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In-Box Review
135
Maquis
Maquis French Resistance
  • 000198

by: Charles Reading [ CREADING ]

introduction
Masterbox is continually coming up with subject matter that is unique and unusual. This kit covers an area that has been relatively neglected in the figure world, that of the French resistance fighters, the Maquis.

The figures would appear natural in a setting such as Paris as the Germans were vacating the city, or any time post D-day. The Resistance figures are all depicted as wearing the FFI (French Forces of the Interior) arm band. The change in designation of these groups from partisans/resistance fighters to FFI occurred as France's status changed from that of an occupied nation to one of a nation being liberated by the Allied armies.
review
The kit includes five (5) figures, four of which depict resistance fighters and one depicting a captured German officer. The box contains one sprue molded in a tan plastic. This kit has typical Masterbox issues, there is a bit of ‘flash’ along the seam lines on all the figures. The figures all have nice detail and the faces in particular show tremendous character. The female head has very nice features and actually looks like a female face.

Weapons included in the kit are a Sten gun, a short carbine and a Bren gun. The German officer has a holstered pistol. The Sten gun has the option of a ’T’ type shoulder stock or the wire stock molded to the gun on the sprue. The Bren gun has a folded tripod. There is also a briefcase and various map type cases included. Although the box art depicts one figure wearing glasses and another holding a folded map, these accessories are not included
SUMMARY
Highs: Interesting subject matter of which there are limited kits available. Very nice detail for a plastic molded kit.
Lows: No PE fret or decals provided. Boxart shows one figure in glasses, which are not included. All figures have the FFI armband molded on which will be very difficult to paint in such a small scale, decals for these armbands would have been a nice touch.
Verdict: Even with the slight oversights and required seam clean up this kit is still very unique and nice. It is worth having and will make an interesting vignette or diorama.
Percentage Rating
89%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: MB3551
  Suggested Retail: $14.95
  Related Link: Masterbox Ltd.
  PUBLISHED: Mar 03, 2009
  NATIONALITY: France
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.80%
  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 Charles Reading (CReading)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I live in the mountains north of Santa Cruz California. I have been building now since the early 1990's when I rediscovered modeling. Most of my kits are built with dioramas in mind. I took a "creative block" hiatis for a couple years - 2011 to 2013. I wasn't active in the modeling world. During tha...

Copyright ©2021 text by Charles Reading [ CREADING ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review Charles ! Nice looking set, definitely a different subject !! Cheers jjumbo
MAR 02, 2009 - 02:15 PM
Just one small mistake: in the title you put an extra "r", making them real noble.
MAR 03, 2009 - 01:44 AM
That's me.....half asleep!
MAR 03, 2009 - 02:08 AM
   
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