AKU-1X AKUMA Mech Warrior
Ral Partha Figure Review
This AKUMA has been painted in a three-colour camouflage pattern, using olive green and brown disruptive stripes over a dark yellow base colour. Miniatures of this size are perfect for experimenting with camouflage patterns. Humanoidal Mechs like the AKUMA may be painted in modern infantry camouflage colours, although a popular vehicle pattern looks equally attractive.
The AKUMA may be detailed further by adding a prominent serial number and tactical markings. Decals from armoured vehicle kits may be useful, otherwise the markings can be painted on. The Mech carries a rocket pod with thirty missiles on its shoulder, excellent firepower for an engagement with tanks and other Mechs.
Contents
- AKUMA Mech Warrior designed by Robert Kyde
- 4 Parts
- 51 mm Height
Evaluation
The AKUMA is humanoidal bi-ped, its on-board computer is housed in an armoured skull with facial features. The Mech is grinning, and its face adds a lot of character to the model.
Easy to assemble, only four parts. The lower left arm and left leg need to be superglued in place. We used Rai-Ro adhesive wax to hold the parts together temporarily, while the superglue was drying.
Excellent cast-on detail. The AKUMA is covered with panel lines, bolts, gratings, and rotating joints which add a lot of interest to the model. We followed Jim Gordon’s instructions on Weathering Small Scale AFVs to paint the AKUMA.
The figure is beautifully animated, walking at good speed, and firing from the hip. Part of the left leg attaches to the rear of the figure base, and the detailed sole of the foot is visible.
Cast from lead-free pewter. We decided to spray the paint onto the figure without undercoating. If the paint rubs off, the bare metal shows through realistically.
Not strictly compatible with 1:72 scale, but the model is large enough to serve alongside modern armour and infantry, especially the Star Wars figures released by Galoob Toys.
Ral Partha deserves praise for printing the name of the figure designer directly on the package. Collectors want to know who designs their favorite models, and where to find more of them.
The figure tips over backwards. It may be possible to sand the underside of the base or bend the figure forward slightly to correct this problem. We opted for a standard wargame base which stops the figure from falling over.
The AKUMA is a very slow Mech, but it has thick armour and heavy weapons. Main armament consists of a 100 mm cannon, a particle cannon comparable to a 75 mm gun, and a multiple rocket launcher containing 30 unguided, fast and very effective missiles. The AKUMA is an excellent model, easy to assemble and fun to paint in an afternoon of spare time. The figure is detailed and animated nicely, and it deserves a place in any collection of ultra-modern or science-fiction models. Wargamers will find the AKUMA a tough opponent, and game masters may want to use one or two of them to break the routine of a modern armour simulation.