DML 1/35 Das Reich Division Eastern Front 1943-1944 - Gen2 Gear Kit First Look

By Cookie Sewell

First Look

As is the norm this new set of figures skips the fact it is the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" and simply calls them "Das Reich Division" to avoid CE censorship for display of Nazi regalia. (The SS runes also are not displayed on the box art.)

These four are another group of single figures in one box and are shown in late war camouflaged smocks and uniform parts. They include one man in wet/cold weather gear, one with a camouflaged helmet and smock, a panzer commander in camouflaged panzer uniform, and an officer in camouflaged jacket with jodhpur trousers.

Each figure consists of the normal six parts (head, torso, arms and legs) with one figure (the wet weather suit one) having a separate scarf and collar for his uniform. Small details with the figures include a PPSh submachine gun for the camouflaged soldier, a notebook or map for the panzer commander, and a flare pistol and cartridge bag for the wet weather man. Headgear is also apropos with two camouflaged helmets, a field cap with brim for the panzer commander, and a peaked cap without grommet for the officer.

The figures come with the usual "generic" bits consisting of regular soldiers' kit and standard issue weapons from the generic selection and a set of four headset bands in etched brass for the panzer commander's earphones.

Artwork is by Zgonnik and is not of the awful Photoshop reenactor type in use of late. Directions are the "stick here and use the box art for finishing" variety.

Overall this should be another popular set as it compliments late war German vehicles.

Thanks to DML for the review sample.

Sprue Layout:

• 6214 8 Etched brass
• 6706 41 Four figures, basic kit
• G 60 German generic kit - helmets, canteens, mess kits, ponchos, etc.
• W 30 German generic weapons - Kar 98K, MP40, MG34, MG42, MP44