Introduction

Ian from Friendship Models continues to expand his range of 1/35 scale British Sailors. The most recent addition being a RN Signaller with flags. With the pending release of the new Italeri Vosper MTB this is a timely release.

My understanding from talking with Keith here on site and Ian is that several more working type sailors may be in the pipe line so that is good news. With 5 possible 1/35 scale British boats now on the market it is good to see a manufacturer taking the plunge and providing us with some neat crew figures.

The figure was sculpted by Rendal Patton.

The figure

The figure comes packed in a small zip bag with a photo insert of the built figure and a sealing tab containing the manufacturer and product details. Also inside the bag is a small information guide taking into account Health and Safety when working with resin.

Cast in a cream coloured resin the figure comes with a whole body, separate head and hands complete with flags. The figure is dress in a formal RN Naval uniform and is nicely proportioned and in keeping with the other figures in this range. The uniform has nice folds and creases and the figure depicts a standing sailor with the signal flags crossed in front of his lower legs.

The flags/hands will need very careful removal from the pour stubs. I snapped both the small Flag poles in my attempt, but the hands and flag ends were easy to drill out and I replaced the pole with some thin brass wire which should give some more strength. The flags have nice natural folds and the hands good detail.

The head is very nicely done with good facial detail and should paint up well. The face displays the features of a mature sailor. On the head the figure wears a sailors cap worn back and tilted to the right.

Height from heel to shoulder is about 44mm. The stance is somewhat straight legged, but appropriate enough for a signaler.

Normal precautions apply when working with resin.

Conclusion

A very good figure, well sculpted and cast, showing fine detail. This one should be of interest to both figure painters and model builders alike. My preference is for more sea dog types, rather than formal uniform but that’s just my preference.

This one will find a good home and I’m delighted to see more RN figures coming onto the market.

I've enclosed a few WIP pictuers of the figure with some paint on.

Semaphore Flag Signaling System

Semaphore Flag Signalling System Live links