MiniArt Soviet Soldiers at Rest (Special Edition)
Feb 10, 2014 11:14:40 GMT -5
bullardino likes this
Post by Smudge on Feb 10, 2014 11:14:40 GMT -5
Soviet Soldiers at Rest (Special Edition)
Manufacturer: MiniArt
Website: www.miniart-models.com
Review type: In Box
Scale: 1/35
Model Number: 35109
Reviewer: Smudge
Introduction
Manufacturer: MiniArt
Website: www.miniart-models.com
Review type: In Box
Scale: 1/35
Model Number: 35109
Reviewer: Smudge
Introduction
Recently MiniArt has introduced three new weapon sets into their 1/35th range of kits;Kit #35154 Soviet Infantry Automatic Weapons and Equipment, kit #35102 Soviet Infantry Weapons, and Equipment, and kit #35170 Soviet Heavy Infantry Weapons and Equipment. Since then they have been using these sets to titivate older figures sets. One of these is the now discontinued kit #35028 Soviet Soldiers at Rest, now rebranded as kit #35109 Soviet Soldiers at Rest (Special Edition). This last set is the feature of this review.
The set includes five figures first produced around 2007 and several sprues from the new 2013 weapons sets; Soviet Infantry Weapons and Equipment and Soviet Infantry Automatic Weapons and Equipment, and as such is best described as a kit of two halves. It is all packed sensibly in plastic bags in MiniArt’s usual open end boxes. The artwork by Andrey Karaschuk is, as usual, excellent. The construction and painting instructions are on the back, with a list of paints needed from seven suppliers including Vallejo, Testor, Tamiya, Humbrol Revell, Mr Color and Life Color. The colours are consistent with my references.
The sprues aren’t numbered but a separate parts map is provided. To be fair probably only the novice modeller would need this, maybe not even then, as the parts for each figure are collocated sensibly. It’s fairly clear what goes with what IMHO. Instructions for the weapon’s assembly are also included.
The figures
The five figures include four wearing Telogreika padded winter uniforms, the fifth (depicting an officer) in greatcoat or ‘Kaftan’; all wear Ushanka fur caps. The figures are typical multipose consisting of a pair of legs, arms and a torso, with a separate head and cap. The officer has an extra part which is a greatcoat flap. The faces are pretty well done, well detailed with individual expressions/features. Poses are excellent in my opinion, with a variety of uses limited only by the modeller’s imagination.
The Telogreika look great and will benefit from careful painting to show off the detail; the officer’s greatcoat is suitably thin but a little work with sharp blade would make it thinner. It might be me but based on when I built this set some time ago the caps seem to sit a tad high on the figures heads, or am I just being picky? Whatever; this is a fairly easy fix if the individual modellers wants to do so.
There are a few bits of flash and some seam lines are present (again nothing a sharp blade can’t cure), just take care when removing parts from the sprues not to damage the stitching on the Telogreika; thankfully MiniArt has sensibly placed the sprue location points.
The figures build up pretty much as per the box art based on when I built my first set back around 2009, parts fitted well with only a little filler being needed at a few joins (IIRC mainly the torso rears). Again nothing I’d worry about. The inclusion of the blanket, cooking pot and slices of bread are great and useful for other figure sets; not just these.
The weapons and equipment
When I first bought this set back in 2009 the only thing that bothered me was the weapons and equipment that were shown on the box front, which weren't included. These included PPSh41 sub machine guns, Mosin-Nagant rifles, appropriate ammunition pouches, and water bottles etc.
The inclusion of these items now greatly enhances the kit and extends its usability. These new sprues include what are I think some of the best 1/35th weapons and equipment I’ve ever seen. Their inclusion is also understated; MiniArt shows only some as being included in the box whereas many more items are included. I think they've focussed on the mainly infantry orientated weapons and ancillaries.
This is what MiniArt show the contents to be…
This is what the set actually includes;
Altogether, for a mere five figures, there are…
• PPSh41 x2
• PPSh41 curved magazine x2
• PPSh41 drum magazine x2
• PPSh41 drum magazine Pouch x2
• PPSh41 curved magazine pouch x2
…note the magazines are separate allowing for whatever combination you like…
• Mosin-Nagant mod.38 Carbine x1
• Mosin-Nagant 91/30 Rifle x2
• Mosin-Nagant PU Sniper Rifle telescopic sightx1
• Mosin-Nagant bayonet x 2
• Mosin-Nagant 5 cartridge ammo clip x1
• Mosin-Nagant Rifle Ammo Pouch x6
…note the telescopic site and bayonets are separate so the modeller has options with these…
• Nagant M-1895 Revolver x1
• Nagant Revolver Holster x1
• Tokarev TT-33 pistol x1
• Tokarev TT-33 Holster x1
• TT-33 magazine x1
• Grenade F-1 x2
• Pouch for Grenade F-1 x1
• Grenade RPG-43 x2
• Grenade RPG-40 x2
• Grenade RGD-33 x2
• Pouch for RGD-33 Grenades x3
• OP-26 Flare Gun (one open, one closed) x2
• OP-26 Flare Gun Holster x1
• OP-26 Flare Gun Cartridge x1
• Entrenching Tool with cover x5
• Entrenching Tool x1
• Canteen w/Canvas case x5
• Canteen x1
• M36/SSh-36 Helmet x5
• M40/SSh-40 Helmet x5
…note the set says to use the M40 helmets. The M36 would be suitable for the period after the padded suits were introduced and the M40 introduced…maybe later for second line troops.
• Aluminium Mug x2
• Aluminium Spoon x3
• Military Binoculars x1
• Binocular case x1
• Officer Mapcase x1
• Sergeants' Field Bag x1
These are excellent items; in scale, accurate and well produced. Slide moulding greatly enhances many parts; the helmets even have the liners portrayed, the rifles have separate bolts and bayonets. There are some very fine seam lines to contend with but nothing out of the ordinary, just what is normal for kits like this (note because of the moulded in liners the helmets have the seam line running across the helmet rather than around the edges making for extra clean up, but worth it). The options are excellent; add the telescopic sight to a Mosin-Nagant rifle if you wish, maybe a bayonet, drums or curved magazines on the PPSh?
Painting
There is a degree of flexibility when painting Soviet figures; while the painting guide looks accurate the greatcoat can be painted anything from grey through to brown/red brown. The khaki of the uniforms could vary due to wear and the Ushanka came in many colours.
Conclusion
This is a great set; the set as a whole tells a story and is a potential diorama/vignette in a box. Great for portraying troops at rest, gun crew…how about several sets as a load for any of the MiniArt GAZ trucks, or a vehicle crew? There are endless possibilities limited only by the modellers imagination
Depending on how fastidious the modeller is the heads can be swapped for resin items which will take them to another level, but for most I think this is unnecessary. It is always an option though. The weapons and personal equipment are just superb. Take care cleaning the figures up so as not to damage that lovely padded uniform detail.
Highly recommended.
Note the review sample was provided by MiniArt
