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In-Box Review
135
German Tankmen, WWII Era
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by: Kevin Brant [ SGTRAM ]

Introduction

Figures are a great way to add some extra interest to a build or a story to a diorama, and Master Box has been releasing some nice figures sets that tell a story. This latest release from Master Box is a set of German tank crew taking a little rest and replenishment.

Contents

1 sprue of plastic

Review

This figure set is a recent release from Master Box. The German Tankmen set includes five figures, three looking to be in a conversation, while two take care of refueling the tank. Opening the box, I found all figures and accessories molded on one sprue. At first glance, the molding and detail is very well done. The molded detail on the figures is quite impressive. I found no visible flash, but there are a couple of seams that will take a little clean up work to remedy.

Of the five figures, only one is wearing the uniform jacket, while the rest are in shirts, this adds some nice interest and a change from a lot of other figures. A couple are even wearing braces, and they are well done. The facial detail and expressions are very well done, and should show well when painted.

I assembled the bodies and found that fit was good. There are a couple of small gaps that I will throw a little liquid putty into. The three figure in conversation do have molded marks so as to fit to a specific vehicle and location, but there is nothing stated as to the tank. The artists work looks to possibly be a Panzer IV, but I do believe they could be fit into almost any vehicle with a little planning and possibly sanding. As seem in the build photos, I fitted them onto a STuG III with no major issue.

When assembling the fuel barrel, the end fit is not the greatest, and could probably use some more sanding and dry fitting. The halves will need a little putty and sanding to clean them up, but is a great addition for the two figure fuel team. The hand pump looks to be very well detailed and a plastic molded hose is included, but I would recommend a piece of wire or solder to give more flexibility in the placement.

It should be noted that sprues are not marked with part numbers, but there is a sprue diagram on the rear of the box. The painting guide is also on the rear of the box with references to Vallejo and Life Color paints.

Conclusion

Overall this is a great looking figure set from Master Box, and looks to include some very useful figures. The set could be used whole, or separated out as needed. The set has great moldings and detail, and assembly is great. I highly recommend this figure set.



SUMMARY
Highs: Great detail, useful set.
Lows: Some heavy seams to clean.
Verdict: Great figure set, highly recommended.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35160
  PUBLISHED: Jul 20, 2014
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.35%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.05%

Our Thanks to Dragon USA!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Kevin Brant (SgtRam)
FROM: ONTARIO, CANADA

I am an IT Consultant and father, with a passion for plastic models. I mostly prefer 1/35 Armor and 1/48 Aircraft. My main interests are anything Canadian, as well as WW2 German and British Armor and Aircraft. I have been building models since I was a young kid, got away from it for awhile, but r...

Copyright ©2021 text by Kevin Brant [ SGTRAM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review, just bought this set on eBay by coincidence! If you go on the Masterbox website, you'll see on their buit photos that they put thefigures on a Tiger I and a Panzer IV, so they can actually be used on quite a few Panzers. Cheers, Christophe
JUL 19, 2014 - 10:33 PM
Hmmmm...more Italeri SBoot volunteers!
JUL 20, 2014 - 02:51 AM
Another stuff for a diorama or vignette subject for pre- or post-battle situation! Sounds very great!
JUL 26, 2014 - 01:25 AM
   
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