Martin Philpott
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- Mar 17, 2015
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Tommy’s War 1:32 Private, Machine Gun Corps, Belgium 1917.
Company: Tommy’s War.
Catalogue Ref: TW54029.
Material: Resin.
Figure Sculptor: Nino Pizzichemi.
Box Art: Juan Manuel Jurado.
Price: £14.00
Availability: Direct from Tommy’s War here.
Forward.
Tommy’s War have been on a roll with no fewer than five new releases since Euro Militaire, you may well remember the first of these that i reviewed here with the amazing Clyno Vickers Motorcycle and Machine Gun Combination. Then came my in depth review of the Sergeant, Motor Machine Gun Corps figure here.
Today I turn my attention to the second figure from these that have been designed to work in conjunction with the motorcycle and previous figure, namely the awesome looking Private, Motor Machine Gun Corps, 1917.
I have included below an achieve photo showing a Private from this famous Corps of men. Whilst I have no intention of giving a history lesson here, (there is a huge amount of well detailed information regarding just that which can be found on the internet along with a brief but informative account that can be found on the Tommy’s War website) I did want to highlight the incredible bravery this Corps of men required in fulfilling their specific role.
The photo is of Private Thomas Stupple, Motor Machine Gun Corps who was sadly killed in action on 11th April 1918 during the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. Units from the Machine Gun Corps were responsible for offensive and defensive fire support so were always a prime target for enemy fire. The harsh reality is that casualties were so incredibly vast (62,000 out of 170,000 officers and men) that the corps was nicknamed the ‘suicide club’.
With thanks, the photo is courtesy of the National Army Museum, London.
First Impressions.
Presentation comes by way of the now very familiar, stylish and practical boxing with the resin pieces being kept safe and secure inside the box using a clear plastic re-sealable bag. All of the pieces were in first class perfect condition with no damage or missing parts. The box itself shows a full colour photo of the completed figure on the front with a description of the contents while a smaller photo is used on the reverse side with further written details.
The Kit.
This is a full resin figure kit consisting of five individual pieces requiring assembly and painting. The resin itself is of a superbly high quality retaining very well indeed all of the detail from the original sculpt during the casting process. Very little but the basics will be required in the way of clean up, assembly will prove completely straightforward and unproblematic as with all Tommy’s War releases.
The Head.
(photo below)
The head comes as a separate piece and it is simply outstanding. I would highly recommend the use of a good quality resin saw as a way of removing from the casting block, however once this is done clean up will be straightforward enough.
The Brodie helmet has been beautifully sculpted appearing perfectly proportioned and accurately shaped. The chin strap looks equally impressive with great detail on the buckle and the strap itself laying in a very realistic manner across the face.
Anatomically the facial features look completely spot on with the face holding a wonderfully animated expression. When it comes to the individual features such as the nose, ears, mouth, eyes, chin etc…… just incredible as to how much realism has been captured in this sculpt, seeing it first hand believe me when I say its highly impressive. I love the way the Brodie helmet is tilted to one side and that moustache is fantastic, were off to a great start.
Brodie Helmet, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
Seen in this photo is a wonderful example of the fabulous and famous Brodie Helmet. Looking at this typical example you are able to see how well it has been captured to perfection on our figure.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo
(photo below)
The figure comes virtually complete with only the two arms, head, canteen, small bag and that awesome looking Lewis Machine Gun to attach. The quality as expected is superb and nothing less than we have come to expect from Tommy’s War. Steeped in fabulously well defined detail the figure literally screams out to be painted.
Dressed in standard 1908 Pattern uniform and accessories there is plenty of individual items that we shall look at in greater detail below, the natural looking pose is realistic and looks superb with the machine gun added. This is definitely one of those figures that is practical enough so that the figure can be used in any number of scenarios.
Leather Jerkin, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
A genuine leather jerkin as seen worn on our figure, this fabulous example is actually on display at the imperil war museum in London. This is very much a standout feature of the figures clothing and wonderful justice has been done in its sculpt and appearance. It will prove a real pleasure to paint aiming to simulate that superb leather effect.
