Ultracast

1/35 Canadian/British Tank Crewmen (2) All Theaters - Summer - 1939-45

Kit Number: 35049 and 35050

Reviewed by  Howie Belkin, IPMS# 16

MSRP: $17.95 each Website: www.ultracast.ca Most manufacturers seem to be scraping bottom having released the most obscure, real or imagined German subjects. Ultracast of Canada is one of the wiser ones, accepting and honoring the fact that the Allies won WWII, and have a line of excellent resin Canadian/British/Commonwealth 1/35 scale (54mm) subjects. I believe that not one of the major injection molded plastic manufacturers has ever released a set of U.K. or Commonwealth tank crewmen in 1/72 or 1/35 scales! Ultracast has again come to the rescue in 1/35 scale resin, adding these two additional crewmen (sold separately) to their line, the original figures were sculpted by Allan Ball and the mfr figures shown painted are by Kevin McLaughlin, UE. They will bring your Canadian/British/Commonwealth models to life. Each figure is of a crewman dressed down in summer garb (actually good for any season except the very hottest or coldest times), appropriate anywhere in all Theaters, any time from 1939-1945. They each consist of just 4 cream colored resin parts and come in a poly bag with a color photo of the finished figure. I kept the men attached to the resin pour at their feet which made them easy to handle and stand up to dry. There was some fine flash between their legs that was easily removed along with seams lines that were barely noticeable and scrapped away with my Xacto No.11 with ease. The other parts consist of the head and two arms, all of which removed from their pour stubs and cleaned up in seconds. There were no air holes marring either figure. Both are in 'at-ease' poses, representing the hours of boredom and preparation between the battles. They are exquisitely sculpted with nothing lost in the molding process. No. 35049 Tank Crewman has his hands on hips, his suspenders loosely suspended. He's wearing the black beret style headgear with a metal RTR (?) insignia. He's got what might be a Cheshire cat smile which can used to advantage in your vignette or diorama as you show why this is so? Is he looking over German POWs he's put to work doing his job? Is he expecting his buddy to blow himself to Kingdom come as he lights a cigarette while standing next to a "no smoking" sign? No. 35050 Tank Crewman is everything as per his buddy, but his suspenders are on his shoulders, his head is cocked with hands by his face cupping a cigarette he's trying to light. Or he's playing a harmonica - that's up to you. He could be in front of a handful of POWs, some hoping he'll offer them a cigarette while others 'see' and fear a nearby 'no smoking sign. Or in the case of a harmonica, they could be holding their ears, unappreciative of melodious Anglo sounds! Your imagination can take full advantage of either or both of these young men who are relaxing, pulling maintenance - or whatever you desire. Fit was superb with Zap-a-Gap CA+ holding them together and a little A&B putty filling a tiny seam. I used Humbrol paints that appear close to the colors in the photos. Ultracast's website has more views of each figure and shows you the rest of their line of figures and accessories. I didn't soap and wash them but you should. After a first coat of enamel paint had dried, I covered both figures with a layer of Future Floor Wax. Once dry I wiped on, then wiped off artists oil burnt umber, letting it fill recesses and blend for a more realistic look. After that dried I dry brushed with a very light beige and finally a clear flat coat overall. I highly recommend both of these tankers if you want to add some life to your British/Canadian vehicles. Ultracast did an excellent job, and have designed these two to be very simple to complete and paint even by a non-figure painter like myself. Their poses are interesting and a fresh difference from the usual characters everyone seems to have (in every nationality other than UK/Canadian/Commonwealth)! They are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive resin men around. But they are certainly worth it! Ultracast products are available at better hobby shops, or contact them direct info@ultracast.ca www.ultracast.ca or write or call ULTRACAST, PO Box 31025, Guelph, ON N1H 8K1 CANADA (519) 823-0181. My thanks to Ultracast for the review samples and for filling a long forgotten niche.