[Shaun1162]

DML: "Arthur Barnes" British Infantry Patrol No. 9 Commando, Italy 1944

Spotted this on DML USA, and figured someone may be interested in it:

Features

Uniform:
- British Cap New !
- Pullover Undershirt
- British Pullover Windproof Smock New !
- British 37-Pattern BD Uniform Trousers
- Over Trousers with Draw-Tape Waist and Reinforcing
Knees Patches New !
- British Leg Tape New !
- British Ammunition Boots

Equipment:
- British Skeleton Assault Jerkin New !
- Telescope

Weapons:
- Lee-Enfield No.4(T) Sniper Rifle

Others:
- Man Hands
- Character Head New !
- NEO 3 Body
- Clear Stand Mount

 

[tigerstripeblue]

um...it just doesnt look like a ww2 figure.looks like he's hunting chipmunks out on the back 40.did ww2 era brits wear ball caps? it just doesnt look right...even if it is.

 

[pukingdog]

That's a ski cap, there's quite a bit of photos and illustrations of them being used by units trained in mountain and ski warfare. The windproofs are interesting in that light grey color - there was the camo version, and a dark khaki, as well as the white suit - but I'm not sure about grey (for mountain warfare perhaps?).
Not bad, all in all, notwithstanding possible inaccuracies that our brits-perts may know of. The Commonwealth seems to be getting increasing coverage from DML (and it seems, DiD).

 

[ShiGuangYu]

 

[pukingdog]

Looks like grey for tan. Still, an enticing figure.

 

[Spanner 28]

The more I look at this the more dissapointed I get. The cap bears little resemblance to the Examples in Brayley and Ingram or David B Gordons Uniforms of the WW2 Tommy. The Windproofs appear grey as opposed to the White or Drab shown in the reference DML have obviously used (Brayley and Ingram - The World War Two Tommy in Colour Photographs).
Its one thing to use reference but it only helps if you follow it. The Ski Goggles and boots shown in the reference are not included - instead we get the umpteenth retread of "Bulled" parade boots - just the thing for a Commando patrol!
With just an ounce of effort this could have been a wonderful figure as oppossed to what looks like a cynical "use up all the leftovers"
Please DML - if you have to use B&I as you source of inspiration try giving us :
Page 51 51st HD Stretcher bearers (just remeber there is a kilt under the apron)
page 48 - Field Service marching order 41 (with the greatcoat)
page 57 - Mountain trooper with full load
page 82 - 3rd ID with Assualt jerkin (not the skeletal - note B&I have this wrong as 3ID were issued Mk III helmets.

Given what DML charge for a figure I think I'll save my money for something better thought out and better value.

Cheers
Al

 

[Tony Barton]

I rather agree with Spanner that this figure is a waste of resources : but DML are just keeping the sewing machines busy rather than making new plastic castings these days.

First , the Windproof suit was made in the sand version in the B& I photo : so DML make it in Grey , just to be awkward ! The original was used in a very limited way in the Mediterranean , for which it was intended. It never saw service anywhere else as far as I can tell.
The rest of the figure is just potboiling; and I don't think much of the cap either .

 

[justin_g]

1991 Gulf War - photos of SAS show use of the WW2 windproof smock in a sandy/off white colour! Some appear to be modified with a full length front zip.

 

[ActionMan]

There are a few pics here:

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=128690

 

[Spanner 28]

