Introduction:

Browsing the internet, I found the photo this figure is based on:

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jordan J. Camarre, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 274, fuels a UH-1Y Venom during a refueling exercise on Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic Field, N.C., Aug. 23, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody J. Ohira)

from: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3718153/mwss-274-refueling

Review:

The figure set comes in a hard cardboard box. The box features CAD image showing the figure.

Opening the box reveals a zip-lock bag with 6 pieces.

The set includes pieces cast in resin (torso w legs, head, right arm, left arm and left boot), and a 3D printed piece (underwing fuel nozzle).

The resin pieces look really good. I noticed no imperfections in the cast, with the details nicely defined and superbly delivered in resin. The casting blocks are easy to remove using side cutters, sharp blade and some fine grit sandpaper. The 3D printed part is very delicate and the thin handles could easily be damaged if manhandled. I carefully removed the thin support first and then used side cutters to remove the nozzle from its carrier, followed by some sanding to obtain a perfectly flat surface.

Assembly:

The secret behind every successful model assembly is dry fitting. Checking the fit of the pieces and finding the optimal alignment of the parts is a crucial step in the assembly process. After dry fitting, I fixed the left boot first, followed by joining the arms to the torso. Although there were almost no gaps between the pieces, I used a small amount of putty to make things perfect. Finally, I fixed the head to the body. Most modelers would probably want to leave the head off to facilitate the painting process.

Please note the fuel hose is not included in the set. I used large diameter lead wire, bent it to shape and attached the fuel nozzle. The result looks very impressive.

I have to compliment the pose of the figure. The running posture is well balanced and it conveys the feel of pulling a heavy load nicely. The figure is wearing USMC coveralls and US flight deck cranial helmet. As the landing zone employs specialized crew for the different roles utilized in managing air operations, the different crews wear different color jerseys and helmets to visually distinguish their functions. Personnel handling fuel have purple helmets, so be sure to paint the front and back helmet shell accordingly.

Conclusion:

Altogether I really like this figure. Perfectly cast and very easy to assemble, USMC Ground Crew Fuel Man (DF35027) from DEF Model is a perfect touch for anyone making a diorama of Forward Arming and Refueling Point with some of the 1/35 scale modern US helicopter offerings.

Highly recommended.

Please note this figure is also available in1/48 scale (DF48002)