WWII Wehrmacht Tank Crewman
Afrika Korps
1:16 Scale - Kit No.36310
Review by Terry Ashley

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The figure is wearing the M40 tunic, M40 trousers and 3rd type laced desert boots with a choice of M40 field cap, tropical (pith) helmet or M40 side cap with two tropical issue water bottles, one with cap in place and other with the cap off.

Additional equipment is in the form of tropical 10l water can and 40l Jerry Can with a small base to stand the figure on which has a sizable cacti for decoration.

The figure is broken down with front and back parts for the lower torso/legs and the upper torso with separate boots with further separate sections for the boot laces.
The separate arms have separate inner cuff sections with separate hands which in turn have the thumbs separate to form the hand properly, a lot of separates there.

The M40 tunic has the front pocket sections separate and these overlap as you assemble them so make sure you fit the left pocket first and this gives good definition to this part of the tunic.
The collar section is also a separate part to give good definition here with a small space under the lapels which looks good and there is separate shoulder epilates with a choice of moulded on detail or a flat epilates to which is added a decal for the rank marking.

The left hand holds the water bottle cap while you have a choice of right hands, one holding the open water bottle and the other holding a small chameleon lizard for something different.

The details on the uniform is well done with as mentioned separate collar and lower tunic sections for good detail definition with the separate cuff section giving open cuffs and nice lace details on the boots. The facial features are quite animated and will look good with careful painting while the separate thumbs make for nicely formed hands although you will have to fill the thumb join seams.

A small decal sheet is provided with the uniform insignia that includes two styles of the cuff “AfrikaKorps” bands, the shoulder and collar rank insignia with breast eagle and Knights Cross 2nd class. Also included are the markings on the front of the field and side caps plus stencil markings for the 10l water can.

Assembly is very straightforward with just the join seams to be eliminated after the glue has dried and to choose the head gear to use.

The detail on the jerry can is very good with a separate central “seam” section, handles and filler cap with fine engraved stencilling on one side of the can while the smaller 10l water can has separate cap and lifting handle with decal stencil data for each side. You may want to add small needles to the cacti for a better appearance as well as adding addition groundwork on the small base provided again for a better appearance.

The box has colour illustrations on the back and sides that can be used as a painting guide as well as the parts numbered to aid assembly but there shouldn’t be any problems here.

Conclusion:
Another nicely done figure in the larger series with a fairly neutral pose that would fit in anywhere and the figure is sure to be welcomed by fans of these larger sized figures.

Highly recommended

Kit courtesy of my Credit Card and the excellent service from Rainbow Ten.

Page created 25 July 2005