ICM

1/35 German Assault Troops (1917-1918)

Kit Number: 35291

Reviewed by  Robert Morales, IPMS# 31535

MSRP: $9.29 In an attempt to alleviate the trench stalemate of the Western Front during the First World War, the German Army created "Sturm" (Storm) Battalions along the lines of forces developed by the Austrians and Italians on the Isonzo Front earlier in the war. These battalions contained not only infantry, but also specialists such as light gunners, sappers, machine gunners and trench mortar crews. The storm troopers preferred to use shock weapons, such as flame-throwers, clubs, sharpened spades and hand grenades. The employment of such units marked a radical change in tactics on the Western Front. Concentrated attacks by small shock units on specific objectives were soon replacing the large frontal assaults that had proved so costly. The legacy of the Storm Battalions is seen today in the small unit tactics employed by almost all modern armies. This kit from ICM of Ukraine consists of 86 parts on two sprues molded in flash-free white styrene. These parts will build into four individual storm trooper infantrymen, one officer and three soldiers. There is a choice of firearms for the soldiers, which are quite nice representations of the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle and the shorter Kar 98k Carbine. The officer is holding a P08 Luger. Instructions are clearly printed with color callouts referencing Model Master paints. The figures are on par with the mid-model DML or later Tamiya figures. The poses are well done, with the shooter being especially well balanced and actually aiming at something. While figure purists may snub these for metal or resin castings, a talented figure painter will find a wonderful canvas to work with, as folds, creases and other details are well-defined. Figure converters will find a great basis for modifying poses or changing uniform details. Costing from 1/2 to 1/3 of one comparable metal or resin figure, this set of four is money well spent. The figures assemble quite easily, with my sample needing no filler for any seams. The equipment is also well done. As to scale, the figures are a tad small for 1:35, with the tallest figure scaling out to just over 5-1/2 feet tall. However, they work well together and their equipment scales out well. They would do nicely in a small trench raider vignette.

I have chosen to depict the storm battalion of the 7th Grenadier Regiment on the Western Front in 1918; the only difference in uniform is the regimental number added in red on each epaulet. My Leutnant was finished using Vallejo and Andrea acrylics.

I would like to commend ICM for the bold choice of subject matter and a well-executed product. If you hold any interest in figures of a bygone era or maybe need a break from those lil' plastic panzer men, strongly consider this set. I highly recommend it. References: · World War One Infantry in Colour Photographs by Laurent Mirouze (Europa Militaria No 3) · Le Fantassin De La Grande Guerre 1914/1918 (2eme partie) French Text (Gazette des Uniformes hors serie no 4) · Personal notes and images from uniform examples at Musee de L'Armee, Paris

About the Reviewer: Robert Morales is the treasurer of IPMS/Marietta Scale Modelers in Marietta, GA.

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