Tristar 1/35 German Self-propelled Gun Crew, Set Vol. 2

Kit no. 007
MSRP: $15.95

By Ray Mehlberger

Tristar is based in Hong Kong and hasn't been around all that long. They have released a few German figure sets to date: two sets of Panzer Grenadiers, a set of German officers having a field meeting etc. This new set of figures is designed to go on numerous different German SP vehicles, like the Nashorn, Hummel, Wespe etc. and contains six different figures. There are two alternate heads for a couple of them and an alternate arm for one. Also included are two turned brass ammo rounds. One is definitely a 88mm round, but I cannot identify what the smaller round is - perhaps for a Pz.Kpw.IV?

The figures are designed and sculpted by Yoshitaka Hirano. They are fairly nice. However, I got the feeling that the molding was a little mushy and that the detail could have been more distinct, especially the belt buckles and awards on their jackets.

The parts are molded on two trees of medium gray plastic. The larger tree holds the parts of the six figures. There are three standing figures, two sitting, and one that is cut off just below the hips. He has no legs provided. So, that last fellow will have to be put into a hatch on a vehicle. All figures have cloth side caps on their heads and there are two alternate heads with a soft peaked hat molded to them. There is an alternate left arm to use on one figure.

One seated figure is sighting the main gun of a SP vehicle. The other seated figure is working the traverse and elevation wheels. Two of the standing figures are handling the loading of ammo. The full legged standing figure is spotting the enemy with binoculars and the half figure is just looking to the right. Some nice poses!

Some figures are molded as separate torsos, legs, arms and heads. While others are molded as legs and torso in one piece. There are also three P-38 pistols in holsters and a pair of binoculars on the figures tree.

A smaller tree of parts holds personal weapons and gear. This includes four mess kits, four gas-mask canisters, four bayonets in scabbards, a P-38 pistol, four steel helmets, three 98k carbines, three MP-40 submachine guns, one folding shoulder stock for an MP-40, and a pair of binoculars. (24 parts).

Finally, are the two turned brass ammo rounds.

There are no decals in the kit.

The instructions are printed on the back of the box along with a color chart that suggests Tamiya, Mr. Color, and Humrol paints to use.

Conclusion

These figures are rather good. Like I said earlier, the molding could have been a bit more distinct. However, I like the poses and these figures will look good in a German SP of your choice. I particularly like the one figure who is supposed to be looking through a gun sight that has his hat on backwards. Neat pose!

Recommended.

I bought my kit at the local hobby shop.