Wargames Atlantic 28mm Great War French Infantry Multi-part figures

       At last we have an opponent for the Great War German infantry, and by extension, any Second World War Germans you might have lying about. This versatile set covers French infantry from the switch to the "Horizon Blue" uniform in the middle of the Great War through to the end of Vichy France. The models are cast in a soft (not bendy, just not brittle) gray plastic that takes detail very well and exhibits no flash and nearly no mold lines. 

       Aside from the officer figure all of the models all wear the knee-length overcoat that was the trademark of the French army in this period. They also are cast with belting in place to support "light kit" or they can have the optional backpack added. As is usual with Wargames Atlantic kits there is a considerable assortment of head options; Adrian helmet, helmet with gas mask (both early and late versions), and the unique Sengalese Tirailleurs with their cloth caps. Officers in kepis are also a choice. 

       Being spread across two world wars means that there will be a substantial variation in weapons and this is accurately reflected in the array provided. Both Lebel and Berthier rifles are included as are the later rifles for the Second World War. The notorious Chauchatt LMG is included as is its replacement the FM 24/29. Having owned all but the FM 24/29 I can attest that the precisely cast weapons capture the look and detail of the original guns. These guns are molded into at least one of the arms carrying them (no fiddling around trying to hold two loose arms and a tiny model gun while gluing things together!) and you will have loads of spares once you are finished assembling these figures

       Having seen these I can hardly wait for the upcoming Russians and British sets (maybe, just maybe, if we all write-in requests we could add Austrian and Italian troops to the Great War ensemble)

 

 the front of the box

 

 

 the back of the box

 

 

the contents of the box  

 

 

 three small sprues, five large ones

 

 

 small sprue side A

 

 

small sprue side B 

 

 

 Berthier carbines and MAS 38 submachine guns

 

Sengalese heads

 

 and their light kit with the dreaded machetes

 

large sprue side A 

 

 

large sprue side B 

 

 

the posing and proportions of the minis are natural 

 

 the fabric drapes over the figures very convincingly

 

 

  a host of head, arm and backpack choices

 

 

 the Chauchatt LMGs and regular rifles

 

 

 and more head choices!

the primitive cloth masks only lasted a short time

before being replaced with the canister variety

       In all a very comprehensive treatment of French troops that will fill in a lot of gaps for 28mm gamers. A great value for price and beautifully detailed as well, these deserve a place in your collection.

       Very Highly Recommended!