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In-Box Review
135
German Infantry Resting
German Infantry - Taking a rest
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

This new figure set from Tristar is in 1:35 scale and has (76) parts in typical Tristar beige plastic. There is no specific unit or time-period information given with this kit. And as they are all wearing what appear to be wool greatcoats, it is difficult to place these soldiers in any particular way. In that sense they make good 'all-around' German soldiers that potentially might be useful in almost any diorama or vignette. If I had to hazard a guess with my limited knowledge of German uniforms and equipment I would put a date of 1939-41 on them, but again you could probably get away with a much broader range based on just the actual figures themselves and their uniforms being almost fully covered.

The figures

The four figures in this set all appear to be sleeping or resting their eyes as they are closed. Two of the soldiers are in a very similar prone position with one hand on their rifle and the other propping up their heads. Due to the position of their legs it would appear they are merely resting (not sleeping) as at least one of the figures leg position shows that his right leg is raised. Also this figure (marked D on the back cover) has his left arm holding up his head in a way that wouldn't seem to indicate the man was asleep. The other prone figure might be able to pass as a sleeping soldier.

The other two soldiers are in a seated position. One of these (figure B) is not wearing a helmet (although it is included with the kit). I like the way these figures appear much more so than the prone figures described above. They have a much more natural look to them. Although my only complaint would be that figure A appears to have his left foot in an upturned position that seems a bit odd (almost as if he were driving a truck and had his foot on a gas pedal). The illustration on the front of the box has this foot turned even more awkwardly, but the constructed figure on the back shows it looking less angled to the left.

The heads shown in the pictures to the right do indicate some problems with the manufacturing process or the molds themselves. These minute issues are only visible thanks to my macro lens, but you can see how some of the heads have unexplainable rough patches around the mouth, cheeks, and neck. It may be that the sculptor was trying to create this for an unshaved look (or to have facial hair) but it doesn't seem like this worked if that was the goal. Some sanding and filling on a very small scale may be in order here. Or if you are a figure purist than switching these heads out with Hornet or other after-market heads might be an option.

Conclusions

Overall I am not overly impressed with this set. Certainly if you are looking for soldiers sleeping or resting this set may provide you with the figures you may be looking for. With a bit of customizing you may be able to fit them into your project. So as 'filler' units they certainly have a value for some.
SUMMARY
Highs: Solid basic detail and features. Fitting a niche?
Lows: Some details lacking (heads, belt buckles, etc.)
Verdict: Overall this is a good set if you need resting figures and the price is right.
Percentage Rating
75%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35056
  PUBLISHED: Dec 10, 2010
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 86.80%

Our Thanks to Tristar!
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 Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

These figures look to have a very high level of detail, but it looks to have backfired in some places with one figure having the worst case of achne I have ever seen.
DEC 10, 2010 - 07:46 AM
I like these a lot. I've seen soldiers sleeping in some pretty strange positions . As for the heads well they can always be changed. They'd also make an interesting vignette of frozen bodies on the Russian Steppe
DEC 10, 2010 - 08:09 AM
nice set
DEC 11, 2010 - 02:56 AM
Im with Mr McGrath great poses and new heads would top them off great
DEC 11, 2010 - 03:35 AM
I love Tristar figures ... they´re so nice to paint. Very fine details, but defined beautifully. I think the faces are a result of some error in the moulding process ... and something that can (hopefully will) be rectified. For anybody that has not tried Tristar figures, I really suggest giving them a go. You wont be dissapointed!
DEC 11, 2010 - 05:23 AM
I've got the set and think it must be an error in the sprue. As I don't do the figures for my dioramas (rotten eyes ) a friend who is very good told me they were a nice set with or without Hornet Heads. John and I will be adding them to a large dio soon, so let's see how they fare.
DEC 18, 2010 - 05:09 AM
Hi I will be getting a set as the other Tristar sets I have are all excellent quality and detail. I think the face detail you speak of isn't intentional but an error in quality control from the moulding process. In all fairness to Tristar they never described the figures as "sleeping" merely as resting, so any criticism of them not looking right as sleeping isn't really an issue. In any case as someone who finds it easy to fall asleep in any position(ask my family) I'm not too concerned if they don't look right to others in their poses, they seem fine to me. Also as regards foot position, remember these are jackboots they are wearing. Flexing around the ankle would not probably allow the foot on the floor given the angle of the leg. Look forward to getting my hands on a set. Alan
DEC 18, 2010 - 05:34 AM
   
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