Plastic Soldier Review - Revell US Marines

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Revell

Set 02506

US Marines

All figures are supplied unpainted (Numbers of each pose in brackets)

Stats

Date Released	1993
Contents	50 figures
Poses	12 poses
Material	Plastic (Medium Consistency)
Colours	Cream

Average Height

24 mm (= 1.73 m)

Review

Though the US Marine Corps made up only 5% of the total US armed forces in World War II, its many actions made it one of the most famous units of the whole war. Most of the Corps were deployed in the Pacific, and this set depicts these men.

The poses in this set are unusual in that they clearly follow a particular theme. That theme is a beach landing, which of course was the most famous of the Marine's tasks as they recaptured one island after another in the Pacific. Consequently we do not find the standard set of World War II poses, but instead have a far more original collection with several men kneeling or advancing while keeping low. This is a refreshing change, and some great poses have been created. We particularly liked the man crawling forward with rifle in front of him and the man waving his comrades on. The marine with rifle over his head is clearly wading in deep water as he comes ashore.

All the men except the officer are wearing two-piece fatigues with the shirt tucked into the trousers. However most photographs seem to suggest the shirt was normally worn lose like that of the officer. The normal M1 helmet is present, and most have a fairly complete set of webbing and pack. This again is appropriate for troops coming ashore. The short leggings are worn by all, though some have the trousers loose over them, as was common practice.

The Marines utilised a number of rifles, carbines and machine guns, and it is pleasing to report that many are represented here. There are no heavy weapons, but this is entirely in keeping with the theme as there was rarely the luxury of time to set up heavy machine guns, mortars etc. whilst trying to establish a beachhead. Such items required man-handling, which would have been difficult while exposed and under fire, and in any case most landings were opposed by few if any tanks. One man carries a flame-thrower, which was extensively used against fixed strongpoints as islands were cleared. This one has been very well sculpted, and is about as accurate as the limitations of the mould will allow.

This is another top class effort by Revell, with very natural-looking figures that are well detailed. Flash is not excessive, and there are no areas of excess plastic to remove. This is certainly one of the more attractive sets in the vast array of World War II sets on offer.

Ratings

Historical Accuracy	10
Pose Quality	10
Pose Number	8
Sculpting	10
Mould	9