DML 1/35 U.S. 29th Infantry Division Omaha Beach D-Day 1944 Kit First Look

By Cookie Sewell

First Look

Dragon has a nice idea that they have been using this year – obviously tied into marketing related to the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and the battle for Normandy – to re-release some older kits that have been off the market with new parts and at reasonable prices. The 29th ID kit is new and is another of the latest kits from DML with six figures per box vice four.

The "60th Anniversary" kits are old friends – the Airborne kit came out as #6010 in 1994, the Rangers as #6021 also in 1994, the 2nd Armored figures in 1999 as #6120, and the antitank teams as #6149 in 2001. All are great sets and set the standards that DML has maintained in this area for over a decade. The main difference with these kits is a new sprue of 48 parts that adds a lot of accessories and flexibility to the kits, and literally enhances them and their use.

The new sprue – dubbed "M-35Figure-C" – provides the following parts: four new heads, all complete and all bare; four new helmets, one with mesh and one with mesh and scrim attached; two German-style "teller" mines; two pistol holsters; four bayonets; two WWI type (fixed) and two WWII type (folding) entrenching tools; two M1A1 "airborne" folding stock carbines; an M1 bazooka with two rounds and a carry sack for three; a BAR with choice of bipods and handles; three M1 rifles (one regular, one with bayonet, one with grenade launcher and grenade); two Thompson submachine guns, and one twin and two single barrel cases. For good measure, two sections of logs are also provided as props.

The totally new 29th ID set contains six figures in assault poses – one prone, three kneeling or crouching, and two running. All come in the correct leggin and shoe dress, however, none is wearing the US beach assault vest created for D-Day. One is still wearing his chest life preserver, however! They all come with the usual kit – canteen, bayonet, butt pack, ammo pouches, and small arms (two carbines, two BARs, and four M1s). The poses will really be popular as they are very well animated and far from the usual static figure poses.

Overall, these are very nice sets and are sure to be very popular in this anniversary year of D-Day. The only grouses I have heard so far are "why aren't the Brits receiving the same level of treatment?" (from British modelers!) and complaints from the extremely lazy that for all of the great value and detail, why can't they put themselves together and paint themselves as well!

Just goes to show you can't please everyone.

Thanks to DML for the review samples.