The set of eight Desert Rats (pack DW-1) was an interesting mix. Measuring 20M Barrett, they're perhaps just a bit on the heavy side of M. What struck me first was the clutter they carry! Straps, bags, and other stuff. Some of its a bit exaggerated, but it all fits together very well. Anatomy looked good, as did the poses relaxed and convincing.

I did, however, spot a couple of problems. Five helmets had either cloth or no covers. They generally looked good except for what I suspect is a heavily overscale strap hanging on the right side. The other three heads have netting on the helmets and are to a slightly smaller scale. Either set of heads look OK with the bodies, but NOT together! My other problem was that the figures were all largely two-dimensional. The three figures carrying their weapons across their bodies didn't suffer as much as did the other five (four advancing and one kneeling). These latter all suffered from flat weapons and had legs and weapons awkwardly inline. That said, the (flat) troop I painted filled out quite a bit with a coat of paint; the group should be quite presentable after painting. Priced at 8 figures for $8.95.

The set of Italian troops (IF-2) weighed in at 21M Barrett. Detailing was similar to the Desert Rats: extensive and well-fitting. Anatomy was good - body proportions fit - and poses were restrained and convincing. These figures didnt suffer from the two-dimensional problem noted above, but four of the five figures had heads that looked noticeably underscale. The fifth, the offficer, was, on the other hand, very nicely done, wearing a sun helmet with his goggles slung to the side. These will paint up well but the four with little heads will look a little funny. Priced at 5 figures for $4.25 Brookhurst Hobbies, 12188 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92640.- BILL RUTHERFORD

* The Courier uses the Tobey Barrett Measurement [BM] System to simplify comparison of figure sizes. The number is the height in millimeters from the bottom of the figure's foot (top of base) to its eyes. The letter refers to the "heft" of the figure: L=light, M=medium, and H=heavy. Thus, Hs will fit in with other Hs and some Ms, but not Ls.

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