Introduction
The following introduction is as supplied by ICM:
Combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operate different types of tanks. Until recently, most of them were tanks of Soviet design (T-64, T-72, T-80 and their modifications). Starting in 2023, Western-made combat vehicles began to enter the tank forces of Ukraine. One of these most modern models are Leopard 2 tanks of various modifications. The crew of this tank has four men – tank commander, driver, gunner and loader. Mechanics-drivers note the excellent manoeuvrability and speed of the Leopard 2 tanks, and the gunners – very good optics that allow you to see targets at a distance of 4-5 kilometres. Much depends on the level of training of crews, their coherence and ability to act as a single mechanism, so tankers are constantly improving their skills, undergoing training and analysing the acquired combat experience.
Review
The figure set provided in this release has been made available in this release or with a Leopard 2A6 release. This figure set provides 5 figures which are very pleasingly cleanly moulded, in this example. There are of course some seam lines that will need to be tackled, these are fine enough for me to suggest thinking of using a fibreglass pen for clean up - Please remember to use soapy water if taking this decision as a glass strand in your eye or finger will tickle, and if inhaled can causes untold damage. Uniform detail of the figures appears to be a zip type jacket of lightweight material, and combat trousers with prominent side pockets on the thigh. The detail moulding on the clothing is of a generally high quality, with good natural crease detail and a natural hang to the clothes.
The break down of the figures is as you would expect, however, I will say that I was a little disappointed that one of the figures terminates at the groin and so leaning out of a hatch. The stances of the crew shows 2 on the tank in relaxed poses, 2 on the ground doing general maintenance or checks on their vehicle with the 5th and final figure is stood upright and has a dog that is begging for food. I would presume that this would be a stray as I cannot think that the inside of a tank would be a great environment for an adult dog. The hand and facial details in this release are of an exceptionally good quality, the finger refinement provided in of an exceptionally high quality and I even like the fact that one of the figures is shown smoking a pipe. The tank helmets provided for 4 of the figures are, I believe a Soviet style, with the side being separate from the overall cover, and the heads of the figures that wear them are shaped to accommodate them. The only fault I can find in the figure set overall is that a sledgehammer provided has slight sink marks in the head of the hammer. However, easily corrected with a little filler and filing and so a very competent release from ICM.