Battlefront Miniatures

15mm WWII Tanks

Reviewed by Bill Rutherford

M4A3 Sherman (WWA34), Crusader I (WWB30), PzKpfw IVg (WWG79), and M1931 Field Gun (WWR28)

Of the review samples just received, the three tanks all have resin hulls and turrets, with white metal tracks and guns, while the field gun (and five crew) are all in white metal. The models all scale out reasonably well at 1/105 plus or minus (the field gun is on the large side while the Pz IV is a little on the small side) - all have convincing outlines when compared to photos. They all will fit well with the majority of other nominally 15mm models. As I've found in the past, one needs to prime the resin parts in order to see much of the detail, due to the vague translucence of the resin. Edges seemed just a bit soft when compared to some of the metal miniatures on the market. I could find no pitting on any of the resin parts. The Sherman comes covered with sand bags in frames while the Pz IV has zimmerit on its vertical hull surfaces - nice touches! Metal parts are reasonably well cast though the M4A3's tracks seemed just a bit narrow and the field gun's parts were a bit simple-looking (though, to be fair, the prototype was a bit simple-looking!) Separate turret hatches are included for all three tanks.

The five gun crew - all different poses! - are 15M Barrett. They all wear pilotkas (caps), blouses, and at least one (an officer) wears breeches. Gear is minimal - pouches, etc., as would be appropriate for gun crew. Poses are convincing - that is, restrained, with one holding a notebook, one, a shell, and the remaining three reaching vaguely for gun components. They'll fit in happily with the majority of the WW II 15s out there though they're distinctly small when placed next to 18s…

At $5.50 per pack, these models are a bargain, considering their generally good quality. Recommended - from your local game shop or, failing that, directly from their US distributor, Military Miniatures Distribution – USA, at 8554 122nd Ave., NE Suite 108, Kirkland, WA 98033. Go to their website at http://members.aol.com/milminusa to see a complete catalog!

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