David, there may be a few pics but that is the biggest load of Bollocks I have read in a long time. Most people sit on it they talk out of it. Most of the garments the "expert refers to are not Windproofs in any shape or form. They may be windproof garments but have not thing to do with the item on this figure or its descendants in Cam or White (or possibly tan)
The original garment in Tan Drab was designed for use in cold climate but NOT snowy areas. The whole purpose of them was to prevent heatloss by trapping a layer of warm air and providing a layer of windproof clothing. They were orinally issued to British Mountain troops but also issued to others operating in cold non snowy climes. A lot were issued to the Units in the Italian Campaign during the winters.
Subsequently a version in a disruptive denison type camoflage was developed and issued for the same purpose. They were issued to SAS, Snipers, Normal Infantry, Anti Aircraft Crews, Dispatch riders etc. In Korea they were issued to the Commonwelath Brigade during the first winter in the absence of better cold weather clothing.
A white version was also issued for use in snowy climates over specialist clothing.
Despite what the mitties on that site claim they were only manufactured in the three colours during the war and there is the possibility that a version in a light tan was developed post war. A lot were modified locally by the inclusion of the full length zipper. The cammed version was extremely popular amongst the British SAS in the 50-80 period until better garments were sourced although their use continued probably to this day. They were a lightweight non bulky garment that provided a windproof layer to the user hence their appeal to the SAS who had little room for bulky items in their bergens.
Of interest is that the garment was still in some Australian Q Stores into the late 90's in the Denison pattern, modified (zip ) and original.
Cheers
Al

 

[rogerbee]

Oh well, if you lot don't buy it there's more for those that will. Thanks guys!

CHEERS!

 

[pukingdog]

Color remover and/or dye may be the answer to these grey windproofs. I'll wait to see the cap up close. The new sculpt, Neo3 body, and assault vest look like salvage.

 

[cdn_rhino]

Interesting subject. Not executed to the best of their ability though. It would be great for bash fodder. Another Neo3 and cool looking sculpt will help to move this.

Hope this doesn't cost much, I would consider getting this one. Pretty light in the gear department though.

 

[ali6874]

Best clear up some of the WW2 windproof smock/suit misnomers...

It was issued in the camo pattern, this was NOT Denison pattern material but a pattern unique to this smock and the matching trousers

A sand/beige version with matching trousers, this is the one Dragon tried to depict here, I've seen the smock being worn in the 1991 Gulf war too.

The winter white snowsuit version, this came in both a heavy and a lightweight material, I've owned the heavier example myself.

The green denim smock issued first to troops mountain warfare training in Scotland, I don't think this one came with trousers at all, I've owned one of these smocks, it was a heavyweight denim type material somewhere between green and khaki, the drawstrings were in a beige cotton.

I've done quite a bit of research on these as I am a bit of a militaria collector.

Cheers !

 

[ActionMan]

Best clear up some of the WW2 windproof smock/suit misnomers...
...........I've done quite a bit of research on these as I am a bit of a militaria collector.

Cheers !

Ali, does that make you...............

.................

an anorak?

:rolling Sorry Ali, I couldn't resist.

That is useful info though, and good to get from someone who knows what they are talking about. Thanks.

 

[ali6874]

Haha yeah a military history nerd who plays with dolls....I'm definately an anorak mate

 

[Spanner 28]

Aren't we all?

Haha yeah a military history nerd who plays with dolls....I'm definately an anorak mate

I resemble that remark. Thanks for your input on this subject. I had one of the Cammed ones in a very lightwight material but it came to greif sliding down the side of a forested hill during a night ex in the 80's whilst playing enemy. It was beyond redemption after that. It was a 44 produced item. interestingly i had a Para Smock dated 1954 which was painted in the same pattern 0- as you say NOT the normal Denison pattern
Cheers
Al

 

[pukingdog]

I was under the impression that it was also made in a limited run of Paisley, for SAS ops in the London area in the late 60s.....

 

[ActionMan]

I was under the impression that it was also made in a limited run of Paisley, for SAS ops in the London area in the late 60s.....

That's the one with the kipper tie front.

 

[ali6874]

Oh behaaave baby !

Ouch...that's a painful story Al....a rare item coming to grief like that, they fetch a pretty penny on ebay nowadays...

It's not as bad as the story an old soldier told me, him and his mates had to paint some army building and were issued brand new mint camo windproof suits to use as overalls...

they were covered in paint and thrown away......wince...