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In-Box Review
135
U.S.M.C. Navajo Code Talker
U.S.M.C. Navajo Code Talker, Tarawa 1943
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by: Kevin Brant [ SGTRAM ]

History

During World War Two, the United States Marine Corps deployed Navajo Native American Natives into the field as a method of providing secure communication. The bilingual Navajo Natives would communicate with their native language as a means of “encrypted” communication between sections. The communication was done with codes build into the native language, and allowed for more effective communication, that the Japanese were never able to decipher. More than 400 Native Americans served with the U.S.M.C in World War Two for this purpose.

Figure

Recently, Manta Figurines has released a Navajo Code Talker in 1/35 scale. The figure comes in a crouched position holding his issued carbine while talking on the radio strapped to his back. he casting on the figure and detail parts is very exquisite, and looks just great. There was no flash or bubbles found in the castings, but there is a cast line on the figure that will need to cleaned up.

The separate parts included are:
- The body with head attached
- Left arm
- Left hand with Carbine
- Right Arm
- Helmet
- Radio
- Canteen
- Navajo Knife
- Holster
- Small Ammunition Pouch
- Microphone

The pose and facial expression in my opinion are very well done, with the pose looking natural, and not staged. In my opinion, the face detail shows that of a Native American person. The detail on the face is very good, including the cast on headset over the right ear. As for the uniform the cast details is very good, and a quick comparison of images of U.S.M.C. uniforms of the time, show a good match, including the rolled up pant legs and pocket detail. The creases and folds look realistic and to be in the correct location for the pose. The cast on webbing is perfectly defined, and really adds to the overall appearance of the figure.

The included gear looks to be period equipment and the perfect accessories for the figure. Of the accessories include, a Navajo knife in its sheath is very well done. As for the radio pack, it is well cast, with the earphone cast onto the figures head, and the microphone cast separately. There is a small piece of paper included, showing the TBY-8 radio and wires. Not included in the figure package, a small bit of wire could be added to complete the figure when assembled.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an excellent looking figure from Manta Figurines and could be used in a diorama with other U.S.M.C. figures storming a beach, or on its own in a small vignette. This figure will look great painted and displayed and I would highly recommend this figure to anyone.
SUMMARY
Highs: Very well cast, great facial expression, and realistic pose
Lows: None that I found
Verdict: Highly recommended figure
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35-05
  PUBLISHED: May 04, 2013
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.35%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.50%

Our Thanks to Manta Figurines!
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 Kevin Brant (SgtRam)
FROM: ONTARIO, CANADA

I am an IT Consultant and father, with a passion for plastic models. I mostly prefer 1/35 Armor and 1/48 Aircraft. My main interests are anything Canadian, as well as WW2 German and British Armor and Aircraft. I have been building models since I was a young kid, got away from it for awhile, but r...

Copyright ©2021 text by Kevin Brant [ SGTRAM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Very nice USMC Code Talker figure, nice detail and crisp features. One superbly done item, no bayonet lug on the carbine as they were issued with one until the end of 1944 just in time for the Iwo Jima landing Feb 1945. The carbine with the lug wasn't issued to the ETO. Dragon and others have been making that error for years on end. Ironmike
MAY 08, 2013 - 05:28 PM
   
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