This new set of figures from Alpine Miniatures continues the very high standards of previous releases and as a departure from the many German figures we have two figures representing a late war British/Commonwealth Tank Crew.

They are both wearing the cold weather over suits used extensively in NW Europe after D-Day, affectionately know as “pixie suits” they had a wool lining and a detachable hood and were worn over the standard khaki tank crew uniform.

The first figure (#35048) is standing a relaxed pose with arms at the sides and a pair of binoculars around his neck and as usual has a choice of two heads, one wearing a beret with sand goggles and the other a tankers helmet. The second (#35049) has the figure in a relaxed leaning pose which means he will have to be posed against a vehicle fender or similar and also has a choice of heads with beret/sand goggles and tankers helmet with both wearing gloves to make painting easier.

The full body on each is cast as one piece with just the two arms and heads separate for figure 35048 and just the right arm and heads for figure 35049 plus the separate gun holster for both which makes for quick and easy assembly.

Detail on the uniforms is superb with very well defined fabric seams, and items such as the pockets and the open collars especially well rendered as are the characteristic large seams down the front of the lengs. The facial features are always a standout with Alpine figures and these are no exception with very relaxed expressions that will come up with painting.

There was virtually no cleanup needed apart from the usual small casting blocks to be removed and some minor casting seams between the lower legs which are easy to remove. Assembly is very straightforward with the fit of the arms being spot on requiring no trimming or filler while the heads also fit neatly into the collar.

As with previous figures I added a small “wire” pin to the neck to go into a hole drilled into the body but again this is a personal thing to make fitting and swapping the heads easy and not a reflection of the fit which is perfect if you just want to glue the chosen head in place. This also allows the heads to be painted separate and easily attached later.

Conclusion:
These figures continue the high standards from Alpine Miniatures with superb details and very easy assembly allowing you concentrate on the painted finish. The choice of the late war British Tank Crew in pixie suits will certainly be welcomed by British armour fans and anyone wanting a change from the usual German figure.

Highly recommended 9/10 The resin parts set #35048 (left) and #35049 (right)

Views of the assembled figures
Set #35048

Set #35049

See the Alpine Miniatures web site for ordering details
Thanks to my Credit Card and for the review set.