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All figures are supplied unpainted (Numbers of each pose in brackets)
| Date Released |
1988 |
| Contents |
50 figures |
| Poses |
15 poses |
| Material |
Plastic (Medium Consistency) |
| Colours |
Grey |
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Average Height
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24 mm (= 1.73 m)
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The Spetsnaz ('Special Purpose') were the elite of all elite units in the Soviet army, and were comparable to American Rangers or British SAS. They were given the most difficult assignments, and performed all manner of special tasks behind enemy lines. Their existence was shrouded in secrecy, and they were not permitted any distinctive uniform or insignia. Consequently, these figures look much like other elite units, principally the VDV ('Air Assault Force').
In looking at the poses in this set you are soon struck by how dull most of them are. Many of the poses are almost identical, and most seem to be rather flat and have very little action. This was a problem with several of the last Esci sets, and it does not inspire their use either on display or in games. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with any of the poses on offer, but most of the interest lies in the more unusual weapons some are using.
In the absence of a distinctive uniform, Spetsnaz generally adopted whatever was appropriate for the circumstances they were in. Most of these figures wear the one-piece camouflage coveralls common amongst Soviet infantry in the mid-eighties, when this set was produced. The sculptor has also managed to sculpt traces of the instantly recognisable stripped shirt that is usually associated with naval units but was also adopted by the VDV. Most also wear a beret - the mark of airborne forces in most of the World, but some wear the tropical field hat that was issued to Border Guards for actions such as the invasion of Afghanistan. In all respects the uniform and webbing are accurate and well presented.
The main weapon in this set is the assault rifle, though the officer carries an AKR sub-machine gun. A kneeling man is about to fire an anti-tank rocket launcher, and the most interesting of all the men is the soldier standing aiming his 9P54M in the air, which is as well as it fires anti-aircraft missiles. All these weapons have been nicely and authentically modelled.
Abraham Lincoln once said 'For those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like', but for everyone else there is little of interest here. Technically this set is very good. Beautifully sculpted, completely authentic, not a trace of flash or other imperfections. Of course these men wear regulation uniform and kit, and the reality in the field, perhaps far from home in Afghanistan, would have been quite different. The kneeling sniper should have a sidearm such as a pistol, but none is apparent. It seems that Esci, or at least their sculptor, had run out of ideas by this stage, and the result is a very well done product that is easily forgettable.
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Historical Accuracy
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 9
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Pose Quality
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 5
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Pose Number
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9
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Sculpting
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 10
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Mould
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10
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