Zvezda 1/35 Modern Russian Infantry 'Green Men' Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | February 2016 | Manufacturer | Zvezda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Modern Russian Infantry 'Green Men' | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 3665 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Modern uniforms and gear | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $16.50 |
First Look
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One of my biggest complaints with the various model companies has been their focus on World War II subjects. When a so-called modern subject would be released, it would be something out of the 1980s or even as modern as the first Gulf War. According to my calendar, even these are 20-30 year-old subjects. Only now are we seeing the variety of unique combat vehicles that are in use today in the major theaters of operations. Zvezda has been releasing some contemporary Russian military hardware and now have released this set of modern Russian infantry figures.
This kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on two parts trees and provide four soldiers standing, complete with current uniforms and 'kit'. These figures represent the infamous 'green men' that appeared in eastern Ukraine without insignia. These figures include personal weapons as well as their team weapons which include AKM, Dragunov sniper rifle, squad machine gun, and anti-tank rocket canister. You can see in the cover art that there is a cat at the feet of these soldiers and the cat figure is also included in this kit.
Painting instructions are provided using Zvezda and Humbrol paint colors.
When I first saw this set, I immediately put one on order, partly for the fact that these are truly modern (if not controversial) figures, but also for the breakdown in translation. Вежливые люди does literally mean 'polite people' but it is also a colloquialism used for these unmarked 'green men' in the Russian language. In any case, these figures are going to be great for contemporary dioramas or vignettes.