Review
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery is possibly the best known officer in the British Army during World War 2. I have strong memories of him as my Grandfather had a photograph of him in North Africa during the War’ he is wearing a battered military jumper in the image and it was that which struck me as a kid (I believe this item and many other items related to Monty are on display at Bovington Tank Museum). Gecko Models has now released a 1/16th scale figure titled ‘Monty’ and which is a great partner to the ‘Desert Fox’ figure released by them in the same scale.
This offering from Gecko Models arrives in an end opening card carton, but due to a flip top cardboard inner the product is well protected and reasonably robust. Inside the parts are provided in a Ziploc bag which I also like. The gates are a tad on the large size but this is countered by being considerately placed and so easy to clean up. Access for removal is very good and the parts have excellent moulded detail with the exception of the tie indicated in the artwork as I cannot clearly identify that aspect.
The figure is depicted wearing a typical battle blazon of the WW2 period and so far as I can tell this is well replicated. The trousers are the type seen with a large pocket on the right thigh which I believe was designed for map storage. Over this a flying jacket is being worn and again has very nice detail. The clothing has the mix of detailed identifiers and the soft nature of clothing well presented. This has meant that details such as pocket flaps will benefit from running a scribe around them to make the detail pop.
Additional items cover the brown shoes which are appropriate for an officer of this period and perhaps the item that most know, the beret with two cap badges on it covering the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) badge and the British General Officer's badge. This combination is especially well defined on the black beret and is correctly ordered. Monty is seen with other cap badge combinations that I do not believe occurred during WW2.
The hands are nicely defined and there are no issues that jump out at me. The face I have studied against many images and it does replicate a very good likeness that with careful painting should provide a very pleasing result and be identifiable.
The officer figures released by Gecko in 1/16th scale not forgetting The QUEEN who is still greatly missed by so many around the world despite having been gone for just over 3 years are very nice offerings. These releases make me wonder if figures such as General Patton will make a showing as Gecko Models continues to grow their brand.
The period photographs are provided for reference only.