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In-Box Review
135
U.S. Infantry Private
U.S. Infantry, Private, June 1944, Normandy
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

introduction

A new resin figure company has appeared from France, and if I am reading things right one of the sculptors is Chistophe Camilotte from Nemrod. They are producing figures in a range of scales, including both 1/35 and 1/24! Being from France, it’s only appropriate that their first figure in 1/35 is of a US Infantry Private in Normandy during the liberation of France.

the figure

The figure from Manta Figurines arrives in a clamshell blister back, and within this are the resin parts packed inside a small plastic zip bag. This particular figure has thirteen parts, some of which appear “generic” in nature and are of typical infantry gear for the period. Included in the set are a M1910 E-tool, frag grenade, bayonet scabbard with bayonet, M1942 first aid pouch, and a canteen. Note that this figure has a M1 with bayonet fixed, so if you use the scabbard, remove the sheathed bayonet.

The figure body itself is wearing what appears to be the M-1941 field jacket, early combat boot with leggings, bandoleers with ammo for the M1, and the gas mask bag all molded as part of the body. The gas mask bag was issued shortly after D-Day, so this would place the figure later in the Normandy campaign, and maybe not in June. As a side note, once the threat of gas attack wore off, many soldiers discarded the mask and kept the bag to carry personal belongings. A separate part makes up another field jacket tucked into the figures belt, though I’m not sure what jacket this could represent as there is no distinguishing marks. It could be the later M-1943 jacket.

Two helmet choices are provided, one with netting and one without.
The head, minus the helmet, and arms are all separate. The M1 rifle is molded with the hands, so no gaping holes or frustrating time wasted trying to get the hands to grip the rifle. Overall the sculpting is excellent, with clean castings. On some parts there is a very small seam running down one side of the part, so a little minor clean-up is needed.

Assembly

There are no instructions, only the box art to work off of. Once parts were cut from the pour gates, they were cleaned up and assembled. I started with the tucked jacket, and then moved to adding the arms, being sure to coordinate their positions with the hands griping the rifle. The hollowed out sleeves on the arms helped alignment, as it didn’t have to be perfect, but only look natural and the hands could slip into the sleeves.

Overall everything fit perfectly, and the few gaps were from overzealous cutting on my end while removing the arms from the pour gates. Nothing a little filler won’t fix and the figure will be ready to paint. I would suggest obtaining some photo-etch slings and using one on the M1.

Overall Impressions

This is a great little figure, that scales out well in 1:35. The equipment mix is interesting, and being that the recognizable items are of “earlier” issue, one could use this figure for an Italian, MTO, PTO, or maybe even North Africa campaign. The figure is sculpted such that one could also leave off the tucked jacket if you desired, and then add more equipment than what I was able to fit on. I really enjoy the pose, with the look of advancing while keeping his head low. It adds a little drama to the piece and could be an excellent stand-alone figure.

Overall I would give this figure top ratings for overall detail, ease of assembly, and pose. This is some fantastic new work by Manta, and a great way to start off the new company! Our thanks to Manta Figurines for the review sample, and we hope to see many more that could compliment this figure soon!
SUMMARY
Highs: Superb sculpting, very natural motion pose, and good parts breakdown. Optional heads a plus!
Lows: Small seams to clean up on some parts.
Verdict: A really nice figure for Allied figure fans!
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 3501
  Suggested Retail: $19.00 US
  Related Link: Manta home page
  PUBLISHED: Jul 24, 2012
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.50%

Our Thanks to Manta Figurines!
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 Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Very nice review Andy. I like seeing figures actually being built for reviews... that way one can comment on the fit of the parts and the pictures of the built figures are definitely worth 1000 words. Hopefully, Manta is going to continue the cooperation with Armorama, they have some really nice modern French figures in the works. Mario PS, I think the sculptor and painter is Chistophe Camilotte and the figure was cast in Nemrod.
JUL 24, 2012 - 08:51 AM
I thought this was a Nemrod figure!! This series was really, really nice, thanks for the review! I too am waiting for those lovely looking modern French....
JUL 25, 2012 - 08:58 AM
   
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