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New Metal Figures
Rob Hendrie reviews the second batch of new metal figures for issue 45
March 2012
King & Country
WWI and WWII
Among K&C’s March releases are two long-awaited new WWII vehicles. Although we’ve seen other versions of them before, they will be especially welcome and are sure to be popular.
I especially like the British Dingo Armoured car (DD163) which is limited to 250 worldwide. A reconnaissance vehicle of the Guards Armoured Division in Normandy, it is painted in typical British ‘Mickey Mouse’ pattern. Nicely weathered and worn and detailed to the usual standard, the Dingo includes a separate Bren Light machine gun and driver. The commander looking through binoculars can be bought separately as an add-on set and he can also be put to work on other British armoured vehicles.
Flying the flag for the Americans in Normandy 1944 is a new US Armoured Jeep (DD161). This is a summer version of K&C’s earlier Battle of the Bulge jeep but here boasting an all-new driver. A really useful add-on here is another version of the jeep trailer (DD162) with a new load and this can be towed behind other K&C American vehicles too.
Stepping back to World War One, I had a look on the K&C website and was amazed at just how extensively their WW1 range has been building over the years. The company is now adding the ‘1914 Era’ French figures pictured here. In appearance, the French of 1914 were very reminiscent of their 1870s Franco-Prussian War cousins. It would take another year before the highly visible red was replaced by the less conspicuous horizon –blue uniform with which we more commonly today associate the French of WWI.
These are good action figures. I especially like the active machine gun set (FW079) which I think is an early Hotchkiss with sandbags beneath the tripod to aid stability. The concentration on the face of the ammo feeder adds to the effect making the set both compact and excellent.
Overall, the detailing and painting is what we now expect from this company. The valises, with mess tins and prominent godillots (offering tired feet a rest from the heavier ankle boots), hang realistically well and I like the subtle weathering of all the boots and the blue greatcoats which greatly aids the realism. A good, varied attacking/advancing formation can be achieved with these poses with a special mention for the real leadership look of a most striking officer (FW074) who oozes determination.
Against the excitement generated by these Frenchmen, I must just observe that the two additional WW1 marching Germans seem a bit dull by comparison! Both with rifles slung, they are ready to join the many other early-war German marching figures already released.
Finally, I heard a whisper that K&C are gearing up to return to the WWII Eastern Front next month or early May by releasing three T34 Russian tanks in Winter camouflage. Limited to only 250 of each worldwide, a feature will be that they will each sport different numbers.
Review by Rob Hendrie
Contact:
King & Country
Room 2301
No. Lockhart Road
Wanchai
Hong Kong
Tel: + 852 2861 3450
www.kingandcountry.com
In the UK:
King & Country UK
Unit 17 Enterprise City
Meadowfield Avenue
Green Lane Industrial Estate
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6JF
Tel: 01388 818882
www.kingandcountry.co.uk
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