Leather Shoes and Puttee’s, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
An superb archive photo showing the detailing involved with the leather shoes and puttee’s so wonderfully replicated on the figure, even down to the excellent lace detail.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo.
(photo below)
Viewed now from the back and the figure still has plenty of exquisite detail to show. The webbing straps look fantastically natural in the way they lay over the uniform while the leather jerkin, puttees and boots are equally impressive. The square recess holes you see are for the attachment of the canteen and small pack, these offer a perfect and precise fit.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo.
More magnificent detail to be impressed with. Superb detail on the webbing belt and shoulder straps, excellent raised detail and laying across the uniform beautifully, also worth mentioning is the buckle detail. The small leather ammunition pouch is fantastic and represents the real item perfectly. The trousers, puttee’s and leather shoes are all equally well sculpted showing superbly fine detail. The interlocking recess and pin method used for attachment of the arms is excellent and produces a precise and accurate fit.
(photo below)
1908 Pattern Pistol Webbing Reference Photo.
(photo below)
This is a genuine 1908 pattern pistol webbing example and what an awesome example it is showing very well indeed the detail and accuracy that has been captured for our figure. Not only does the actual webbing look amazing but the leather holster and ammunition pouch look superbly convincing on our figure too.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo.
(photo below)
Seen from this angle and the individual pieces of equipment continue looking highly impressive. Most notable here are the leather holster with revolver and the canvas gas mask bag. Lets look more in depth at each….
Gas Mask Bag, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
Here we have a wonderful example of the canvas gas mask bag as seen worn draped around the neck of our figure. Secured by webbing straps just as it would have been in reality the level of detail is fantastic. The undercut on the opening flap along with the metal studs are well defined and the webbing strap looks very good especially with the buckle detail.
Leather Holster and Revolver.
(photo below)
A genuine WWI 1915 brown leather open top holster for Browning Mk.VI.455 service revolver used by machine gun crew. Not only does the leather holster show great realism on the figure part but the revolver grip seen protruding from the open top also looks fabulous.
Left and Right Arms, Resin Kit Part Photo.
The arms come cast on the same block, removal and clean up should prove straightforward and with those interlocking pins to attach to the body, fitting will be precise.
Plenty of great detail can be seen in both pieces with the tunic sleeves showing natural looking folds and creases and excellent raised detail with those insignia badges. The hands look great, anatomically correct with great attention to detail on the fingers and grips.
(photo below)
Canteen with Entrenching Tool Head Carrier, Small Pack with Helve Handle Carrier and Helve Handle, Resin Kit Part Photos.
Fabulous example of attention to detail in these pieces, that’s where good research comes in and clearly Tommy’s War have done their homework here. I have included reference photos below for each piece, these show just how well the individual parts have been captured to perfection.
(photo below)
Canteen, Entrenching Tool Head Carrier, Helve Carrier and Helve Handle Reference Photos.
(photo below)
Everything about the canteen looks spot on in terms of accuracy and authenticity when you compare the replica below with that of the kit part. The webbing straps look great as does the stopper, the blue colour around the neck denotes the canteen is for water. An excellent representation.
Moulded in behind the canteen on the kit part is the entrenching tool head carrier, a replica example can be seen in the photo below and shows perfectly well how this has been sculpted brilliantly on the kit piece.
In the photo below is a replica helve carrier, a part of the webbing that attaches to the bayonet frog worn on the belt in order to accommodate the carrying of helve handle and bayonet. Once again this looks spot on with how our figure is seen carrying the helve handle.
Replica helve handle, as seen on the figure. Perfectly well matched just the same as all the equipment we have already seen.
A canvas small pack replica, the pack was normally carried on either the left or right hip but could also be worn on the back. It would be used for personal items like rations, washing kit, rifle cleaning kit, spare socks and writing equipment. The figure has it worn on the left hip and it looks like a great feature beautifully scaled.
