LRDG Crew

AC Models, 1:35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

F i r s t L o o k

AC Models is the creation of New Zealand sculptor and modeller Andy Cairns. He offers a growing range of 1:35, 1:32 and 1:16 scale figures and sometimes accessories, with military and air crew subjects ranging from the First and Second World War, Korean War, third world and modern conclicts.

Sometimes quirky, but always full of character and life, AC Models figures will lend context, scale and a unique touch to your modelling projects.

This time we are going to take a look atAC Models's LRDG Crew figure set:

AC Models
LRDG Crew
1:35 scale
Item No. ACM35069

The set under review is AC Models' 1:35 scale LRDG Crew.

Background

The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army during the Second World War.

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Originally called the Long Range Patrol (LRP), the unit was founded in Egypt in June 1940 by Major Ralph Alger Bagnold, acting under the direction of General Archibald Wavell. Bagnold was assisted by Captain Patrick Clayton and Captain William Shaw. The majority of the men were from New Zealand, but they were soon joined by a few Southern Rhodesian and British volunteers, whereupon new sub-units were formed and the name was changed to the better-known Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). The LRDG never numbered more than 350 men, all of whom were volunteers.

The LRDG was formed specifically to carry out deep penetration, covert reconnaissance patrols and intelligence missions from behind Italian lines, although they sometimes engaged in combat operations. Because the LRDG were experts in desert navigation, they were sometimes assigned to guide other units, including the Special Air Service and secret agents across the desert. During the Desert Campaign between December 1940 and April 1943, the vehicles of the LRDG operated constantly behind the Axis lines, missing a total of only 15 days during the entire period. Possibly their most notable offensive action was during Operation Caravan, an attack on the town of Barce and its associated airfield, on the night of 13 September 1942. However, their most vital role was the 'Road Watch', during which they clandestinely monitored traffic on the main road from Tripoli to Benghazi, transmitting the intelligence to British Army Headquarters.

With the surrender of the Axis forces in Tunisia in May 1943, the LRDG changed roles and moved operations to the eastern Mediterranean, carrying out missions in the Greek islands, Italy and the Balkans. After the end of the war in Europe, the leaders of the LRDG made a request to the War Office for the unit to be transferred to the Far East to conduct operations against the Japanese Empire. The request was declined and the LRDG was disbanded in August 1945.

AC Models 1:35 scale LRDG Crew

AC Models 1:35 scale LRDG Crew supplies seven full figures plus a number of handy accessories. They are depicted in Libya

The set is made up from a total of 27 grey cast resin parts.

The box top photo shows the figures posed in front of Tamiya's 1:35 scale LRDG Chevrolet kit, but they will be equally suitable with any other LRDG vehicle including the recent 1:35 Thunder Models Ford F30 kits.

Casting quality is very good with just a little fine flash and minimal pinholes.

The real attraction here though is the freehand sculpting. Poses are relaxed and natural, facial expressions are realistic and the drape of the uniforms is authentic.

Uniforms are anything but uniform with an eclectic mix of Commonwealth battle dress, sandals, boots, local head gear, slouch hats, berets and more. These will be fun to paint up.

Parts breakdown is sensible and separate pieces are at a minimum. Typically, legs, torsoes and heads are cast as a single piece each with some arms, hands and cups of tea and being separate pieces.

In addition to the figures, four W↑D marked 4 gallon petrol or water cans plus two wooden containers with another two cans in each are provided. These will be handy accessories.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to AC Models for the review samples