Master Box Ltd.

1/35 AfrikaKorps: German Tankmen

Kit Number: MB3559

Reviewed by  Ben Guenther, IPMS# 20101

MSRP: $22.50 Website: www.mbltd.info This figure set comprises 36 pieces, enough to construct four figures and a donkey. Three figures are of German tank men of the AfrikaKorps that from the cover are posed on tanks; as a bonus, a Bedouin and his donkey are included. Upon opening the box you will find one sprue of medium tan plastic and no instruction sheet as that and the paint guide are located on the bottom of the box. The styrene is soft and cuts easily, while the parts do fit reasonably enough together. Standing figure with binoculars Eight parts (12-19) fit together well, the only tricky part is attaching the right and left arms with slow drying glue to allow the placement of the binoculars in his hands and adjusting the binocular to eye level. The figure has low cut shoes with rolled socks as seen on desert figures. Crouching figure Seven parts (20-23, 26-27) makes up this figure. The positioning and facial expression seems spot on, with the figure rubbing the back of his head. One leg elevated figure Eight parts (29-36) creates a figure of waiting expectation. This figure and the one above wear the high top laced boots, and all three Germans are in shorts. What does not show up in the photo are the iron cross decoration and badge on his blouse front. The back portion of his blouse’s bottom is composed of two pieces that recreates the natural look of clothing quite well. Bedouin figure Five parts (3-7) assemble into the rider of the donkey. You have the choice of two right arms holding sticks. One is straight and points down while the other is bent and points horizontally. Donkey figure Five parts (1-2, 8-11) form this animal and it's here that I experienced the worst fit in this kit. The two main halves (2 and 10) just do not fit together well, so some material was removed along the back portion to help close the gap on the forward portion. Even with that some clamping pressure was required to get the halves together. It also required the most spot putty filler, but in the end everything cleaned up nicely and a donkey was made. Parts 24-25 are saddle packs which I did not use on the donkey, but are a nice touch to have. All the figures have natural poses and can be made into a pleasant diorama whether used collectively or as individual pieces. Mold lines were very faint and cleaned up easily so I can highly recommend this figure set to armor and figure modelers. I want to thank IPMS/USA and Master Box Ltd. for the opportunity to review this product.