Verlinden Productions
1437
These
two GIs are walking, cautiously hunched over. One carries a .45
pistol in his right hand, his left arm drawn up tightly next to
him. He's a bit unique from most U.S. infantry figures as his pants
are worn over the canvas leggings with the cuffs rolled up.
The
second fellow is carrying an M1 Garand. Unlike many other Verlinden
figures, his hands are not molded onto his rifle, but they do grasp
the weapon well if you get the arms positioned correctly. The rifle
was warped, a not unusual occurrence with Verlinden sets.
Both
men wear the M1941 jacket, which can be painted various shades,
including buff, khaki, or dark yellow (Tamiya colors) depending
on wear and fabrics used by various manufacturers. Neither man has
the ubiquitous equipment webbing, nor do they have first aid pouches
on their belts.
The
fit of the parts and the casting quality is good. Unfortunately,
Verlinden has cut some corners with this set, yet again using the
same ancient heads that are found in #711 and #747. This will give
you the opportunity to share some of your money with Warriors or
Yanks (Hornet or Ultracast heads are too small).
Just
as bad, the soldier with the drawn .45 is shown on the box photo
to be wearing a holster on his belt---with a .45 butt sticking out!
If the company is going to go to the trouble of sculpting an arm
and hand holding a pistol, why can't they take a few minutes to
sculpt an empty holster with its flap open? This leads one to wonder
if the missing first aid pouches, a seemingly mandatory accessory
on any GI, were omitted through carelessness rather than purpose.
My
box included two carriers of holstered pistols, canteens, ammo pouches
and binoculars. There are also two shovels to hang from their belts.
These
figures, though crouching, seem to be more scaled to the common
man than most Verlinden soldiers, coming in at about 5'9" with
helmets.
A couple
of uniquely posed figures are marred by a lack of care and attention
to detail. With so few U.S. WWII figures on the market, it's a shame
that Verlinden has made such a half-hearted effort with this set.
-tss-
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