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Built Review
135
WWII Soviet Infantry in Action, 1941-1942
Kit Nª 2 Eastern Front Series
  • mb2

by: Jim Rae [ JIMBRAE ]

Introduction
One of the most heavily-criticized areas in 1/35 figures has been the lack of animation in the poses. Now, the requests from the modeller seem to have been answered with a conscious attempt to provide a series of figures which are doing something rather than standing around... Masterbox has taken a COMPLETELY fresh approach by bringing out three 'linked' sets - of which this review will be the first of a series. What do I mean by linked? Well, the three sets are designed to complement each other in a diorama setting although ALL can be used as individual components in a diorama or even a vignette. The subject area is useful as well - Early-war (1941-42) Infantry sets are always welcome considering that we are getting more and more suitable vehicles for the period as well. A truly interesting initiative from an equally interesting manufacturer.


The bare details
MAS 3523 - WWII Soviet Infantry in Action, 1941-1942 will be released by Masterbox Ltd. in the next few weeks. The set consists of four, 1/35th scale styrene figures which are moulded in a light-grey plastic. The figures come on a single sprue inside a side-opening box which, has probably some of the best box-art on the market.


In depth
: The four figures comprise three infantrymen and an officer. The infantry are wearing the typical (for virtually the entire WW2 period) Infantryman's 'smock'. The officer is wearing the same uniform with the addition of the Russian 'Sam Browne' crossbelts.
Well, enough of the brevity, let's look at the aspects of the figures in a bit more detail:

The Heads: I make no apologies for my comments here - these are some of the best 1/35th (plastic) heads EVER produced. A variety of expressions, open mouths etc. A total of six heads are provided - two with the Forage cap and two for helmets. The officer is wearing a (very useful) peaked cap which will allow the possibility to be modelled as NKVD.

Hands: With the hands, moulding varies from excellent to the not so good. Curiously , the best are the open hands, the 'clenched' fists are a touch indistinct.

Legs/feet: Two types of footwear are provided - the long boots and puttees. Definition is exellent with clear division between instep and heel on the boots.

Torsos: Good, subtle creasing on the folds, good definition on pockets and equipment belts.

Equipment A variety of pouches and Russian 'sack-type' haversacks are provided, a nicely done pistol holster, map-case and items such as ammunition pouches are all there,

Weapons: Some diversity with the weaponry - The PPsh smg, the early-model Mosin-Nagant rifle and the Degtyarev LMG are all provided. Although the weapons are pretty good, this is an area where MasterBox COULD improve on.

The Poses:: For me, this is the highlight of this set. With some judicious placement of heads and arms (some spares are provided) the possible variations are impressive. The figures (even in their hastily-assembled manner) suggest movement. This is NOT an easy thing to achieve and the sculptor has done some VERY good work on giving them the impression of movement.

Multipose: When I spoke to the designer of the figures at Nuremberg, one of the intentions with this (and the other two sets) was to produce figures which were 'modular' in design. In other words, to give basic assembly instructions and allow the imagination of the modeller to 'mix 'n match' the various components to get the desired pose. This has worked very well indeed giving a LOT of possibilities.

Construction: Very straightforward. Each figure consists of just 5/6 parts (without weapons or equipment) and although there are a few seam lines to be removed, the moulding is clean and well-defined. I built the four figures quicker than I normally would - simply for the purpose of this review. Alignment of the two leg halves is excellent with the creases matching-up perfectly. The plastic which Masterbox are using now is also very good allowing detail to be held better in the mouldings. The headgear also fits better than before although a little care is required in lining it up.Construction was carried out using Tamiya Extra-Thin and Revell liquid cement

Other Areas: As I mentioned previously, the Box-Art is superlative. On the reverse side of the box are brief line-drawings of the figures which serve as construction notes. There is a color guide also. This uses references from five paint manufacturers - Vallejo, Tamiya, Lifecolor, Humbrol and Agama. Other manufacturers pleae follow suit!


