Today we offer the build review of Neucraft's two new very active German mid-war era soldiers from Qing Yi Miniatures. These two are sold as a set and as singles, and they look like they are doing far more than posing at the side of a tank! Let’s look at them in our build review…
Double construction review:
WWII German Soldier Set #1
Kit No# QY35001S
1/35th scale
8 parts in grey resin
WWII German Army Soldier Throwing Grenade
Kit No# QY35001
1/35th scale
4 parts in grey resin
WWII German Army MG34 Machine Gunner
Kit No# QY35001S
1/35th scale
4 parts in grey resin
The figures:
Qing Yi Miniatures just released two new dynamically posed 1/35 scale figures in light grey resin. These two are sold as singles or as a set. They are two German soldiers in early to mid-war uniforms. Denoted particularly the ankle boots distinguish them from early war German soldier figures with the high jackboot style that we have seen available on the market. The difference to many resin figures we see on the market are the fact that they are in action – in combat poses, both of firing the gun and throwing a grenade. This is different to most of the figures now on the market and it makes them ideal for creating a combat scene.
On thing struck me as very familiar as soon as I saw these figures. They looked just like my favourite set of army men I used to own as a child! The poses, and some of the decals, looked to be taken directly from these raw plastic figures I had as a child. These figures though are much more than that in their detail and parts, so I think the sculptor might have made them as a bit of an updated homage to his own childhood.
Let's take a look at them each, and together after we have built them up to see if your childhood memories have been updated or not...
WWII German Army Soldier Throwing Grenade
Kit No# QY35001
1/35th scale
4 parts in grey resin
This figure is made from four parts of grey resin in a decent representation of a person's dimensions in 35th scale. Although I was saying that he reminded me of my army men as a child, the detail on this has been very much more enhanced by the sculptor Qing Yi. In fact, the detail is almost as good as some of the very best figure makers around.
This soldier of the Wehrmacht is seen trying to “mash” the enemy with his “Potato Masher” or Model 43 Stielhandgranate in an action pose where he is not standing, posing or looking on, but using his weapon. We see a lot of soldiers not doing much fighting, so an addition like this will suit people who want to build “in Action” dioramas.
He not only has a stick grenade in his hand, but one in his boot also – the Kar.98 rifle in his other hand and his short boots make me think you could place him anywhere in the middle WWII period in an action dio pretty much without anyone saying “errrmmm”
This figure is made from four parts of grey resin, so an easy construction…
You can see from the look behind on his belt that he is pretty weighted down with what would be a typical soldier’s load. Gas mask canister, entrenching tool, water flask, canteen and bread bag as well as a roll up tent or bedding are all there to add detail to his look.
He really does remind me of some of the really good soldiers we might have gotten as children – but those were never as detailed as this figure. His face shows a lot of expression, he could well be yelling or screaming as he throws his present at the enemy.
WWII German Army MG-34 Machine Gunner
Kit No# QY35001S
1/35th scale
4 parts in grey resin
The second figure in this series we are looking at is another old faithful – a prone soldier firing his MG-34 machine gun. Again he is made from grey resin and sculpted by Qing Yi. Also, I am happy to say from initial investigation that his expression, the details of the weapon, equipment and clothing are all a step beyond what you could have hoped for as a child.
You can see here some soldiers of the Wehrmacht in similar poses through the war.
He is made from four parts in grey resin. His gun and bipod stand, entrenching tool and then the body make up this kit.
You can see that, like his comrade, he is decked out with all of the normal gear of a German infantryman. M43 steel helmet, short hobnailed boots, gas mask canister, water flask, canteen and bread bag as well as a rolled up tent or bedding are all there to add detail to his look.
His MG-34 is seen with the canister style ammunition drums attached. You can see many pictures of this and the belt style ammo on these guns, but fewer figures are available with the drum style ammo.
WWII German Soldier Set #1
Kit No# QY35001S
1/35th scale
8 parts in grey resin
These two figures make up the first set of what we are thinking will be many more “In Action” poses from not only German but many other soldiers for dynamically posed dios. Let’s hope there are more like this!
If the look of these figures brings back memories then you are not alone. Both of these are a rip from our childhood, but like our modelling (hopefully) they are of a much, much better standard of sculpting and engineering.
Adam Norenberg
Thanks to Neucraft for sending these two figures for us to make and review. If we ever need Germans in combat this will be our first stop.
Neucraft offers a flat rate shipping of USD$6 for any number of kits.
To US, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, Israel, Norway, we ship via ePacket. Average delivery time 11 to 14 days. A tracking number is available.
To other countries, they ship via China Post registered air mail. Average delivery time 21 to 30 days. A tracking number is available.
Here are the figures painted up by the box artist Han Dong
