DML 1/35 French Infantry Sedan 1940 Kit First Look Kit First Look
By Cookie Sewell
| Date of Review | January 2013 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | French Infantry Sedan 1940 | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 6738 | Primary Media | 66 parts in grey styrene |
| Pros | First nice new figures in styrene of French WWII soldiers in over 30 years; nicely done with good poses and suitable for use with French vehicles | Cons | Weapons look a bit heavy |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $16.95 |
First Look
One of the great surprises in world history was the collapse of the French Army in six weeks during the early summer of 1940. France had a larger army than the Germans, as well as more and for the time better tanks, artillery and aircraft. As such, while the French soldiers themselves did put up a valiant effort, they have not been well represented in model form.
Heller was the only company over the years that did release kits of WWII French armored vehicles and also infantry and supporting figures to go with them (including a camel rider) but whereas the vehicles could be made into decent replicas with work, the figures were very static and poorly laid out, making a good job of them very difficult. Until this time the only decent figures to be found were in resin.
Be that as it may, DML has now stepped up with a nice new set of four "polius" in overcoats preparing to defend against the attacking Germans. They include a captain (three silver stripes, which I think is a captain under the French ranks) observing the enemy, a soldier calling and pointing to their location, and a light machine gun team with one many carrying the gun and the other man with a pipe bringing the magazines.
All figures consist of eight basic parts - head, torso, arms, legs and two piece coat skirts; the enlisted men wear theirs "retroussie" style or turned back and buttoned up at the rear, and the captain has his down. Each figure comes with a canteen, backpack and relevant ammo pouches and pistols for the captain and ammo bearer. The other soldier carries a rifle.
The machine gun appears to be the Chautellerault Mle 1924/29 light machine gun, as over-engineered and obnoxious a weapon as I have personally encountered. (I accidently disassembled one in Vietnam and it took me six hours to get it back together, but I digress. It comes with a magazine in place and a second magazine in the hands of the loader. Each has shoes but whereas the enlisted have cloth leggins the officer has saddle leather uppers over his shoes.
Box art is unsigned but appears to be a combination of painting and Photoshop, albeit better than some recent efforts. Directions for painting are "follow the box art" type.
Overall this is a welcome effort and one that anyone with a Tamiya Char B or Renault tankette will appreciate.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Sprue Layout:
- 6738 66 Four figures, all weapons and kit