Introduction:
It’s not often that a set of figures inspires me so much that I want to build an entire diorama just to showcase them, but that’s exactly what happened when I saw Paracel Miniature’s announce their latest figure set earlier this summer. Depicting US troops during Operation Desert Storm, the figures capture a fascinating snapshot of the Gulf War.
The Desert Storm figures from Paracel are actually combined in three separate “Desert Eagle” sets and this review deals with US Troops in Transit, Gulf War 1991 (BDE3503), while the other sets will be reviewed on Armorama soon.
Review:
The set comes in a small cardboard box, with the box art featuring an image of the painted figures.
The box contains four 3D printed figures and three weapons, all packed individually in a separate zip lock bag.
Opening the bags reveal each figure printed as a single piece with the majority of printing supports already removed. The rest can be carefully cleaned using sharp side cutters and some sanding paper. I recommend avoiding the temptation to snap the supports off with your fingers, as this can tear the surface of the part and leave circular dimples. Instead, cut the supports away in several stages, gradually reducing the amount of material attached to the part until only about 1 mm remains. At that point, carefully cut the remaining stub flush with the surface and finish it with sandpaper for a smooth result. The weapons are extremely fragile and can snap easily during the cleanup.
The process takes some time, but it is well worth the effort. The cleaned figures look really good with no printing lines evident whatsoever. As the figures are printed in a single piece, no assembly is necessary. Please note I primed the figures before taking photos for this review. The details on the figures pop right out under a coat of primer. Absolutely amazing sculpting from Paracel!
The primer also shows some of the previously removed supports left circular marks on the figures that need to be additionally addressed, filled and sanded. Again, this takes sometime, but ensures the perfectly prepared surface for painting.
The US soldiers in this set are sculpted wearing Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU), Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) vest and helmet, and combat boots, together with the All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) set of load-carrying equipment. The figures are armed with M16A2 assault rifles. I checked the image references from the Gulf War and confirmed the uniforms and the equipment look the part with every detail accurately sculpted and perfectly delivered in scale. Well done, Paracel Miniatures!
The fourth figure represents an interpreter, usually a local individual to assist with communication and cultural mediation, a very interesting addition to the set. The interpreter is also wearing DBDU, PASGT helmet and some kind of a vest which I couldn’t identify. If any of you know the correct designation of the vest, please let me know.
As evident from thephotos, the figure poses are well rendered and look very natural.
The figures are originally designed for the Humvee kit from Academy (#13405), but I’m sure they would also fit many other transport vehicles from the Desert Storm era. I’m using the Cargo/Troop Carrier Humvee kit from ICM (which needs to be backdated to 1991 standard) to showcase the figures.
The fit with the ICM kit is excellent. All of the figures in the set sit naturally on the vehicle’s benches, with their feet resting firmly on the cargo compartment floor. No modifications to either the figures or the vehicle are necessary to achieve a convincing match.
Conclusion:
US Troops in Transit, Gulf War 1991 (BDE3503) from Paracel Miniatures is an excellent set of 4 Desert Storm figures. The initial cleanup and prep takes some extra care, but the effort is well rewarded with superbly detailed figures, convincing poses, accurate equipment and an excellent fit with the ICM Humvee.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to add some Gulf War era US troops to their collection or diorama.