Italeri's 1/32 German Elite Troops - World War II By Don Barry

The Figure Set

This kit consists of 16 figures in eight different poses, contained on two sprues of light tan soft plastic, the flexible "vinyl" type. The poses depict a variety of running and shooting soldiers, in summer and winter clothing. The cut and appearance strongly suggest German SS troops, though referring to them as "Elite" troops is politically more correct. The poses consist of a prone figure firing a Raketenwerfer (German bazooka), a soldier firing an MG-34, a soldier loading a mortar (with separate bipod legs), one firing a Gewehr 43 rifle, one holding an MP-44, a soldier firing an MP-40, an officer with an MP-40 motioning forward, and a running soldier with Kar-98 rifle and bayonet. Each figure is cast in one piece, with an integral base plate. The figures all have at least one ejector pin lug cast onto the base, as well similar lugs scattered about. This ensures that the figures themselves are free of pin marks. The overall casting quality is quite good, with minimal flash, no shrinkage marks or dimples, a relatively faint parting line, and above average detail on weapons and clothing. Personal equipment for each figure matches the type and time frame, e.g. the weapons and ammunition pouches are appropriate to each other. Basic painting colors are called out on the back of the box, with two color renderings of figures as a guide. Paint numbers for Testor's Model Master and Acryl colors are called for. The manufacturer recommends that the figures be washed thoroughly before attempting to paint them, however their inherent flexibility will make good paint adhesion problematic if they are to be handled to any degree. That being said, their size and relatively low cost would recommend them as practice subjects for figure painting aids, or educational displays, as well as collectibles. I would like to thank MRC for the review set.