FirstLook

I first became acquainted with the work of YS Masterpieces with the purchase of their awesome 1/35 scale Tupolev G5 motor torpedo boat. I was quite impressed with their casting work at that time and noticed they also “contracted” their services out to other manufacturers like “Platoon”; so it was pleasing to learn that they had turned their talents to 1/48 scale figures.

The figures presented for review are German Paratroopers in various poses that come in a “stout” white box with a colour photo of the figure on the box top. All the figures are very well cast with no bubbles or flaws in evidence. All the figures are basically cast as a torso and head with the arms as separate items. The facial details (which can make or break any figure) are very well done and are a credit to the sculptor involved. The uniform details are crisp as are the fabric folds. The weapons (where present) are done very well and scale out very well. The figures themselves scale out at around 5” 9 or 10 in the old imperial scale and are acceptable in height and bulk. The Box top labels these as German Paratroopers in Crete but basically you could use these in any theater you wanted, with the only real modification being the change from the side lace “jump” boots (supplied) to a standard boot for later war periods.

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The last set is a “stand out” as it includes two figures and a donkey. What we basically have here is an instant vignette with the only criticism being the wounded Paratrooper looks like he may fall off the donkey as he is riding side saddle (but that’s a personal observation) .

These figures are very well done. In my view they are simply the best 1/48 resign figures available today The only criticism is that they have no instructions or paint call outs (if you buy these you would probably have a rough idea of those anyway).

These figures should have a variety of uses and are most welcome. We can only hope YS Masterpieces will do more.

Thanks to YS Masterpieces for the Review samples

YS Masterpieces' kits, accessories and figures are available online from their website