Aviattic 1:32 (54mm) WWI US Air Service Pilot, Observer & Mechanic



Good Morning all.

I would like to introduce you to the rather wonderful Aviattic company. The proprietor is Richard Andrews. I have been fortunate enough to meet Richard on a number of occasions, he is a guy with fantastic energy, vision, and knowledge on all things WWI related and he has established a very likeable niche within the scale modelling community. Part of the Aviattic line up includes resin figures sculpted by Steve Warrilow from The Fusilier and it is a set of those figures that I review for you today.

Catalogue Ref: ATTR 012
Sculptor: Steve Warrilow.
Price: £30.00
Availability: Direct from Aviattic www.aviattic.co.uk/

Forward.

Renowned and admired for their exceptional decal lozenge and fabric sheets Aviattic are continuing to make a significant impact on the resin market with their recent and well received range of figures and accessories.

Having reviewed their stunning WWI German Fuel Cart and their corresponding figures for that cart you will perhaps understand why I am more than a little excited to be given the opportunity of reviewing their latest resin figure set today. The awesome looking trio of WWI USAS Pilot, Observer and Mechanic figures are here, let’s bring ‘em on for a closer inspection.



First Impressions.

The three figures come packaged in the now familiar and extremely practical semi translucent plastic box that has served Aviattic so well. The lift off lid has some appealing monochrome artwork on the front which shows all three figures fully assembled with a Salmson 2-A2 Aircraft acting as a backdrop.

Inside and the box is crammed full with some glorious looking resin. The parts are protected by way of clear plastic re-sealable bags, one of which contains a single complete figure and a further two that require parts to be added. The other bag contains a multitude of accessories along with the smaller parts required to fully assemble the remaining two figures.

Also included in the box is a tiny casting block that holds yet more delicate accessories, while this is not in a bag it is adequately sandwiched between two pieces of foam padding to protect it. Everything arrived present, correct and in first class condition.

I have to say it’s extremely refreshing to see figures other than British and German being released here. The market has a healthy line up of both and while I still want more of those we do desperately need the likes of the French, Italian and Americans to be better represented. This change is significant and most welcome from my point, well done Aviattic, personally I hope we see even more in the future.


The Figures.

The Pilot
This is the solitary figure in the set that requires no additional assembly. The pose is most certainly laid back and convincing with the subjects hands in the pockets of his flying suit and left foot kicked slightly forward as it rests on one of the included accessories, namely the wooden chock.

Mounted on its casting block I could find few imperfections other than the odd looking line of excess resin on the figures back and leg. This will pose no serious problems however and can be reminded quickly and easily. The only other clean up required would be the removal of the casting block by way of resin saw and the removal of seam lines by way of scalpel blade., I found virtually zero presence of flash. Just a quick wash in warm soapy water and a thorough dry off is all that remains before a suitable primer coat can be applied.

As was the case for this era the uniforms and clothing worn by pilots was often ad hoc and whatever suitably came to hand or could be made by tailors. Consequently it would be difficult to define an authentic dress code but by way of archive reference photos we can be certain this figure looks suitably authentic.


The flying suit is very typical being one piece leather and fur lined for warmth, the detailing on the figures suit is sublime and extremely well defined. The fur lined effect around the collar and lapels is beautiful and will be highlighted a treat once painted with a wash added. The straps around the arm cuffs and ankles looks fabulous with the ruffled look of the suit very convincing.

Worn on the pilots head is the leather and fur lined flying helmet and goggles which once more compared to reference photos is completely accurate, they have been captured and sculpted adequately here and set the figure off wonderfully.


With the pilots hands in his pockets the only flesh that will need painting is that of the face. This features some very nice crisp detailing around the eyes, nose, cheeks and mouth. For someone new to figure painting this minimal amount of flesh would perhaps offer a great opportunity for honing in those skills.



The Observer

Now this is one figure that is seriously full of character and could very easily tell a story all on his own. Stood with one leg crossing the other, a cigarette in his right hand and walking stick in the left he stands out for me as the most charismatic off the three in this set.



