Late War German Schwimmwagen Set

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 at one of AC Models German figure set releases:

AC Models
Late War Schwimmwagen Set
1:35 scale
Item No. ACM35084

The set under review is AC Models' 1:35 scale Late War German Schwimmwagen Set

These figures are based on a famous sequence of photos featuring members of 3. Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Aufklärungsabteilung 1, "Kampfgruppe Knittel", 1. SS-Panzerdivision 'LSSAH', in their VW-Schwimmwagen type 166 posing for the SS-Kriegsberichter at Kaiserbaracke Crossroads, Belgium on 18 December 1944.

The set comprises four figures (Schwimmwagen not included). All are wearing typical late-war cold-weather uniforms.

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

The box top photo shows the figures posed in Tamiya's 1/35 scale Schwimmwagen kit. They seem to fit well.

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.

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 and one helmet being separate pieces.

A covered, folded windscreen part with an StG 44 assault rifle resting on top is also included. Another separate hand is holding a Soviet PPSh-41 machine pistol.

These figures offer plenty character to your Schwimmwagen models or larger dioramas.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

Thumbnail panels:

Highly Recommended

Thanks to AC Models for the review samples