Arnhemjim
Corporal
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2009
- Messages
- 404
Some observations, for the limited value they may be worth, regarding the new increment of King and Country Market-Garden Series sets introduced at the West Coaster this past weekend. As a retired semi-skilled intelligence officer I had predicted 3 of the 5 new sets. If you go back and check I’ve left several good candidates for a third lift.
I had initially thought a great opportunity had been lost. None of the war correspondents actually present and reporting from the front, i.e. the West Coaster, had either showed or mentioned the descending paratrooper set (MG 028). I found out from King & Country’s web site. Note that Andy has held the price the same as the 82nd and 101st in sets DD122 and 123. Already have the Franklin Mint 1:48 scale (close enough, but very heavy) C-47A Skytrain (Dakota) for them to jump from.
Referring to MG030, Andy and his research staff got Sgt D.M. Smith’s (AFPU) Bell & Howell 35mm Eyemo Cine Camera and 35mm Super Ikonta spot on, per TOE of the APFU.
In MG031 the issue of Pvt Ron ‘Ginger’ Tierney’s chin cup or gogles is a real dilemma. Although initially appearing as the helmet’s chamois chin cup liner, it’s not that simple. Have tried with the exact original helmet and leather chin harness, to pull it over the top of the helmet rim and it will not configure to anything close to the iconic photograph of Lt Mike Holman’s 23 Mortar (Handcarts) Platoon of S Company, 1 Bn The Border Regiment in close intense action. For those of you already familiar with both the film footage and stills there appears to be a set of metal lens frames partially visible (with some sort of cover?), and an elastic strap with a metal adjustment slide in another photo showing the back of the helmet. Can’t fault Andy on the interpretation in the figure. Only Pvt Tierney, or someone in the 3in mortar pit at the time, would know, and it would appear that they were “a bit preoccupied” at the time and wouldn't remember.
With the Wireless (No.22 WS) configuration of the Airborne Jeep and the interpretation of Sappers Grier and Robb's poignant surrender (will buy to stay complete, but mixed emotions about displaying.), these new sets represent an excellent additional increment to the Market-Garden Series.
I had initially thought a great opportunity had been lost. None of the war correspondents actually present and reporting from the front, i.e. the West Coaster, had either showed or mentioned the descending paratrooper set (MG 028). I found out from King & Country’s web site. Note that Andy has held the price the same as the 82nd and 101st in sets DD122 and 123. Already have the Franklin Mint 1:48 scale (close enough, but very heavy) C-47A Skytrain (Dakota) for them to jump from.
Referring to MG030, Andy and his research staff got Sgt D.M. Smith’s (AFPU) Bell & Howell 35mm Eyemo Cine Camera and 35mm Super Ikonta spot on, per TOE of the APFU.
In MG031 the issue of Pvt Ron ‘Ginger’ Tierney’s chin cup or gogles is a real dilemma. Although initially appearing as the helmet’s chamois chin cup liner, it’s not that simple. Have tried with the exact original helmet and leather chin harness, to pull it over the top of the helmet rim and it will not configure to anything close to the iconic photograph of Lt Mike Holman’s 23 Mortar (Handcarts) Platoon of S Company, 1 Bn The Border Regiment in close intense action. For those of you already familiar with both the film footage and stills there appears to be a set of metal lens frames partially visible (with some sort of cover?), and an elastic strap with a metal adjustment slide in another photo showing the back of the helmet. Can’t fault Andy on the interpretation in the figure. Only Pvt Tierney, or someone in the 3in mortar pit at the time, would know, and it would appear that they were “a bit preoccupied” at the time and wouldn't remember.
With the Wireless (No.22 WS) configuration of the Airborne Jeep and the interpretation of Sappers Grier and Robb's poignant surrender (will buy to stay complete, but mixed emotions about displaying.), these new sets represent an excellent additional increment to the Market-Garden Series.
