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Esci

Set 211

Italian Mountain Troops

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All figures are supplied unpainted    (Numbers of each pose in brackets)
Stats
Date Released 1983
Contents 46 figures
Poses 13 poses, 1 horse pose
Material Plastic (Medium Consistency)
Colours Green, Tan
Average Height 24 mm (= 1.73 m)

Review

Though they were to produce many World War II sets, Esci only ever produced this one Italian set, which is surprising since they were themselves Italian. However, they chose the famous Alpini, one of the elite units of the Italian army.

To make room on the sprue for the animal and skis, there are only thirteen poses here. Many are the standard ones found in most sets of this era, but there are some unusual ones as well. The marching figure is wearing a greatcoat and his felt Alpini hat, that most distinctive headgear also worn by the officer and the skier. This last figure is well moulded, though the poles are somewhat awkwardly done at the bottom. His feet fit into slots in the skis, and the fit is surprisingly snug and secure. The mule is apparently being very difficult, with the handler attempting to pull him forward.

All wear largely standard Italian army issue uniform, and all helmets and hats come complete with the black crow's feather on the left-hand side except the prone figures. Because of the difficulties of moulding such a device, the feather is mostly shown close up to the helmet, whereas pictures of the real thing confirm it would have stood proud.

The skiing and pack animal poses make this a more interesting set than many for World War II, but all the poses are fair and well sculpted. As always detail is good and accuracy is spot on. This is an attractive set for an unusual subject, and it is a pity that Esci discontinued its production early on.


Ratings

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

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