Company: Tommy’s War.
Catalogue Ref: TW54029.
Material: Resin.
Figure Sculptor: Nino Pizzichemi.
Box Art: Juan Manuel Jurado.
Price: £14.00
Availability: Direct from Tommy’s War here.
Forward.
Tommy’s War have been on a roll with no fewer than five new releases since Euro Militaire, you may well remember the first of these that i reviewed here with the amazing Clyno Vickers Motorcycle and Machine Gun Combination. Then came my in depth review of the Sergeant, Motor Machine Gun Corps figure here.
Today I turn my attention to the second figure from these that have been designed to work in conjunction with the motorcycle and previous figure, namely the awesome looking Private, Motor Machine Gun Corps, 1917.
I have included below an achieve photo showing a Private from this famous Corps of men. Whilst I have no intention of giving a history lesson here, (there is a huge amount of well detailed information regarding just that which can be found on the internet along with a brief but informative account that can be found on the Tommy’s War website) I did want to highlight the incredible bravery this Corps of men required in fulfilling their specific role.
The photo is of Private Thomas Stupple, Motor Machine Gun Corps who was sadly killed in action on 11th April 1918 during the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. Units from the Machine Gun Corps were responsible for offensive and defensive fire support so were always a prime target for enemy fire. The harsh reality is that casualties were so incredibly vast (62,000 out of 170,000 officers and men) that the corps was nicknamed the ‘suicide club’.
With thanks, the photo is courtesy of the National Army Museum, London.
First Impressions.
Presentation comes by way of the now very familiar, stylish and practical boxing with the resin pieces being kept safe and secure inside the box using a clear plastic re-sealable bag. All of the pieces were in first class perfect condition with no damage or missing parts. The box itself shows a full colour photo of the completed figure on the front with a description of the contents while a smaller photo is used on the reverse side with further written details.
The Kit.
This is a full resin figure kit consisting of five individual pieces requiring assembly and painting. The resin itself is of a superbly high quality retaining very well indeed all of the detail from the original sculpt during the casting process. Very little but the basics will be required in the way of clean up, assembly will prove completely straightforward and unproblematic as with all Tommy’s War releases.
The Head.
(photo below)
The head comes as a separate piece and it is simply outstanding. I would highly recommend the use of a good quality resin saw as a way of removing from the casting block, however once this is done clean up will be straightforward enough.
The Brodie helmet has been beautifully sculpted appearing perfectly proportioned and accurately shaped. The chin strap looks equally impressive with great detail on the buckle and the strap itself laying in a very realistic manner across the face.
Anatomically the facial features look completely spot on with the face holding a wonderfully animated expression. When it comes to the individual features such as the nose, ears, mouth, eyes, chin etc…… just incredible as to how much realism has been captured in this sculpt, seeing it first hand believe me when I say its highly impressive. I love the way the Brodie helmet is tilted to one side and that moustache is fantastic, were off to a great start.
Brodie Helmet, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
Seen in this photo is a wonderful example of the fabulous and famous Brodie Helmet. Looking at this typical example you are able to see how well it has been captured to perfection on our figure.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo
(photo below)
The figure comes virtually complete with only the two arms, head, canteen, small bag and that awesome looking Lewis Machine Gun to attach. The quality as expected is superb and nothing less than we have come to expect from Tommy’s War. Steeped in fabulously well defined detail the figure literally screams out to be painted.
Dressed in standard 1908 Pattern uniform and accessories there is plenty of individual items that we shall look at in greater detail below, the natural looking pose is realistic and looks superb with the machine gun added. This is definitely one of those figures that is practical enough so that the figure can be used in any number of scenarios.
Leather Jerkin, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
A genuine leather jerkin as seen worn on our figure, this fabulous example is actually on display at the imperil war museum in London. This is very much a standout feature of the figures clothing and wonderful justice has been done in its sculpt and appearance. It will prove a real pleasure to paint aiming to simulate that superb leather effect.
