Introduction

This figure, US Tanker at Ease, was recently released in the Wee Friends line which are available through Friendship Models. This figure was sculpted by Rene Patton and depicts a US tanker in a relaxed pose.

The figure

Packaged in an oval plastic snap box this is a simple figure consisting of 3 parts, and is further protected within another zip plastic bag. Also in the pod are two small paper inserts, one with a front and rear view of the figure and the other containing contact details for Friendship Models.

Cast in a light cream resin, the figure depicts a US tanker at ease wearing a one piece work suit. The body is cast as a whole and comes with a separate right arm and head. His right hand is designed to rest on his raised right knee, whilst his left arm, which is moulded to the body, is behind his back. The head is designed to fit looking to the left and slightly behind him. The figure has his right leg raised and is leaning forward slightly. The casting is excellent and I could see no sign of damage or air-bubbles in the casting. Both hands and arms are well depicted.

From the references and pictures I have looked at, the figure would appear to be wearing the one piece work suit made from Herringbone Twill. This one piece affaire was an Olive Drab in colour. The work suit, open at the neck, has the correct left chest pocket and number of buttons on the top of the suit. The left and right leg pockets are well depicted with the angled flap, and the ankle fastenings are present on the bottom of the suit. The chest pocket is bulked out nicely with some kit and the arms show the sleeves of the suit rolled up above the elbow. The flap of the right hand hip pocket is visible under his left hand. Around the waist is a very good representation of the suits’ belt.

The head is well cast and depicts the face of youngish looking man, wearing a 1938 style tankers helmet complete with the accessories worn from 1941. On top of the helmet are a pair of goggles. Both the finish and detail are sharp giving an excellent representation of the kit.

Pat McGrath kindly sent me a link that may be of interest and use to modellers, Tank Helmet.

Height and proportions are good with a heel to shoulder height of approximately 44 mm, which might be a little big for some, although it is difficult to be accurate given that he is slightly bent forward at the waist. I lean toward the feeling that this figure is on the slightly biggish side, but I may be wrong.

Conclusion

A very useable figure who should appeal to both armoured/diorama builders and figure painters alike. Extremely well sculpted and cast with good sharp detail, the rolled up sleeves and open neck of the work suit would seem to be very appropriate. The figure has a good pose, although you will have to provide your own jerry can or box for him to rest his right leg on.

The uniform details is sharp and has nice natural folds, so this chap should paint up very well. There will be minimal clean up necessary with just the pour stubs to remove.

It’s good to see the Wee Friends range continuing to expand, I’m sure this figure will be enjoyed by many.
Normal precautions apply when working with resin.