Plus Model
160

Oh boy, I wish these figures had been around a few years ago when I did my Hürtgen Forest diorama. This is a very nicely sculpted set of two medics, or orderlies, taking a pause from the action on the front line. They are dressed for winter, with the M1943 OD uniform and poplin cloth hood that was usually worn over a wool toque. Even the cords for tightening the hoods around the neck are visible. They wear the canvas leggings over their combat shoes; even though they were to be replaced by the leather gaiter shoes, they were often seen through the 1944-45 winter and even to the end of the war.

The standing GI, who scales out to 5'10" in his helmet, holds a nicely detailed litter complete with the scissors-like support bars and metal foot pads. He wears the special yoke suspender that carries the accurately-depicted medic pouches slung on each hip. A canteen hangs from the back of his belt. The only assembly required with this figure is attaching the hands molded onto the litter to the cuffs on the one-piece body, which you might want to do after fully painting both parts.

The seated soldier, enjoying a tasty repast from something that almost looks like a mess tin, has two M1936 musette bags crisscrossed over his shoulders. These bags have the Red Cross markings molded onto them (they were often painted onto these bags), and similar markings are found on each armband and the prominent bibs worn over the jackets. This figure comes in four easily assembled parts. (Note that the ammo box under the seated figure is not included.) You could add a couple canteens to this figure if you want to personalize him a bit.

Both figures are well rendered with minimal flash and some slight mold seams along the side of the standing soldier.

This is a very simple but highly effective set to accompany Italeri's Dodge ambulance in a Hürtgen or Ardennes setting. Bravo, Plus Model!

-tss-