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In-Box Review
124
Panzer Tanker, Hauptman
Hauptman Panzer Armee Afrika Korps, 1941-1943
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

introduction

So you have that 1:24 Tasca Panzer II and want some good figures to display with it? A new resin figure line launches out of France with some fantastic new sculpts in a couple of scales, including some Afrika Korps tank crew in 1:24 scale!

A new resin figure company has appeared from France, and if I am reading things right one of the sculptors is Chistophe Camilotte with casting performed by Nemrod. Manta Figurines are producing figures in a range of scales, including both 1:35 and 1:24! While starting in the traditional 1:35 scale range, they haven’t forgotten about some other scales as well. These releases, along with its companion release, are perfect for that 1:24 Tasca Panzer II done in Afrika Corps colors.

the figure

The figure arrives in a clamshell blister pack, and within this are the resin parts packed inside a small plastic zip bag. This particular figure has five parts consisting of the main body, two head options, and two arms. One arm has the hand truncated so that it can appear tucked into the shorts pocket when assembled. The arms are cast in a very logical way, with the flesh portions being separate and the sleeves being part of the main body casting. This completely eliminates any shoulder seam, as the joint is hidden with the arm sliding up into the sleeve opening.

Overall the sculpting is excellent, with clean castings. On some parts there is a very small seam running down one side of the part, so a little minor clean-up is needed.

Assembly:
There are no instructions, only the box art to work off of. Once parts were cut from the pour gates, they were cleaned up and assembled. I would say assembly took all of five minutes, as the arms and head fit perfectly. I opted for the feldmuetze vs. the side cap covered head. Once the pour gate was cleaned off, it fit perfectly within the neck opening of the shirt. The joint is hidden by being naturally located between the flesh portion of the neck and the cloth of the collar.

conclusion

I really like the natural relaxed pose of the figure, and I can see how he would complement the Tasca panzer kit well. Sculpting is beautiful, which will make this figure a joy to paint and display, even as a standalone piece. This is some fantastic new work by Manta, and a great way to start off the new company! Our thanks to Manta Figurines for the review sample, and we hope to see many more that could compliment this figure soon!
SUMMARY
Highs: Superb sculpting, very natural pose, logical parts breakdown, and easy assembly.
Lows: Small seams to clean up on some parts.
Verdict: Outstanding figure for the larger scale modelers!
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:24
  Mfg. ID: 24-02
  Suggested Retail: $28.00
  PUBLISHED: Jul 28, 2012
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.50%

Our Thanks to Histoire & Collections!
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 Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Nice review, thanks Andy. Mario
JUL 28, 2012 - 05:37 AM
   
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