Japanese Infantry
Review of 1:72 Scale Airfix Reproductions Made in Hong Kong
Poor 1:72 scale reproductions of Airfix 1:32 scale Japanese Infantry have been available for many years now; they are part of cheap playsets with figures, vehicles, aircraft, and accessories of varying size which turn up at toy stores and fairs occasionally. These reproductions “Made in Hong Kong” are marred by miscasts, excessive mould lines, ejector pin marks on chest and back, and the occasional failed conversion. Some of the available poses are unique in this scale, which is why it may be worthwhile to restore a few of these substandard figures to a usable condition.
Contents
Figures in 7 Poses – 23,5 mm equal 169 cm Heigt
- Japanese Officer with »Shin-Guntō« Type 98 Army Sword
- Japanese Soldier with 50 mm Type 89 Grenade Discharger
- Japanese Soldier with Type 11 Light Machine Gun
- Japanese Soldier with Type 38 Arisaka Rifle, marching
- Japanese Soldier with Type 38 Arisaka Rifle, charging
- Japanese Soldier with Type 38 Arisaka Rifle, standing, firing
- Japanese Soldier with Type 38 Arisaka Rifle, kneeling, firing
Evaluation
What was said about Airfix 1:32 scale Japanese Infantry applies to these 1:72 scale reproduction as well, but with the caveat that the latter are of very poor quality. Without significant modification, they may be suitable for the sandbox, but certainly not for the wargame table.
The officer has had a silly little flag added to his »Shin-Guntō« Type 98 sword, which he now seems to be constantly waving. Anyone looking for a motorsport starter or flag marshal, traffic policeman, road builder or railway worker may find this figure interesting.
These Japanese infantrymen require considerable carving and modeling work to prepare them for painting. Of course, the effort may be worth it, if a particular pose is not available in 1:72 scale yet.