ZVEZDA [ MORE REVIEWS ] [ WEBSITE ] [ NEW STORIES ]

Built Review
172
German Sturmpioniere 1939-1942
Zvezda Art of Tactic 1/72 German Sturmpioniere 1939-1942, snap fit kit
  • move

by: Russ Amott [ RUSSAMOTTO ]

Introduction

Zvezda is the largest scale plastic modeling and table top wargaming manufacturer in Russia. This is good for modelers as there are some very useful sets of figures being made in 1/72 scale that are perfect for diorama settings. One of these sets is the subject of this review, the German Sturmpioniere, 1939-1942.

The review

The sturmpioniere were combat engineers of the German army. They were the ones who preceded the assault by clearing the way of obstacles. The four figures in this set represent the sturmpioniere in some of their assigned roles. There are two figures with mine detecting equipment, one soldier with a flame thrower and one kneeling with wire cutters. Each of the figures is well detailed for the scale with their equipment being well defined. The mine detecting figures are molded in one piece. The other figures are molded with separate arms. Bases are included for the individual figures, or as a group.

In addition to the figures, there is a separate set of obstacles, including a bunker, four barbed wire sections with separate bases, two anti tank obstacles and a small set that looks like a foot bridge. A wargaming card is also included with the set, which appears to show movement and a point breakdown.

Painting is shown on the back of the box, "as the modeler likes", with the general appearance being field gray uniform, black boots and belts, and uniform trim applied by the modeler.

My 10 year old son, Andrew, took the box and assembled the figures on his own. He cut the figures from the sprue with side cutters, and snapped the arms to the two figures. He did not have any difficulty figuring out which arms went to which figure and the parts went into place without any trouble. He was able to match the figures to their bases by lining up the locator holes and pins. The diorama parts all assembled easily as well.

The two mine clearing figures are identical, and not as dynamic as the other two figures, and the diorama parts are not quite in scale with the figures, but the kit is intended to be very basic, with simple assembly, and I don't know how important scale is to wargaming. With a little effort, the figures can be made to look very nice. In addition to wargaming and dioramas, the set can be used for your own games, for playtime, and as a starter set for someone getting into modeling. This kit meets it's intended purpose quite well.

Conclusion

This set was provided to my by Armorama. I noticed that while looking the kit up online, it is often listed as an 8 figure set. There may be an 8 figure set available, but kit 6110 is specifically a four figure set, with the listed accessories. Prices ranged from $3.00 up to $6.75 for the kit itself, with shipping running anywhere from $4.00 to $11.00, all prices in US dollars.
SUMMARY
Highs: Simple, snap assembly and good detail make it great for inexperienced modelers.
Lows: Accessories don't quite match the scale of the figures for a diorama setting.
Verdict: This is an easy to build wargaming set that can be used to get new modelers off to a good start.
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:72
  Mfg. ID: 6110
  Suggested Retail: $4.95 US
  Related Link: DragonUSA Item Page
  PUBLISHED: Sep 25, 2011
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 84.47%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.57%

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.

View This Item  |  View Vendor Homepage  |  More Reviews  

About Russ Amott (russamotto)
FROM: UTAH, UNITED STATES

I got back into the hobby a few years back, and wanted to find ways to improve, which is how I found this site. Since joining Armorama I have improved tremendously by learning from others here, and have actually finished a couple of kits. I model to relax and have fun, but always look to improve. ...

Copyright ©2021 text by Russ Amott [ RUSSAMOTTO ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Mario, thanks for the help in getting this up.
SEP 25, 2011 - 06:32 AM
No problem. Good to see 1/72 get coverage as well. Good review btw!
SEP 25, 2011 - 08:31 AM
   
ADVERTISEMENT


Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
ADVERTISEMENT