Wearing a mid-length leather coat with fur lined collar and fastened by means of the most wonderfully detailed belt, the figure also wears leather boots, britches, tunic and dress cap. All look superbly sculpted and carry some fine detail that is going to truly bring it alive once painted.





Almost entirely flash free the only clean-up is the standard removal of the casting block and dealing with seam lines. The figure does just like the Pilot show an odd defect on the rear, nothing that will not be remedied easily but not something I have come across before in this range (see photo below).


The head is a separate piece that shows lots of well-defined sharp features which adds to the overall quality. Once more, comparing the figure to archive photos would indicate to me a fabulously authentic representation here.




The Mechanic

Moving onto the last of the figures and the mechanic. Dressed in a one piece coveralls the figure is posed in a sitting position perfectly matched for one of the boxes included as an accessory in the set.


Detail on the coveralls looks good with the ruffled material and pronounced collar. In the top pocket there is a small tool added for extra detail while the side pockets look equally well sculpted.





The figure needs the separately moulded head attaching and this as well detailed as the previous examples we have seen. Plenty of features to highlight including the moustache, hairline and of course the uniform cap.




Below we see the two hands that need attaching. The nice feature here is that he left hand holds a drinking mug which definitely helps give character to the figure.



The Accessories

A great addition to this set is the nifty accessories. Included are a bucket, chock, two boxes, walking stick and a small set of three tools.

The bucket looks fabulous with some great detail including the handle and even has some dents cast in!



Two wooden boxes and both showing great detail including wood grain, nail holes, hinges, rope handles and locks, all of that detail is going to look amazing once painted and washes are applied.




How fabulous does this little set of tools look! Wonderful detail even in the smallest of objects, fantastic stuff. Also please note the walking stick just behind the tools.



Lastly the single wheel chock, adds some detail and of course works a treat as a foot rest for our pilot figure.



Synopsis.

Just wowwwwwww! This is one seriously nice set of figures that will be a sure bet in enhancing any appropriate aircraft build beyond recognition. There are endless possibilities and opportunities for including the figures in either a diorama or vignette, or you could quite easily just pose them as they are to tell a story.

Quality is seen throughout, attention to detail is superb, price is exceptional and I have no doubt the set will prove highly popular with a wide audience be it the specialist figure painters or the aircraft modellers looking to add something special to their completed work.

The resin range of figures, vehicles, aircraft and accessories is set to expand in a big way for Aviattic, if the standards that we have seen in my last three reviews are anything to go by then we really are set for some truly tantalising releases.

I am thrilled for Richard and the team, their commitment to providing only the best is paying dividends, for us the end consumer it really is a golden age in modelling.
Another winning formula from Aviattic for which I am more than happy to award a highly recommended rating.

My sincere thanks to Richard Andrews of Aviattic for this opportunity and the review sample. For more information please be sure to follow the links provided below.

Martin Philpott.

Aviattic Media Details.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aviattic

Website: http://www.aviattic.co.uk/

I agree with BABELFISH.
I´ve seen better castings. Have you seen the back of the standing figures ???
It seems that the moulds were broken. The hands.......a little bit coarse to my taste.
No problem with tools and boxes.
Sorry, good idea but castings can be improved much better !!!

I think with a proper tolls the casting problems will be solved. This figures have lots of potential for the WWI fans.
Switching the original heads for ones of Hornet this set will be marvellous.

Pedro.

Thanks for the replies and observations guys. Some fair comments regarding the castings that I fully agree with. As Steve rightly pointed out these are not the cleanest or sharpest of castings. Also as jositomanito states they could certainly be improved upon.

I did point out the faults on the backs of the Pilot and Observer in the review mentioning they would need attention, something any modeller with minimal experience should easily rectify. I did take that into account when awarding a highly recommended rating along with the fact heads and hands etc could just as easily be replaced. That said of course there should be no need to put right these areas on figures that equate to £10.00 each. On reflection perhaps a simple recommended award would have been more appropriate.

The figures still remain highly useable with some love and attention and they will make for a great addition to an appropriate WWI vignette or diorama.

Thanks again guys, the feedback is helpful and appreciated, regards,

Martin.