Introduction
Any releases concerning the IDF to the model market tend to attract a lot of attention and I am not able to explain why the IDF have become the next big thing. The excitement around the IDF maybe the huge increase in available models in both the ground and the air subjects, and by extension figures to crew these models are also becoming more readily available. One of the latest releases comes from MiniArt in 1/35th scale and covers An AFV crew based on real figures from the Yom Kippur War ‘6 to 25 October 1973’; one I was able to identify is Ariel Sharon (26 February 1928 to 11 January 2014). This offering from MiniArt in 1/35th scale provides the modeller with some crew figures for many different military vehicles, not just a tank crew as indicated in the title covering late 1960’s to late 1970’s.
Review
This offering from MiniArt is packaged in the usual manner for figure releases, a card end opening carton. I am not a fan of this packing style as it is often easily crushed in storage. The box front has a nice representation of the contents when finished and the rear covers the construction and finishing. An examination of the contents reveals a reasonable level of moulding with seam lines being the only issue to really tackle.
The figure representing General Ariel Sharon has been well tackled for the scale and is provided with two head options, one covering his head bandaged due to a wound suffered during the Yom Kippur War; a nice aspect of this option is that the bandaged head shows the man smiling which I like. Looking at period images of Ariel Sharon the build of the figure looks to be a fair copy of his build. The figure is wearing what I think of as army fatigues and does look the part with his beret under the shoulder epaulette on the left side.
The three AFV figures are wearing one piece coveralls with a canvas belt, the belt shown is indicative of the ones worn by British troops for a number of years. The coveralls have the correct zipped angled breast pockets and the thigh pockets correctly show the zipped aspect which is horizontal on the right and vertical on the left. I believe and have been told that the zipped pockets were a feature that helped prevent the wearing getting caught up anywhere. The high laced combat boot looks appropriate for the period and so all good so far. The helmets also seem good for the period indicated but I would have liked the goggles to have been provided in clear plastic.
The facial features provided in this release are good with mould seams being the only real issue to tackle and I like that the ears where seen are present. The hands of the figures are for the most part very good with the exception of the twin fingers of the right hand on the figure with both hands in the air that are not as well captured.
Conclusion
This is an interesting and pleasing release from MiniArt with a lot going for it, but I feel they have missed a trick here. Two of the figures are limited by the celebration nature of them and alternate finishing options would have increased their appeal I believe. The inclusion of General Ariel Sharon in the mix may overcome this short coming, but I am still left with the feeling that this could have been so much more.