DML 1/35 Japanese Army Infantry Peleliu 1944 Kit First Look Kit First Look
By Cookie Sewell
| Date of Review | April 2013 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Japanese Army Infantry Peleliu 1944 | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 6555 | Primary Media | 72 parts in grey styrene |
| Pros | Nice new set of Imperial Army infantry to compliment the recent Type 95 Light Tank kit | Cons | Spartan instructions and finishing suggestions |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $16.95 |
First Look
For many years, modelers wishing to capture the Pacific War were somewhat at a loss for figures as the only sets in styrene were a 30+ year old Tamiya one or the much larger 1/32 scale Airfix "Multipose" sets. In recent years some sets have appeared from MiniArt, Masterbox and Fine Molds, but now DML is finally turning its efforts to figures to go with its recent Japanese light tank kits.
This set provides four figures in combat poses: a kneeling officer with pistol and katana sword drawn, a kneeling rifleman firing his rifle, and a two-man light machine gun team firing. Each figure wears his complete uniform with helmet and neck cloth cover at the rear (the officer has a cloth cover, the enlisted men mesh netting). Each figure comes in the standard six parts (head, torso, arms, and legs) with the officer's hand molded onto the sword for a good fit. Faces on the heads are very nicely done.
The weapons are new and consist of two rifles with bayonets, a Nambu light machine gun with bayonet attached (!), and a Type 94 pistol for the officer. I am not sure why they picked that one as the Type 94 is one of the worst pistols ever made (it can be made to fire when cocked and loaded and on safe by pressing on the sear on the side of the pistol) instead of the more common Type 14 Nambu. The light machine gun is a bit rough and the bayonet appears to just stick on the muzzle end some place, but as the bipod has to go on first I suspect DML didn't have much of an option for how to do it (and yes, they did have a bayonet fitted to these weapons!)
Each figure comes with a bread bag and water bottle as well as the relevant ammo pouches for his particular weapon (the Nambu gunner has two pouches worn on his back and three extra magazines for the gun).
The artwork is unattributed but is not by Ron Volstead. Instructions are the "stick here" and paint like the box art variety.
Overall any new set of non-German figures from DML is welcome and this set should be popular with anyone wanting figures for their very nice Type 95 Light kit.
Thanks to DML for the review sample.
Sprue Layout:
- 6555 72 Four figures, weapons, kit