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Built Review
135
Tractor driver
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by: Pat McGrath [ EXER ]

Introduction

In the last few years it seems that manufacturers have been listening to modelers and giving us what we ask for. One constant feature of wish lists on forums has always been a demand for more civilians and this figure of a “Big Boned” farmer from SKP Model fits the bill.
Released to go with their Zetor tractor:

SKP Zetor

he could also, of course, be used alone. Although the Zetor is a post-war vehicle and I’m not an expert on farmers clothing I’m guessing the figure could be used to depict a (well fed) farmer from the 1930s to the present day. Although titled as a driver he is not in the act of driving but standing with one hand on his hip.

the figure

The figure comes in SKP’s usual silver colored box. On the box top there’s a colour photo of the painted figure which doesn’t do justice to the quality of the kit at all. The figure is packed inside in a zip lock bag.

Cast in a blue grey resin the figure consists of four parts: the main body including legs, the head and two arms. The torso/legs come attached to a substantial resin plug which I keep on the figure until painting is complete. The head comes with a nicely modelled trilby hat which to me looks slightly too small. The face also has a jowly, well fed look which gives it a lot of character. The figure is depicted wearing high boots and a set of bib and brace overalls with a large chest pocket over a long sleeved shirt. He stands with one hand on his hip as if contemplating something. The hands are very well modelled and cast and the figure detail overall is very crisp. He measures approx 51mm from the top of his hat to the bottom of his boots which scales out at approx 5ft 8 inches which is a reasonable height for a 1/35 scale figure.

Assembly

I cut the pieces from their plugs, which are well placed with clean up in mind, with a razor saw leaving the figure’s feet attached to the plug to hold onto while assembling and painting. There’s a fair amount of flash between the figure’s legs but it cleans up fairly quickly with a new number 11 blade. The fit of the right arm is perfect while there is a small gap that needs to be filled when the left arm is fitted. There was one air hole on the back of the right arm but luckily in a flat area that can easily be filled. I have two of these figures and on the other one there were no air holes or flaws in the resin at all. There are no instructions included but as the assembly is quite simple this isn’t a problem.

Conclusion

This is a good figure from Skp Model and suitable for farmers from the thirties on. With a little imagination he could be used in other civilian roles and may have potential as a military conversion.

Click here for additional images for this review.

SUMMARY
Highs: Choice of subject, excellent sculpting and level of detail as well as a very good price.
Lows: Boxart doesn't really sell the figure, one air bubble on my sample and slight gap in the fit of the left arm.
Verdict: Another excellent figure from SKP- recommended.
Percentage Rating
98%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: SKP 126
  Suggested Retail: €6.40
  Related Link: SKP
  PUBLISHED: May 26, 2012
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.05%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.13%

Our Thanks to SKP Model!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Pat McGrath (exer)
FROM: DUBLIN, IRELAND

I served three years in the Irish Army. Then I studied fine art for five years. Acted professionally since leaving college (Look me up on IMDB- Pat McGrathIII) Interested in Allied Armour 1942-45 and German SPGs. Other interests are figures and Sci Fi models

Copyright ©2021 text by Pat McGrath [ EXER ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Great review, thanks Pat. I agree on the boxart, it does not do the figure justice. I saw this one myself on Moson show and found a superb casting of an amazingly sculpted figure. The sculptor is only 17 years of age! Mario
MAY 25, 2012 - 05:57 PM
Thanks for the review Pat. SKP have had some bad luck with releases coinciding with similar releases from major companies at the same time, but you wonder really what they are thinking when they release a figure with a box art of this quality. Talk about injustice to themselves and the sculptor. The close ups of the figure look fantastic as does the chunky face. Another company equally guilty of this MK35. Amazing figures that one would glance over if only looking at the box art. The companies that go all out and comission good box art have shown time and time their figures are popular and sell. The figures from these companies are top quality as well, but are left on the shelf. Only advantage is that they keep the prices down, and those who are aware of the true quality will take the time to look inside the box when available. Unfortunately in these internet days, not everybody has this luxury.
MAY 25, 2012 - 08:33 PM
17 years old and he can sculpt like that-wow! @Frank you're right- the box art makes him look like a toy from a kids farm set. It would be worth Skp's while to commission a paint job.
MAY 25, 2012 - 10:49 PM
Looks like a definite item for the shopping list! Good civilians are hard to find, and this guy in his bib overalls can be doing anything from working on the farm to mopping floors to admiring a fresh coat of paint he just added to that old relic tank in the town square. I'm guessing he could easily fit from the '30s to the '70s on either side of the Atlantic based on the hat and overalls, but I'd bet somebody will dig up pics of a grumpy old man dressing that way right through to modern times... Tom
MAY 26, 2012 - 12:34 AM
Hey I dress that way now
MAY 26, 2012 - 12:51 AM
The last time I did an SKP figure I almost didn't even buy it- un-painted it looked nice but the box art was iffy. I was very pleased when I opened it (it was of a British Officer WW2) to discover a nice, crisp casting and it painted up well. This is the same by the looks of it, the box art does the actual figure no justice and I'm in agreement about the potential placement for this figure, he would appear to suit lots of scenarios. All in all an excellent review Pat!
MAY 26, 2012 - 03:53 AM
   
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