The Rhodesian Bush War lasted from July 1964 to 1979 and led to universal suffrage, the end of white minority-rule in Rhodesia, and the creation of the Republic of Zimbabwe. During this war, Selous Scouts was a special forces unit of the Rhodesian Army that operated from 1973 until the reconstitution of the country as Zimbabwe. It was mainly responsible for infiltrating the black majority population of Rhodesia and collecting intelligence on insurgents so that they could be attacked by regular elements of the security forces.
After the first kit 35206 released about two years ago, Vladimir Demcehnko sculpted the second kit of the series 35207 Selous Scouts (2) inspired by the real time war photos. Kit includes two figures showing standing poses in typical irregular clothing, field gear and weapons.
Kit comes in standard cardboard box of the company labeled with a photo of the painted figures. Figure bodies and other small parts are seperately inserted zip-lock bags and lumped together into a larger bag.
Sculpting and casting quality is very nice on the figures with clean and crisp details. Not much need for a detailed cleanwork, just a quick sanding will be enough before priming.
Parts can be easily removed from casting blocks, but please note that fragile parts like barrels may need extra care.
FIGURE-A
Posed standing with a pointing left hand and carrying a rifle on right hand; it comes in 9 pieces.
He wears a Rhodesian Army Brushstroke Camouflage shirt with shoulder straps and ripped-off sleeves. Shirt is in three color, high contrast grass pattern, disruptive fabric with green and brown strokes on a sandy background and a plain color shorts. Shorts can be painted in many colors like khaki, olive drab, black, etc. This type of clothing is typical for scouts, it is worn during training or local patrol with minimal requirements- no backpacks, no heavy load and no trousers. Over the shirt, he has a 4 pocket FN FAL chest rig and P69 web belt, both used by Rhodesian Army. As for the footwear; he has Veldskoen Sout African suede boots.
He carries a 7.62 caliber FN FAL assault riflle painted in camouflage. Rhodesian FN FAL rifles are usually painted in yellow-green camouflage named Baby-poop camo. 3 pieces of water bottles and a two-piece rock to display under left foot are given for this figure.
FIGURE-B
Posed standing with a machine gun on his left shoulder, it comes in 11 pieces.
He wears a plain crewneck tshirt and a Brushstroke camo shorts with a flap type pocket on the right side. Rhodesian local production P69 Type belt and suspenders copied from British Army '58 Pattern Yoke and machine gun ammo pouches on both sides are cast on the figure. He has Rhodesian Army Split Tail Flap Cap that can be secured with 2 buttons on the backside and shoes are black tennis shoes named Black Takkies used by Rhodesian army during physical training.
He carries a FN MAG machine gun. 3 pieces of water bottles, two bipods (open-closed), carrying handle and ammo belt are given as seperate parts.
Though the figures are supposed to carry two water bottles, three different type canteens used by Selous scouts are supplied inside the kit.
1. British M1944 canteen
2. South African canteen which looks like 100% copy of US plastic M1956 canteen but with South African marking
3. Rhodesian P69 canteen
CONCLUSION
I think there is no Selous scouts or Rhodesian army figures on market other than two BRAVO*6 kits , maybe a few 3D figures that can only be printed and bought on demand. They really fill the gap for the modelers planning to build Bush war scenes or display Rhodesian vehicles.
Body postures and proportions are correct and life-like. Uniform details, field gear and weapons, facial features are well defined.
B6-35207 is a Recommended kit with its different and rare subject, sculpting and casting quality, ease on assembly with less parts, easy and correct fit and optional water bottle choices.
Thanks to Vladimir Demchenko for the review sample.
For more information and photos of other products of the company ; please visit BRAVO*6 .