Earlier this year Ultracast released two new 1/32 scale RAF pilots to add to the growing list of pilot figures available
in this scale. The subject of this review is item# 54011 (RAF Fighter Pilot, Mid-Late War 1943-45). Although I have both
of the new pilot figures in front of me, I feel they warrant a review of their own.
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The figure itself is sculpted by Mike Good, in my opinion, one of the best figure sculptors out there. The figure is cast in five pieces: one piece body/head/legs, each arm, oxygen mask, and an extension for the pilot’s lanyard being separate pieces. The major parts have tabs to aide in alignment, but there is nothing stopping you from removing them should you wish to modify the pose. Each piece is perfectly cast with no defects evident, and a lot of thought was put into the placement of pour stubs. Removing them will take nothing more than a few scores sharp knife, and they are placed in such a way to prevent a loss of detail by removing them. |
Without using too many superlatives, this figure deserves to a closer inspection under magnification. The changes to the
pilot’s “Mae West” throughout the war are all evident, and the detail evident on the harness/lanyard, boots, and the pilot’s
face can all be seen. Careful painting will definitely be required, but in the right hands, you’ve got yourself a winner to
park beside your favourite aircraft of the period, in a small vignette, or simply as a stand alone piece.
A few examples of what the figure will look like after painting, in this case, by Ultracast’s own Kevin McLaughlin:
A few examples of what the figure will look like after painting, in this case, by Ultracast’s own Kevin McLaughlin:
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The figure retails for $17.95 Cdn, well worth it in my opinion, given the level of detail found on the figure. Ultracast offers free worldwide shipping on orders over $100. My sincere thanks to Kevin and Theresa at Ultracast for the review samples. Pictures courtesy of the Ultracast website, and used with permission.
Happy modelling!
Kevin Smith, #3295, IPMS Canada