Dragon 1/35 Conquerors of Sevastopol- Crimea 1941-42
By Don Barry
Kit # 6702
MSRP: $12.98
This is a four figure set, with equipment, portraying a soldier eating from a mess tin, a soldier smoking holding an MP-40, a soldier resting his hands over the muzzle of his rifle, and a very passable likeness of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, with cigar and marshal’s baton. Although the figures are not of the Gen2 style, with multiple part tunics, two piece heads, etc. they are well sculpted, and fit very well. All the provided field gear is of the Gen2 style, with full detailing on the backs of ammo pouches and such. The included weapons are also well detailed, although a Gewehr 43 is included, and is shown with the standing rifleman. The weapon is well rendered, but would not have been in service in the time period listed. Also included is a very nice scissors telescope and tripod, apparently for Herr Feldmarshal’s use. Each figure is shown front and back on the back of the box in black and white with part numbers for assembly, and in a color rendering with paint colors called out for Gunze and Model Master paints.The standing rifleman will hopefully be used soon in a diorama, and so was fully painted, and his weapon replaced with a Mauser 98K. The other three were assembled (90%) and primed to show finished product. Clean-up was easy, with only fine mold seams to be removed. Fit of all body parts is excellent, with no filler needed. The Manstein figure is probably the star of this set, capturing his hawk-nosed facial features, very well rendered marshal’s shoulder board and collar tabs, with the intricate embroidery well duplicated. His often seen cigar is included, although it may be hard to remove and clean, due to its size. The trouser stripes are cleanly engraved, making painting much easier.Altogether, this reviewer sees a very worth while set, offering numerous possibilities for individual and combined use. Very well recommended.