Kit 1 - US Infantry

[Mike]

Iraq Kit 1 - US Infantry

1:35 Masterbox

In association with

This kit is part of a series from Masterbox that will allow the modeller to portray Iraqi or Afganistan dioramas more accurately, without resorting to wholesale scratchbuilding.

The kit arrives in a typically figure-size box, and comprises only one sprue of buff styrene. It gives the modeller sufficient parts to complete four US troops, complete with body-armour, kneepads, helmets, grab bags, ammo pouches and weaponry.

The modeller can add pouches and bags as they see fit, as the torsos of the figures are moulded devoid of any pre-attached pouches, but do have the prominent Molle loops onto which the pouches attach. In order to make the pouches sit properly on the combat vest, it would be wise to scrape off the Molle loops under where you plan to attach pouches, so they do not stand too far proud of the soldier's chest.

Each soldier has a full head moulded separate from his torso, onto which the helmets glue, which would allow the more adventurous to scrape off the moulded in chin-strap to model their figures without headgear. The kneepads are of the earlier strap-on type, so are most probably depicting issue equipment. The more modern integrated kneepads, whilst being eminently more comfortable are probably not yet issue equipment.

Weaponry consists of derivatives of the ubiquitous M-4 assault rifle, with one representing a designated marksman's rifle with scope, another with an Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) with matching bandolier of spare grenades, and all bar two sporting ready-mag attachments that are often seen in-theatre, allowing the operator to quickly eject the empty mag, grab a fresh one attached to the side of his magwell, slap it home and continue the firefight. An L249 machine gun is also included, complete with tripod and box-mag. Only two sidearms are included, one in a separate holster, the other lodged in a converted mag pouch with thumb-latch keeping it safe.

Additional parts include go-bags, mag pouches with grenade pouches attached to the side, Camelbak style drink reservoir (shame there is only one actually), traditional canteens, small pouches, and a pair of goggles for each operator's helmet.

Contrary to the box art, the crotch armour parts are not included in the set, and neither are the goggle covers perched on each helmet. It wouldn't be beyond the modeller to replicate these omissions using some rolled out Magic Sculp however, so all is not lost.

Conclusion

It's a nicely detailed set, showing attention to detail in the soldiers' loadouts. Several limbs are moulded in sections to give the best quality moulding to the hands, and my only real gripe is that the weapons don't have hollow barrels, or this edition would be comparable to Dragon's 3rd Gen figure sets.

The poses are definitely erring towards action, with bended knee and shouldered weapons being the order of the day, and only one figure could be used in a more relaxed setting.

You will of course need to research the camouflage appropriate to the time that your diorama is set, as US forces have been switching and changing throughout the Gulf War conflicts.

Review sample courtesy of