One sprue of light grey styrene is sufficient to build five figures depicting German tankers at rest whilst refuelling. Two of the crew are active with a drum and pump at one end, and a hose at the other, while another seated crew member directs their work. The other two crew members are sat with one foot on something smoking cigarettes, which isn't the brightest move whilst refuelling! The figures are well sculpted, but not quite of the most modern standard, and there are no accessories to add other than the hose and drum, mainly because in a tank you daren't wear anything that could get hung up on the scenery in an emergency.

British & German Soldiers
Somme Battle 1916, WWI

Just in time to ride the wave of interest that is building in the WWI era, this set includes six figures in suitable attire, four German and two British infantrymen. The Brits are walking with their rifles shouldered, while of the Germans one is walking dejectedly while two others carry a comrade that is unable to walk for some reason. The intention is to show four captive Germans in the care of two Tommies, but that's entirely up to you whether you use them all together, or mix it up a little. Separate arms, legs and heads are the order of the day for all but the wounded man, who is shirtless and has his head and upper arms moulded into the torso. Sculpting is excellent, and the British soldiers have exceptionally well sculpted covers on their helmets, replete with tiny wrinkles where the material is pulled taut.

It's a sign of the growing interest in WWI that at time of writing this set was out of stock already at Creative.

Highly useful for dioramas after the battle.

Somewhere in the Middle East
Present Day

Based upon an actual picture that is reproduced on the back of the box, thisa set depicts modern Special Forces operatives, some of whom are almost indistinguishable from their foes. It includes five SF operatives, plus one captive, who is restrained and on his knees with a bag over his head to restrict his view of proceedings. Sculpting is superb on the figures, and hanging clothing is well rendered using clever moulding techniques, which will result in some realistic looking figures. One weak point is the weapons that are included on the sprues, which are a little soft and lacking a certain crispness that is present on the figures. Various AK47s and M4 derivatives are on the sprues, as well as a Light Support Weapon with bipod and ammunition box. The leader of the group wears a baseball cap, and is holding a mobile/cell phone up to his head as if he is communication with his superiors for instructions on what to do with the prisoner.

Some great poses and attention to detail on show.

Conclusion
Masterbox make some great and unusual figure sets, and these are no exception. I have no hesitation in recommending them all, although do look at sourcing some better weapons for the modern set, as it will pay dividends.

Review sample courtesy of

[Panzer Vor!!!]

Have to get the panzer crew .

Looks a good set to set off yer tanks

[Julien]

Where did that bloke get a water melon from?

[Badder]

the water mellon

Where did that bloke get a water melon from?

The water melon was bought at Jacques' Greengrocers, just around the corner.... a 1/35th resin building selling 1/35th plastic fruit and veg.

Edited January 9, 2016 by Badder