Verlinden Productions
1765

This set is a retread, in poses if not exactly identical pieces, of several previous VP figures. One soldier stands with his BAR (still in 1/32 scale) at port position, a pose identical to a rifleman in "U.S. WWII Streetfighters" (#1673) and the BAR gunner in "U.S. Riflemen WWII" (#747). Alas, there is still no BAR figure, in resin or plastic, actually posed firing his weapon.

The other figure is kneeling, firing his Garand (still in 1/32 scale). Again, the pose is the same as the figure in "U.S. Recon WWII" (#1700) though the latter figure has his head raised instead of looking down the weapon's sight.

What about flip-flopping parts to have one figure firing the BAR? Well, since the hands are molded onto the Browning and Garand, you must significantly alter them or the arms of the other figure in order for him to convincingly hold the gun for firing. While molding hands onto weapons eliminates that "loose grip" one experiences with many figures, this also makes it virtually impossible for most modelers to swap weapons. Perhaps someday we'll get a BAR gunner doing something other than standing around, but VP seems to be intent on not being that company that offers it.

Otherwise, this is a typical VP set in sculpting, detailing and accessories. The figures both wear the M1943 jacket, wool trousers and canvas leggings. One will have to take care removing the molding plug from the bottom of the torso of the kneeling figure due to the long drape of the bandolier across his chest. Make sure you have some putty on hand as VP figures often have gaps where arms meet shoulders, particularly when both hands hold a weapon.

All said, this is an uninspiring pair of figures that will still serve its modest purpose while leaving some of us frustrated that VP didn't apply a bit more imagination to this effort.