Erwin Rommel (born November 15, 1891, Heidenheim, Germany—died October 14, 1944, Herrlingen, near Ulm) was a German field marshal who became the most popular general at home and gained the open respect of his enemies with his spectacular victories as commander of the Afrika Korps in World War II.
Review
This offering from Gecko Models of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel in 1/16th scale arrives in a flip top cardboard tray with a separate card end opening box. The content are packed in a Ziploc plastic bag and is what I consider high end packing for protection and presentation. The contents are made up of 3 sprues one of which is clear and a small photo etched fret and decent instruction booklet. An examination of the contents reveals no moulding issues and gates that are a reasonable size and not excessive in number.
The figure is wearing an officers horsehide greatcoat and is not typical wear for the north Africa setting the box art depicts, but while it is baking during the day it is freezing at night. I myself would consider this figure better suited to inspecting the Atlantic Wall during its construction. An officers peaked cap has been offered depending on your needs as two heads are provided and so you can show him bare headed. Trousers are provided for the figure but are not easily seen. High legged boots are also provided and look the part. The figure has also been moulded wearing a scarf which would not be typical wear in North Africa. The is provided alongside a tripod mounted bunny ear sighting device which adds a nice element to the offering for display. T
The pose chosen for this figure is one which most of us of a certain age imagine him in. He is stood erect with one hand behind his back and the other on his stomach holding binoculars in a relaxed manner. The hand detail is a little soft but acceptable and is the only thing I would have liked to be sharper. As I said earlier two heads are provided in this release and I am very impressed with the likeness captured both head on and in profile; a good figure painter will really bring this likeness to life. I was initially disappointed to see no decals included for the insignia and Gecko Models must have been expecting that as separate shoulder board are provided that make the detail really pop. The hat also has well defined insignia except for the eagles head in my example and which can be fixed when painting. A pair of goggles is provided in clear plastic with photo etch strap which is up for your decision on use or not.
Conclusion
This figure offering meets my expectations and scores well. The hand detail could be sharper but otherwise it has been very well crafted. I believe the figure is based on a well known photo of Rommel but I do not know where the image was taken; I have looked through a great number of photographs and found one of him in this set up in Africa and more in a European setting and so either is acceptable. A North Africa figure would have been better wearing the short jacket most often worn in that setting. I will be starting on this figure as soon as possible as it says to me ‘Build me’.