WWII Pilot and Crew Figures

Wings Cockpit Figures, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Revell's 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IIa is available online from Squadron for just $31.84!

2014 has seen Wings Cockpit Figures expand their range of 1/32 scale aircrew into the Second World War.

The masters were sculptured by a remarkably talented team - Mike Good, Nino Pizzichemi, Benoit Cauchies and Andy Cairns. The poses are all natural and the faces full of character.

There is a terrific variety to choose from too, from RAF to USAAF, US Navy, Luftwaffe and VVS. In addition to aircrew and mechanics, there are several female forms available for RAF and Luftwaffe enthusiasts.

The casting quality is very good, with just a few minor pieces of resin flash and fine casting stems to clean up.

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The specific figures provided for review are:

• LUFT 01- Seated Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot for Bf 109 £13.50

• LUFT 01 B - Luftwaffe Groundcrew Standing on Wing of Bf 109 £13.50

• LUFT 05 A - Lutfwaffe Pilot Relaxed, 1939-45 £13.50

• LUFT 05 B - Luftwaffehelferin 1941-45 £13.50

• RAF 02 A - RAF Fighter Pilot Standing in Cockpit 1939-42 £13.50

• RAF 02 B - RAF Sergeant Leaning on Aircraft 1939-45 £13.50

• RAF 02 C - Pretty WAAF Section Office in a Crosswind £13.50

• RAF 04 B - RAF Fighter or Bomber Pilot Early War 1940-42 £13.50

• RAF 08 A - WAAF In Discussion 1939-45 £13.50

• RAF 11 RAF - Tropical Pilot at Readiness 1939-45 £15.00

• USA 02 USAAF - Bomber Pilot in Body Armour, Late War £13.50

• USN 01 - US Navy Pilot Early War 1941-43

• VVS 01 C - VVS Pilot With Map

Any of these figures could be used by themselves, but some have been designed to display together in pairs or even threes. This is a nice idea, and works well in conjunction with an aircraft model.

Assembly and Painting

I have assembled and painted two of these figures - RAF 02 A and RAF 02 B. The pilot figure offered two different heads with alternative flying helmets. The heads and arms were separate on both figures.

Cleanup and assembly was fast, with just a little filler needed at the arm joins of the pilot figure.

I placed my pilot figure in the cockpit of Revell's 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.I conversion. I had fitted an after market seat and a Sutton Harness to this model, so the figure stood too tall to rest his hand on the top of the windscreen (as his pose requires). I therefore shortened the pilot by cutting a section out of his legs at the top of his boots. You can't really notice this surgery when he is standing in the cockpit.

Painting the figures was very enjoyable. After a sprayed base coat of Tamiya White Primer (for the heads) and Tamiya Grey Primer (for the bodies), plus a sprayed coat of RAF uniform blue (Tamiya acrylic mix), the details were picked out by brush with Vallejo acylics. Washes and dry brushing was used to acheive shading and highlights.

Both figures were painted over the course of a full day.

It is great to see the excellent Wings Cockpit figure range branching out into WWII.

In common with their earlier WWI releases, these figures are all beautifully sculpted, and they will really help tell a story in concert with your 1/32 scale aircraft models.

I really like the character of the poses and facial expressions too.

Even if you don't see yourself as a figure modeller, grab yourself one of these figures and have a go!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Wing Cockpit Figures for the samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2014 by Brett Green
White Background Photos Copyright © 2014 by Brett Green
Page Created 22 December, 2014
Last updated 22 December, 2014

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