British Reconnaissance Patrol, 1939–1940
Zvezda 1:72 Scale Figure Review
The Zvezda 1:72 scale British Reconnaissance Patrol is suitable for the 1940 campaign in France. The figures are wearing the Battledress, serge, with 1937 Pattern Web Equipment in “battle order”, Brodie Mk.II steel helmets, and the Mk.VII gas mask bag in the alert position on their chests. Once it became reasonably clear that neither side in the conflict intended to initiate another gas war, the gas mask bag (haversack, respirator, Mk. VII) was typically worn slung over the right shoulder; consequently, these figures are not suitable for later campaigns.
Contents
4 Figures in 4 Poses – 24 mm equal 173 cm Height
- British Patrol Leader with Binoculars
- British Scout, signaling
- British № 1 Bren with Bren LMG
- British Signaller with No.18 Wireless Set
- Double-Sided Playing Card with Game Rules for the Patrol
Evaluation
Excellent choice of subject; a British reconnaissance patrol had been missing in this scale until now. The four soldiers are very well coordinated — they truly look like a group out on a reconnaissance patrol.
Very nice poses of a scouting party advancing slowly during a covert reconnaissance mission. Standard British infantry figures are rarely compatible enough to realistically depict a comparable scene in a diorama or wargame.
Only 17 parts, this British reconnaissance patrol is made of polystyrene (PS) components that snap together. Gluing the parts is recommended to prevent small pieces from getting lost during play. At this scale, the rifle slings are so delicate that they can easily be damaged when removing the weapons from the sprue. The kit includes separate bases for the each of the four figures, though the entire patrol can also be mounted on a common stand provided for the Art of Tactic: World War II game system.
The No.18 Wireless Set looks more realistic than comparable radio sets from Airfix, ESCI, or Valiant Miniatures.
Unfortunately, decals with rank insignia for the reconnaissance patrol leader, usually a corporal, are not included in the kit. Painting the corresponding two chevrons on both upper arms requires quite a bit of skill.
Historical Employment
- British Expeditionary Force, France 1940
The Zvezda 1:72 scale British Reconnaissance Patrol is a must-have for wargamers and figure painters who wish to depict the routine act of reconnaissance in miniature.