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Built Review
135
Folgore Paratrooper
Paracadutista Folgore 1942 El Alamein
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by: Pat McGrath [ EXER ]

Introduction

While Allarmi do produce some German and Allied figures their main theme is the Italian Army and this figure of an Italian paratrooper is a fine example of their range.

The Italian Folgore Parachute Division distinguished itself at the Battle of El Alamein repulsing attack after attack and only withdrew when the Eighth Army broke through in another part of the line and they were in danger of being surrounded.

The Paratrooper wears a typical desert order of dress with a short sahariana jacket and shorts. He wears the M42 para helmet, or the tropical helmet, and we can see the wooden grip of his 8-inch M39 fighting knife worn behind his ammo bandolier. He carries the Italian Carcano Model M38. His right arm grasps the strap of his M35 Gas mask bag which is slung across his body.

The figure is posed with his left leg raised and his rifle balanced on his shoulder as if looking into the distance.

The Kit

The figure comes in Allarmi’s usual green box with a photo of the unpainted figure on the top. Inside, the figure is contained in a ziplock bag. The kit consists of four parts, three of which are needed to make the figure as there is a choice of two heads, one wearing the tropical helmet and sporting a beard, and the other wearing the parachutist’s steel helmet. The break down of parts is the torso including the legs and with the right arm cast integrally to the body, the left arm holding the rifle, and the two heads.

Cast in a grey resin with almost no seam lines, and with no air bubbles or other casting flaws, the kit needs minimal clean up. There is a large resin plug attached to the figures feet which, as usual, I left in place to hold onto while painting.

The detail on the uniform, equipment and musculature of the figure is very crisp. The anatomy and proportions all look spot on. The figure is 48 mm tall from toe to top of helmet, but is leaning forward so that has to be taken into account when estimating scale height. I put him beside a dragon figure and he looked ok.

Assembly

There are no assembly or painting instructions provided, and while the figure is simplicity itself to assemble, painting instructions would have been nice. I first cut the pieces from their casting lugs with a very sharp razor saw and a number 11 blade. There were seam lines on both legs and on the lower rear of the jacket which I cleaned up with the back of the no. 11 blade.

The M38 rifle is cast with the left arm and properly cleaned up fits almost perfectly to the shoulder. Both the heads are a good fit, and I went with the one wearing the Para helmet. I used CA glue to fix the head and left arm in place.

Conclusion

I like this figure, he has a very determined stoic look about him and would work as a standalone figure or perched atop a burned out British tank. Allarmi have attained a very high standard of casting and modelling with this figure comparable with any other figure manufacturer.

There is a conspicuous lack of information available both on the web and in book form about WWII Italian Army Uniforms, and it would have been a welcomed addition to have some historical background and painting instructions provided with the figure.

SUMMARY
Highs: Choice of figure and casting detail is second to none.
Lows: No painting instructions.
Verdict: A very good figure in a determined pose.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35043
  PUBLISHED: Jul 18, 2009
  NATIONALITY: Italy
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.05%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 86.00%

Our Thanks to Allarmi!!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Pat McGrath (exer)
FROM: DUBLIN, IRELAND

I served three years in the Irish Army. Then I studied fine art for five years. Acted professionally since leaving college (Look me up on IMDB- Pat McGrathIII) Interested in Allied Armour 1942-45 and German SPGs. Other interests are figures and Sci Fi models

Copyright ©2021 text by Pat McGrath [ EXER ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

interesting looking figure
JUL 17, 2009 - 08:13 PM
Hi Pat, Thanks for the useful review. A quick question and then a comment if I may? The kwezchun is approximately how tall does this figure measure? I'm still trying to get a definite answer on the general size of Allarmi! figures - as you may have read I had one that I felt was undersized, and I'm really hoping mine was a once off "issue" as they have an awesome range of figures Then the comment, but before I say this I must emphasis the "your mileage may vary" comment, and please don't take this as a criticism of the fine review you've written. However, I don't recall seeing many resin figures coming with a painting guide, so I guess I'm a little curious why it's an issue (albeit a tiny one ) this time? I think resin figures aren't provided with painting guides because these figures really are for the figure connoisseur, and not for the newcomer that needs such guidance. After all, you don't buy a Ferrari and then complain it doesn't come with a guidebook on how to drive a car As I said, I think your review and photos are terrific, I'm just curious about the one comment. If you'd rather take the conversation off-line, please say so and I'll moderate myself Rudi
JUL 19, 2009 - 07:32 PM
The height question- well in the review it says I have also compared him to a resicast and a masterbox figure and his head to hornet heads and he doesn't look any shorter. The painting guide question, well I suppose if you buy a figure of a little known subject like a Folgore Paratrooper you'll also do your homework and find a reference for it but almost all the resin figures I have bought have at least a painted version of the figure as the box art and two other Allarmi figures I have include colour photos of either the finished figure or the actual uniform. It is a small issue for me as I didn't have a ready reference for Italian Uniforms. I'm not in the market for a ferrari -I'm too big (Like that's the only reason ) but all cars have their paint code printed on the spec label on the engine AFAIK although maybe Ferrari owners don't go shopping for spraycans in Halfords to cover up their scratches.
JUL 19, 2009 - 08:55 PM
Thanks for the info Pat. Obviously I missed that. Personally I think before embarking on any modelling project, regardless of the subject's obscurity, one should be doing their research - but hey, I like research I like Ferrari's, but I'm afraid I can't even afford the enter the showrooms - one look at me and the salesmen's nose go right up Rudi p.s. next time if you need help send me the pics of the figure and I can try help out - even if it means scanning a page or 2 from my references
JUL 19, 2009 - 09:47 PM
Really? For me, painting a stand alone figure is a chance to break free and have fun. 99% of the time, I follow the artwork on the box. A nicly painted figure on the box top is also more appealing in my eyes, something that nearly every other brand does. Good review Pat. Never heard of this company before, but going on your review, Id be interested in picking up this figure. Looks great ... pose and the small amount of parts.
JUL 19, 2009 - 11:28 PM
I'm guessing that perhaps both of you, Pat & Frank, are referring to the box-art as being your painting guide? If so then I apologise for the miscommunication, for I call a painting guide what the plastic companies include with their figure sets. For me box-art is more like of a sales tool, and perhaps one suggestion to the color scheme. Regarding the research comment, I should qualify that and by saying I am referring to historical/military modelling. When I want to just get creative I turn to fantasy and sci-fi, where I'm not restricted by accuracy. As I said, though, I also enjoy the research. I should repeat as well, though, that I do find Pat's review informative and useful. RR
JUL 20, 2009 - 12:58 AM
Allarmi does make nice figures. Their AS42 Sahariana crew is a godsend for anyone wanting to populate Italeri's kit, and their two figures of "Fante Italiano in Russia 1942-43" would help set the new L6 in Russia very well. For a single figure this para is exceptionally well posed and would stand well with Model Victoria's figures: LINK
JUL 20, 2009 - 01:58 AM
   
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