Conclusions
Most manufacturers do, if they are sensible, continue improving the quality of their products. In the case of Masterbox their recent products have been good, but not spectacular. This set is without a shadow of a doubt the best they have produced so far. However, that is only part of the story. The quality of this set, is as good (in certain respects) as anything on the market today. Quite often, I used to conclude reviews with 'Not quite DML standard...' now, i'm not so sure. The quality of this set is, a quantum leap from anything they have done before. The other point, is the approach of doing three connected sets. Now obviously, not everyone will use them together, However, importantly, the option is there. The other aspect is the 'Multipose' nature of the set, this gives many more possibilities and adding other sets, even more. In conclusion, welcome to the Majors, Masterbox!
SUMMARY
Highs: The 'Multi-Pose' approach to this series. Extra heads, arms and weapons allow infinite combinations. The 'Quantum-Leap' in quality from Masterbox is also notable.
Lows: Some attention still needs to be paid to aspects of the mouldings - particularly the hands. Weapons are good but could also benefit from some extra 'attention'.
Verdict: One of the most pleasant surprises from ANY figure manufacturer in the last year or two. MasterBox is now well amongst the 'names' in plastic figures.
  SUBJECT AREA:80%
  POSES:90%
  QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT:100%
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: MAS 3523
  PUBLISHED: Feb 28, 2007
  NATIONALITY: Russia
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.06%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.05%

Our Thanks to Master Box Ltd.!
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 Jim Rae (jimbrae)
FROM: PROVINCIA DE LUGO, SPAIN / ESPAñA

Self-employed English teacher living in NW Spain. Been modelling off and on since the sixties. Came back into the hobby around ten years ago. First love is Soviet Armor with German subjects running a close second. Currently exploring ways of getting cloned to allow time for modelling, working and wr...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Rae [ JIMBRAE ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Jim I believe there was a matching German set and a Russian/German hand to hand set. Was this the only set reviewed so far or are the other reviews buried in the forum?
FEB 28, 2007 - 12:51 AM
I'm working on the other two as I speak - the German set should be up tomorrow then the 'mixed' set - 2 Russians/ 2 Germans Then perhaps, the U.S:M.C. and U.S. Infantry...Who knows?
FEB 28, 2007 - 01:03 AM
That's fantastic news Jim. I read the other thread at Nuremburg showing the new Allied set and the fancy MG team. Exciting stuff.
FEB 28, 2007 - 03:36 AM
It's nice to see some figures in action, instead of standing around. Can't wait to see the other two kits. I have to hone up my figure painting skills for these.
FEB 28, 2007 - 09:03 AM
Jim, First, I must say you did a really nice review. Normally, the figure review looks like the armor review, not taking in account the figure field specificities (poses, combination, etc..). Taking several pictures with different angles of build figures is exactely what I expect for a figure review ! Well done mate, keep it up ! Secondly, regarding the figures in themselves. From what I can seen, I have to agree (but I cannot say like you "the best head ever produced in plastic") that they seem to have greatly improved the facial expression of their figures !!! The shouting guy is well done. Funny to see there is still problems with the fitting between the head and the helmet..as for me it's not a terrible obstacle ! The multiposes is a genius idea. Since Airfix we didn't see any multipose kit of figures. When you're not a beginner and specially with plastic figures (you usually don't take the risk with expensive and beautifull resin figures), your pleasure comes from converting these figures. And it's always welcomed to have the opportunity to fill your spare box with the rest of the kit. I particularly like the guy hitted by a bullet. I doesn't like the officer poses. But from what I can see of your pictures, the figures seem to have a problem of fitting between the hands and weapon. But anyway I guess it's not a problem since they are multipose... Best to all and good job Jim, Julien
FEB 28, 2007 - 03:22 PM
Definately keeping my eye on these, particularly looking forward to the 'close combat' set review. Great to see company's striving to produce better kits too! James
FEB 28, 2007 - 03:30 PM
Thought this might raise a few eyebrows Let me explain where I stand on this one. At Nuremberg, I had a couple of VERY interesting meetings with the MasterBox team. Also, I was given a magnifying glass and invited to inspect the faces on a variety of the new sets. The truth is, for plastic heads, they are EXCEPTIONAL. There has been far too many plastic heads released which are devoid of ANY kind of animation. The photos don't unfortunately reflect it, but yes, IMO the ARE the best plastic heads currently available However, good as they are, there are even better ones on the way: This is the forthcoming set : 3525 - "Skatspieler" a simple little vigette of four German mechanics playing cards. The truth is, the expressions on THESE figures have to seen to believed.--
FEB 28, 2007 - 05:10 PM
These look great ! Its about time a company like this put out some in-action combat poses. Jaguar tried it in resin a few years back, but the prices were raher high. Masterbox had found an easy solution for that Any word on when these will be out in the States, Jim ?? Cheers !! Robert
FEB 28, 2007 - 07:54 PM
Robert, expect them within a few weeks...
MAR 01, 2007 - 02:29 PM
   
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