Reviews : Italeri Russian Para Spetsnaz

This set is not the best in the world; some of the poses are a little stiff and a lot of the poses are very similar. However, this is a nice addition to a time period that is much lacking in the 1/72 scale - the Cold Wars. These guys were released in 1988, and nicely bridge the gap between World War II Russians and more modern figures, such as the Orion Modern Russian Federals set. The only comparable set is the Airfix Modern Russians, and one needs only glance at the sculpting of those figures to know that this is a vastly superior set. The figures have a nice diversity of weapons and hats - most come with berets, making them suitable to be painted as either VDV (airborne) or Naval Infantry - but there are some figures with panama hats, as well. Sadly, no helmets. The vast majority of figures carry a Kalashnikov rifle (no surprise there) but there are several models of the rifle represented - including the Ak-74, AkS-74, and AK-74M. Some figures carry rocket launchers, and there are also a few officers and NCOs represented. Overall, a historically accurate and satisfactory set, despite the slight stiffness of the poses.

Overall this is a decent set and worth getting if you have an interest in the 1980s time frame. The detail on each figure is well done but some of the poses look a little forces for combat troops and there is not a lot of originality in the poses. there is a good selection of weapons RPGs, AK47s and even sniper rifles. Most figures are wearing berets with some in other soft caps, no helmuts was would be expected of combat troops.

For those who enjoy plastic scale modeling this is a very nicely sculpted set. There are 15 different poses in this set, but the poses are not the best. The are mostly marching, kneeling, or shooting poses. These poses are relativly static but are well prportioned and beautifly sculpted none the less. I am very glad Italeri decided to rerelease this set. It is a must buy for any modeler intrested in the Cold War.