6272, 2nd Division USMC, Tarawa 1943. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene plastic with multi-media parts. Contains: 198 injection-molded styrene parts, 37 etched brass parts and one double-sided full-color instruction sheet.

The latest Gen2 figure set from this manufacturer will allow the modeler to depict US Marines from the 2nd Division during their legendary struggle to overcome the odds presented to them by the Japanese defending Betio Island on Tarawa Atoll, in November of 1943. These are DMLs first non-German subjects in the new "Gen2" figure line and should be welcomed by modelers of US figures, especially those with a preference for Marines as seen in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

There are a total of four figures in the set, but each one has extra parts so that their poses can be varied. So, to begin with, if you simply like the idea of having these guys in styrene: buy two sets! Figure one stands, legs spread apart, with a Thompson SMG at the ready, but pointing downwards; with the extra parts, he can be shown firing his weapon "from the hip". Figure two holds a flame-thrower at the ready. He is down on one knee and balances himself with one hand on the ground; his second variation depicts him firing the weapon. Figure three is down on both knees holding an M1 carbine in both hands pointing down; he can also be modeled firing the weapon. The final figure is lying down and would appear to be bringing his M1 rifle up to the firing position; he is looking forward. The variation in his pose has him leaning on one hand, holding his rifle in the other and facing backwards as if calling to someone. Altogether Mr. Volstad's design of the four figures will allow the modeler quite a bit of latitude in display, weather in a vignette or a full-scale diorama. Well done!

The figures are molded in such a way as to have details that rival anything a resin manufacturer can produce. For instance, all leg cuffs and arm sleeves are hollow; hands or shoes are inserted for an excellent "undercut" appearance. Collars and blouse tails are also separate for an excellent appearance. The hands are well sculpted, and the shoes have excellent lace and sole details. Each blouse has the legend "USMC" and the "Eagle, Globe and Anchor" delicately scribed into the left breast pocket. This should be filled with a wash of black paint to simulate the inked-on devices on the actual blouse. I would have preferred decals, but with care this will probably work quite well. The heads are in two parts but since there are no chin straps, the seam will need care in its elimination. But for this, we get excellent ear, eye, nose and mouth detail. Torsos are in two parts to combat shrinkage and the folds, seams and detail in general on the clothing is very well done.

All equipment is separate and includes six of each of the following: M1 helmets with camouflage covers and chin straps on the brim, first aid pouches, canteens and carbine magazine pouches. There are eight .45 cal. pistol magazine pouches, three .45 cal. SMG magazine pouches, three closed pistol holsters, four knives and 20 rifle clip pouches. The flame thrower consists of 12 parts with a variation in the hose to fit the variation in pose (ah, a budding poet am I…) and also has an opened nozzle end due to the use of slide molds. Speaking of which, the men's weapons are all slide-molded. So this means that all bores are opened up as are the receivers. Bolts are separate and come in opened or closed versions for the rifle and carbine. The "Tommy Gun" is the M1928A1 "Navy" version with horizontal fore-grip and muzzle compensator, as well as 20-round box magazine with cocking handle and slot on top. This last feature is beautifully rendered by the use of a slide mold. Lastly, slings and other un-known details are provided using etched brass for that final last bit of detail.

The instructions are in full-color and cover both sides of a single page. They serve as an excellent painting guide and a fine assembly guide. They fall short when it comes to the smaller etched-brass bits. I have no idea what some of them are, or if they are even for this set. There is also one major item missing from this set that is quite puzzling to me: not one hand grenade is to be seen!

But overall, this set will have fans of the USMC raving and wanting more. DML, please: MORE!

Highly recommended.

- Frank De Sisto