Warriors
Scale Models
35447
Originally
released as part of the vignette "Normandy" (#35435),
this paratrooper's pose is rather rare among GI figures. He's down
on both knees, as opposed to having one leg raised. It's a nice
change, and this figurewould work well alongside other kneeling
airborne soldiers from Nemrod and DML. (For the record, there is
another paratrooper down on both knees - the surrendering GI in
Jaguar's "Screaming Eagle and German Captor" set.)
This
paratrooper is outfitted with a full load, including the M1936 musette
bag, two bandoliers of ammo for his M1 Garand, the M1 bayonet, an
M1943 entrenching tool, canteen, and first aid pouch. He also sports
the first aid roll on the camouflaged mesh on his helmet, a practice
done by some (but not all) paratroopers who landed in Normandy.
Tony
Williams, a sculptor new to me, has done an excellent job capturing
the special features of the M1942 airborne jump uniform. You can
see the laces lashed around the large expansion pockets on the figure's
thighs. All equipment is molded onto the figure, and the hands are
molded onto the Garand. You don't have the opportunity to "mix
and match" gear to create two distinctive figures with this
pose, but that's a small quibble that likely pertains only to anyone
contemplating a heavily populated diorama (i.e., me). The face has
a rather placid look; if you need someone snarling or shouting,
you'll have to pick up a spare head from Hornet.
Mr.
Williams has made a strong contribution to the growing contingent
of U.S. airborne figures. Let's hope his association with Warriors
is long and fruitful for us GI fans.
-tss-
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