Leather Shoes and Puttee’s, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
An superb archive photo showing the detailing involved with the leather shoes and puttee’s so wonderfully replicated on the figure, even down to the excellent lace detail.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo.
(photo below)
Viewed now from the back and the figure still has plenty of exquisite detail to show. The webbing straps look fantastically natural in the way they lay over the uniform while the leather jerkin, puttees and boots are equally impressive. The square recess holes you see are for the attachment of the canteen and small pack, these offer a perfect and precise fit.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo.
More magnificent detail to be impressed with. Superb detail on the webbing belt and shoulder straps, excellent raised detail and laying across the uniform beautifully, also worth mentioning is the buckle detail. The small leather ammunition pouch is fantastic and represents the real item perfectly. The trousers, puttee’s and leather shoes are all equally well sculpted showing superbly fine detail. The interlocking recess and pin method used for attachment of the arms is excellent and produces a precise and accurate fit.
(photo below)
1908 Pattern Pistol Webbing Reference Photo.
(photo below)
This is a genuine 1908 pattern pistol webbing example and what an awesome example it is showing very well indeed the detail and accuracy that has been captured for our figure. Not only does the actual webbing look amazing but the leather holster and ammunition pouch look superbly convincing on our figure too.
Main Body, Resin Kit Part Photo.
(photo below)
Seen from this angle and the individual pieces of equipment continue looking highly impressive. Most notable here are the leather holster with revolver and the canvas gas mask bag. Lets look more in depth at each….
Gas Mask Bag, Reference Photo.
(photo below)
Here we have a wonderful example of the canvas gas mask bag as seen worn draped around the neck of our figure. Secured by webbing straps just as it would have been in reality the level of detail is fantastic. The undercut on the opening flap along with the metal studs are well defined and the webbing strap looks very good especially with the buckle detail.
Leather Holster and Revolver.
(photo below)
A genuine WWI 1915 brown leather open top holster for Browning Mk.VI.455 service revolver used by machine gun crew. Not only does the leather holster show great realism on the figure part but the revolver grip seen protruding from the open top also looks fabulous.
Left and Right Arms, Resin Kit Part Photo.
The arms come cast on the same block, removal and clean up should prove straightforward and with those interlocking pins to attach to the body, fitting will be precise.
Plenty of great detail can be seen in both pieces with the tunic sleeves showing natural looking folds and creases and excellent raised detail with those insignia badges. The hands look great, anatomically correct with great attention to detail on the fingers and grips.
(photo below)
Canteen with Entrenching Tool Head Carrier, Small Pack with Helve Handle Carrier and Helve Handle, Resin Kit Part Photos.
Fabulous example of attention to detail in these pieces, that’s where good research comes in and clearly Tommy’s War have done their homework here. I have included reference photos below for each piece, these show just how well the individual parts have been captured to perfection.
(photo below)
Canteen, Entrenching Tool Head Carrier, Helve Carrier and Helve Handle Reference Photos.
(photo below)
Everything about the canteen looks spot on in terms of accuracy and authenticity when you compare the replica below with that of the kit part. The webbing straps look great as does the stopper, the blue colour around the neck denotes the canteen is for water. An excellent representation.
Moulded in behind the canteen on the kit part is the entrenching tool head carrier, a replica example can be seen in the photo below and shows perfectly well how this has been sculpted brilliantly on the kit piece.
In the photo below is a replica helve carrier, a part of the webbing that attaches to the bayonet frog worn on the belt in order to accommodate the carrying of helve handle and bayonet. Once again this looks spot on with how our figure is seen carrying the helve handle.
Replica helve handle, as seen on the figure. Perfectly well matched just the same as all the equipment we have already seen.
A canvas small pack replica, the pack was normally carried on either the left or right hip but could also be worn on the back. It would be used for personal items like rations, washing kit, rifle cleaning kit, spare socks and writing equipment. The figure has it worn on the left hip and it looks like a great feature beautifully scaled.
