6272 - 2nd Division USMC Tarawa 1943 (Gen 2)

"... overall, this set will have fans of the USMC raving and wanting more ..."

"...the quality of this set, well supercedes anything which has come before in Allied (plastic) figure sets..."

DR6272: USMC 2nd Division, Tarawa 1943

1/35 Injection plastic figure set with PE detail

During WWII the US Marine Corp predominately served in the Pacific Theatre, and participated in the numerous “island hopping” landings that the theatre is known for. Tarawa, which was fought in November 1943, was the first US offensive in the Central Pacific. In securing this atoll and its tactically important airstrip, the US Second Marine Division suffered heavy casualties, in the face of stubborn Japanese resistance.

This set is the first Allied subject in Dragon’s Generation 2 range, as well as being the first to offer a choice of pose for each man, this being achieved via extra arms, hands and upper body parts.

The men are wearing two-piece combat utilities, which were manufactured specifically for the Marines in herringbone twill (HBT). The jackets and trousers were produced in both plain fabric as the P1941 uniform that entered service in mid 1942, and in camouflage as the P1942 uniform which entered service during 1943. This uniform was typical of the US Marines during their “island hopping” phase. The jackets had three pockets, one upper pocket on the left breast and two lower pockets. The upper pocket had 'USMC' and the marine insignia stenciled on it in black, features which are found on these Dragon figures.

All men wear an M1 helmet with the reversible HBT camouflage helmet cover that was first worn at Tarawa and carry personal kit such as first aid pouch, Ka-bar knife or M3 trench knife and a magazine pouch. Their front-laced combat boots, have the tread of the rubber soles reproduced with slide moulds and are worn without canvas gaiters.

Flexible Poses
The man kneeling with the flamethrower can be posed either waiting ready to move with one hand on the ground or about to move forward with both hands on the flamethrower. He has two pairs of arms and hands as well as a choice of shirt collars and backs to alter the angle of his head and arms.

One rifleman is lying down holding an M1Garand. He can be assembled either with both hands on the rifle looking forward or with one hand on the ground shouting to the men behind him. This variance is achieved using a choice of right arms, and a choice of heads and collar areas.

The M1928A1 Thompson submachine gunner is standing and has the option of being made either firing the SMG or having it lowered ready to fire.

The last man is kneeling and armed with an M1 carbine. He may be positioned either with the M1 pointing downwards or in the aiming/firing position. This change is pose is achieved using new hands, arms, head and upper body.

As each soldier has a choice of positions it is possible to combine two sets to in a diorama with six or so men each with a unique pose.

Like with other 'Generation 2' figures each man is assembled from approximately a dozen parts and is sculptured to a high standard with crisp detail such as lifelike faces and realistic folds on the uniforms. Each man's face is separate to the rear of his head, which allows the faces to be painted separately. The boots and hands are separate and slot into recesses on the limbs. This design allows the arms to be painted attached to the body giving a consistent finish and for the inside of cuffs to be more readily painted.

A double-sided instruction sheet clearly identifies how each figure can be assembled in either pose. Ron Volstad's box art accurately depicts the colours of the uniform and field kit.

Weapons

The weapons are new and include features typical of “Generation 2” small arms. The M1 Carbine and Garand rifle (with a spare included) both have separate bolts, which give the option of having the bolt mechanism pulled back or not; or alternatively stripped for use in say a diorama. All guns are crisply detailed and have the muzzle ends hollowed out. Spare ammunition clips are provided for each gun. The photo etch fret includes slings for the guns with small separate parts for the buckles on the slings.

The M1A1 flamethrower is crisply detailed and the fuel tanks on the operator’s back are built from multiple parts to provide finesse for the valves, back frame etc. The hose is injection plastic and alternative hoses are provided depending on the operator’s pose.

Personal Field Equipment
A new generic sprue provides an assortment of personal equipment such as ammunition pouches, canteen, first aid pouch 1942 and pistol holsters with plenty of spares for other projects. A separate sprue provides six helmets with camouflage covers, and one weapons sprue includes four knives of which three are in scabbards. Photo etch helmet straps are also included and the instructions suggest leaving them loose.

Recommendation

These WWII Marines should be popular as they have interesting and versatile poses and are the first Generation 2 release of US soldiers. These figures can be used in a wide range of Pacific settings and feature crisp detail and accurately researched uniforms. I was particularly impressed by the expanded use of PE and the inclusion of extra parts to provide alternative poses. Highly recommended.

- Neville Lord

"...overall, this set will have fans of the USMC raving..."

<full review here>
- Frank De Sisto

"... Overall this looks to be a great kit, and now to await US Army figures..."

<full review here>
- Cookie Sewell