Rest Models second 1:32 aviation figure release (the first is a WW2 US Fighter Pilot) actually contains a pair of finely detail Imperial Russian WW1 pilots.

Beautifully sculpted and flawlessly cast, the figures represent Russia's highest scoring WW1 ace, Aleksandr Kozakov, who amassed a total of 17 personal victories (unofficially, he shot down 32 enemy aircraft) before his death fighting for White Russian forces in 1919.

The figures depict the pilot in two casual stances; in uniform, smoking a cigarette, and in leather flying gear, pulling on his gloves.

The detail on both figures is excellent and the clean-up needed for assembly is minimal, with small pour stubs and no sign of flash or bubbles. Each figure comprises separate arms and head and sword, holster and satchel.

The figures are packed in a rather unusual fashion, with the parts' zip-lock bag stapled with in a colour printed free-standing cardboard envelope. There are no assembly instructions included which isn't really a problem, because construction is pretty much self explanatory. With the figures being so nicely detailed, I would have liked to see full painting instructions to match. As it is, the front of the pack doubles as the overall painting guide, but a nice touch is that the rear has detailed colour illustrations of Kozakov's medals and insignia, along with a brief biography and a couple of reference photos.

Conclusion

Rest Models' Imperial Russian Pilots are excellent; a rather unusual subject that will look great as stand-alone figures or as part of a vignette with one of the growing number of 1:32 WW1 aircraft kits that are available. Rest Models' instructions with their aircraft kits are excellent - far better than their immediate competitors - so it's a shame not to see them carried across to these new figures, but even without them, nothing can detract from the sheer quality of the resin parts. Although they depict a particular pilot, it should be a fairly simple matter to trim off the moulded-on medals to represent other fliers. Recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.