Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No.
6366; U.S. Armored Infantry - Gen2; 279 parts (251 in grey styrene, 28 etched brass); retail price US $13.98Advantages: nice new set of figures to compliment the US halftracks; wide array of accessories and selection of extra parts from the halftrack
Disadvantages: none noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all US WWII fans
DML has now complimented its really nice M2/M2A1 "Smart Kit" halftrack and its forthcoming M3/M3A1 "Smart Kit" halftrack with four new Gen2 US WWII armored infantry - "Blitz Doughs" as they were dubbed by the 3rd Armored Division. While a dismounted group of four figures, they are the right dress and mix to compliment a summer-fall 1944 halftrack in a diorama setting. (Note that the sprues are all labeled "US Halftrack Crew"!)
Each figure is typical DML "Gen2". A single figure consists of at least 19 parts: torso (2), head (2), legs (2), boots (2), collar, epaulettes (2), coat skirt (4), and two or three arms and hands to permit various postures and weapons. Accessories come from the GA sprue and provide two types of helmets (normal and cloth covered), various ammo pouches, canteens, medical pouches, and .45 pistol holsters and clips.
Weapons are from the GA sprue and provide four M1s with optional bolts open or closed, an M1 carbine with optional open or closed bolt, a Thompson, two knives, and clips for each weapon.
Etched brass provides the helmet chin straps and slings.
The figures provide alternative hands and arms to yield either four figures with small arms or a .30 caliber Browning team with one man carrying the machine gun, one the tripod, and one a can of ammunition. Thanks to the halftrack sprue there are two .30 calibers, one .50 caliber, and various mounts (none deployed) as well as an extra SCR-510/610 radio and some small accessories.
A typically useful set of painting instructions from Ron Volstad are included. A set of sleeve and shoulder patches from Archer Fine Transfers will be about the only thing needed to complete these figures.
Overall this is a good idea and one that is a great addition to the newer DML US armor kits, especially the halftracks.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell