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This is a curiously titled set of Marine figures, who appear to be the ones busted, as opposed to their banzai enemy. One soldier lies on the ground, clutching his chest, while his companion hovers over him, either taunting the Japanese or hollering for a corpsman. Actually, that might have been a better title for this pair: "Corpsman!"
As usual, though, Bill Chilstrom serves up a pair of nicely sculpted figures. The standing Marine's P1941 combat utilities have taut folds and creases that strain against his body. One pocket holds a couple of grenades that threaten to tumble out onto the ground. The separately cast arms fit nicely to the one-piece body. The Tommy gun is molded with the right arm; it might be easier to paint this part separately and attaching it after the rest of the figure has been painted. The inner back of the neck of his shirt needed to be carved out slightly for his well-animated head to fit properly. His helmet has the camo cover, with some subtle folds. There's a bit of flash and a long resin carrier between the legs to facilitate molding, but removing it is no problem.
The wounded Marine only needs the right arm and head attached to complete the figure. He's pictured wearing the P1942 camouflage combat utilities, but you can probably go with OD on this figure and camo on the other, or mix up the schemes so trousers and shirts are mismatched. The delicate lacing on the canvas gaiters is precisely rendered. If it weren't for the M12 trench gun ammo pouch on the back of his belt, there wouldn't be much to distinguish this figure from an Army soldier in Europe or the Mediterranean. The mold seams are more pronounced on this figure, particularly along the lower left leg.
There is not much equipment with this set; canteens and trench gun ammo pouches are molded to the figures. A couple of knives are included for each soldier, but you'll need to scrounge up a Garand from the parts box for the wounded man. From the photos I've seen of Marines on Guadalcanal and Tarawa, they seemed to ditch their packs pretty soon after hitting the beach. Neither of them have suspenders, so if you use them in a diorama, you might want to consider placing them in a little more inland setting than right on the water's edge.
Warriors and Bill Chilstrom are steadily amassing a fine array of front line Marines.
Product sample provided by VLS.
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