Regardles of subject (although I do think they do well in this respect too) Masterbox are 100% on the ball with their figure sets, as the imaginative, action packed poses that can interact with one another is exactly what we as modellers are after at the moment. Well done masterbox for pushing the boat out and succeding, in my experience they are producing some of, if not the best figure sets today. Just keep em coming! (and please lets have some Tommie's in action!) James

First of all, much as I agree with the genuine desire to see Australian infantry, I don't see them as particularly 'viable' financially. As to USMC sets in plastic - we're NOT exactly overflowing with them. Only one set (DML's) is a modern moulding....

Why is it that when someone takes the time to post a new figure kit release or review of one, 50% of the responses involve the bemoaning of a preferred figure agenda. I mean we all wish someone would come out with a 1/35th set of " Charlies Angels " or the " Spice Girls ", ......................but come on the title post does say USMC & JAPANESE INFANTRY ? Don't get me wrong I'm on board with the bemoaners for the most part. I want early US Marines, [ tin pots and Springfields } early Ozzies, Philippine Scouts, and Commonwealth troops from the Pacific theater. That would be very cool. What we as modelers need to do is post a petition here on Armorama of what we want, [ in a seperate new topic ] have members log on to the wish list and send it to manufactures. That's the only way they are going to continue not making what we really want, l.o.l. Ok that's enough coffee for me ....... Glenn

The spice girls -yes Charlie's angels - definitely but NO WAY! Maybe that should be Aussies

Glenn, Firstly I agree with your comment . The best thing is Masterbox is taking note of modellers request on this site and are going that little step forward and as all the posts indicate they are leaps and bounds ahead of resin and plastic manufacturers. For example I'm quite sure there would be at least 50% of modellers who do Armour subjects have a Tamiya 25 pounder tucked away in there stash . For the likes of say Masterbox to produce a commonwealth gun crew firing this field piece would be financially a "viable" thing . Being the fact this field piece was used by English as well as Australians in the middle east and pacific . Its a big wish but, hey,I am extremely happy with the early images on the latest project.

Firstly, MBox take this site VERY seriously indeed - as we not only get advance images/news from them we also are the first site to actually get our sticky hands on their new products. However, much as I agree with your idea, all too frequently, the ideas presented here are good in their concept, but poor in terms of practicality. A bigger manufacturer CAN (very occasionally) go into the more obscure releases - the smaller companies have to keep their eyes far more fixed on the balance sheet. They simply can't afford to gamble with less popular (or documented) subjects. In terms of a 'wish-list', the idea is good, but as for helping manufacturers, it's of limited value. If we could guarantee (as we should be able to) a participation of around 5000 modelers, the idea would have some appeal. As it is, (sadly) there's a reluctance in many to actually participate. Also, it's never as simple as 'suggesting' - NONE of the companies maintain a full-time staff of researchers. The designers need complete documentation on every subject and then they can start doing the actual conceptual work. On a more positive side, Masterbox are a company who will listen to suggestions - frequently they have referred to the feedback on this site as very useful indeed. So, it's time to get away from the comments of the 'usual suspects' and open the feedback up to those who rarely post or comment... Yes, that DOES mean the 'lurkers'

Michael you're absolutely right, there are existing " element " pieces out there as in the 25 lb-er, that would be able to have Australians, Commonwealth etc. sell and compliment/ accompany the build. But everything nowadays is geared to the " new releases ". Have you noticed whenever a new tank or vehicle comes out the said vehicle is inundated with p.e. offerings, and fig. manufactures only stick their toe in the water and put out a companion set of a tanker or two. This makes manufacturing sense. According to their estimates and bean counting, it'll sell. That's why the manufactures need that petition push which unfortunatly is our only way to get " era or period " fig. kits that in their eyes [ and cash registers ] will sell. A nice New Guinea, Buna/Gona area build - I only wish !!!! Glenn Sorry forgot the pic. As I said I'm not against the wishes, we're just fighting city hall. That's why I made the petition suggestion. I mean, come on who wouldn't want a set of these buggers ???

I'd love a set having had the pleasure of meeting a few of the Vets and knowing that these men never truly got the accolades they so richly desrve. To achieve what these men did with what they had in the conditions is one of the greatest feats of arms in modern history and ranks alongside the "300: etc. To fight a tactical withdrawal across some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet with only small arms (no mmg, mortars etc) and very little in the way of resupply (all carried by hand) against a foe with support weapons, who were seasoned elite veterans and outnumbered the Aussies 10-1 is miraculous. The tactics used are now standard doctrine for tactical strategic withdrawal in most western militaries. To be publically vilified as cowards by their leaders (Blamey) and the theatre Comd (Macarthur) is unforgiveable. If these men had not undertaken a tactical withdrawal then the Japs would have rolled up the Allied Forces in NG and taken Moresby. This would have been a strategic disaster and set back the war in tha pacific for a few years. These men and the Australian led and manned (98% with a few US engineers) force at Milne Bay inflicted the first Campaign Defeats on the seemingly invincible and unstoppable Japanese forces in the War. In fact history records (although rarely in US Histories) that Australian Commanded and led Forces inflicted the first defeats on both Germany (TOBRUK) and the Japanese (MILNE BAY). Australians committed troops to the SWPA where they were deliberately kept out of any meaningful actions post 44 due to the ego of one Douglas Macarthur despite proving themseleves the elite of the campaigns to date (a fact attested to by the japanese themselves). They also committed three DIV's to the 8th Army where they were the Vanguard of the 8th Army on its early victories and the rearguard in its retreats. They were squandered on the ill feted Greek and Cretan disasters and distuinguisshed themselves at Tobruk (It only fell after it had been releieved and then besieged again but NOT under Australian command and with little in the way of Australian defenders. Rommel considered the Australians and the Kiwis as the Elite of the forces in Africa. The Australians and Kiiws went on to further recognition in the El Alamein battles (and Italy for the Kiwis) achieveing results well above their force size. I believe a set of Jungle troops and Dwesrt troops would be quite viable given the histories and the conversion potential for other 8th Army and 14th troops which have been little done. Given the amount of DAK kits and japanese Armour it is not unreasonable to believe these could be quite finacially viable (as I'm sure DML will find with t he 8th Army set). Airfix, Revell and Matchbox all had Australians / Anzacs in their 72nd scale figure lineups and these were highly successful. Just something to consider Al

Very nice and original sets, especially the Jap. I also like figures "in action"...but in my opinion some of them have a pose too stiff tom