Hi - I know how easy it is tyo fall into the trap of taking this WAAAY too seriously. Its a hobby Its supposed to be fun& relaxing I personally applaud any new allied figures in a scale that is dominated by all things Germanic,especially late-war figures.In my presonal opinion,Dragon offers very good value for figures as compared to the resin manufacturers(Im not trying to start a fight, just an observation). I feel that any kits/figures that are AFFORDABLE and of QUALITY can only enhance and grow the industry, because any industry is based upon an expanding customer base. That would be YOUNG people,who dont have alot of money,yet have 100% disposable income.See what Im saying? Jim McI in Canada

I see perfectly where you're coming from on this, and yes, I agree, DML have stuck their neck out a bit by producing something TOTALLY different in Allied figure sets. However, that really isn't the fundamental issue. I'll go back to my original point. I do still feel that they are far too 'Unit-Specific' - elements of these uniforms are just unusuable in all but a few specific theaters. If we were in the position of the Axis modelers (with dozens of sets covering every possible zone of conflict) i'd say great - very welcome indeed. U.S. Army modelers AREN'T in that situation. This is only the second Gen II set for U.S. troops, the first the Marines, were absolutely superb. My guess is that (commercially) it won't be particularly succesful Allied releases don't sell as well as Axis in the first place, in the second place something that many will see as too 'obscure' ... Of course, if John was to present his work on SSF as a feature on the site, perhaps that would get people's thoughts turning to the possibilities?

I agree somewhat .....but.. Try to look at it from another view.Dragon is an established corp.with alot of financial pillow. To produce a set of figs cant cost THAT much...and whos to say that Dragon hasnt already worked out that there is a GLARING whole in the market as far as allied figs and equip....and have every intention of filling it ...I merely advocate patience ..and am prepared to not look this in the mouth ,thats all. Jim McI in Canada

Hi Guys, I haven't commented on most of the Dragon releases recently, but it's nice to see some more Americans and I like the poses. Unit specific is just one of those things, I'd have preferred to have seen the MB Paras as general infantry but hay a few more Allies are always useful, and I can see some good dio posssibilities with these guys. However, I remember the great figure debate when a lot of good ideas were passed onto Dragon regarding the lack of Allied figures and support weapons and this is the first set I can remember seeing since then, other than the Armoured Infantry that complimented the new half track and their recent Allied Weapons set. So not much progress there but every little helps. I haven't given up on them completely yet, but then again I haven't bought any of their figures since the last lot of British Infantry.although I did pick up the weapons set. I'd like to look on the positive side and hope this will be the first of several new Allied sets they produce - always living in hope. Al

Hi There, I know many believe this specific to the Italian campaign but you know that was a pretty big campaign. These figures can be modeled interacting with M8 Greyhounds or half tracks, for example a little research came up with this: "81st Reconnaissance Battalion This battalion (part of the 1st US Armored Division) was sometimes used in support of the FSSF, and probably operated with one recon company (as shown below) in support of each FSSF battalion. The 81st Reconaissance Battalion used M8 Greyhound armoured cars, M5A1 Stuart light tanks, the M19 60mm mortar, and the 1/4 ton truck (both armed and unarmed)." This is just a small example with a little research these figures can be shown in different ways. I always look beyond the actual set and try to imagine different applications and look at conversion possibilities. What's to say you couldnt use the Torsos here with some different heads and make them a US Tank crew in the winter time. Soldiers are notorious for trading kit and getting their hands on stuff that worked in the field. (I know I used to do it ) Those mountain parkas were known to be warm and I bet if you looked hard enough you will find the odd tanker using one in the field, especially those units such as the 81st who were in regular contact with units such as the FSSF. Looks like a good set and maybe not as limited at first glance. Cheers Ray

I should have added that to their credit they are releasing (I hope) some British 8th Army Infantry soon. Could this be the beginning of some more Allied figures?????........... Al

the 8th is here.....the 8th is here!!!*waving my arms frantically!!

I have added the box art to the story.

I had a great-uncle in the 10th Mountain and I remember him telling stories about how they trained and went overseas with all the mountain and ski gear, then, after landing in Italy, proceeded to trade away their stuff for more temperate weather clothing. Just something to think about. I'm sure we'll find uses for this set, even if we have to part it out and convert it a bit. From what I can see, it looks interesting. BTW, those are shoepacs, not jump boots. Look at the color illustration at the link.