Monkey Depot

Another full load out of gear from Soldier Story. US fans can rejoice as there are new bits as well as high quality versions of things that have been tough to get for some time.

We will start from the ground up here with the M1939 Wool Overcoat featuring the functional eagle detailed buttons and functional pockets.

Rear detail shot. The insignia is the woven type.

Anybody who is in to WWII or US history for that matter, is aware of the dire situation and legendary tenaciousness of the 101st Airborne at Bastogne. The sign is made from real wood and is actually printed (i.e. not just a sticker).

The 101st was rushed into Bastogne and basically equipped with what they could grab and carry on the spur of the moment. This figure has a M1928 pack as well as the lightweight gas mask bag which was often pressed into use as a general purpose carryall

This figure is probably better equipped than many of the real soldiers were at Bastogne. Here you can note that he comes with a winter watch cap and get a glimpse of the awesomeness that is the Soldier Story Thompson.

This Soldier Story Thompson is another work of art. Made from real metal and wood and has a great detailed Kerr sling. The set comes with two metal mags (one 30 round and one 20 round) that you can place the real metal round into. The Thompson itself has a working action and incredible detail. Also note the M1918 trench knife and excellent Soldier Story metal pineapple frag grenade.

Here you can get a view of some of the other gear including the Thompson ammo bag. Also note the machete in the pack.

The temperatures in Bastogne were severe and many soldiers did not have adequate cold weather gear. The Soldier Story release has an extra set of bendy hands that you can put the wool-like gloves on.

Here you get a glimpse of the SCR-536 "handie talkie" which is nicely done and has the benefit of being able to be displayed with the antennae deployed or with the cap on.

When we said he was well equipped, we were not kidding. Here you can see the machete in the pack, the entrenching tool in the pack, as well as the pick mattock on the belt. Everybody knows the entrenching tool, but the M1910 pick mattock was a widely issued item and has taken a loooong time for it to be produced in 1/6.

Here is a detail shot of some of the equipment and you can see the detail of the pick mattock and other new gear. And before anybody asks, the real pick also did not go all the way to the end of the handle.

Another rear shot showing the M1928 pack. The M1928 pack was a hated piece of gear (it is complex and hard to use in the field) that was essentially unchanged from the M1910 pack used in WWI.

Soldier Story has done a great job on this hard to make piece of gear, so we will take a closer look.

The M1928 pack had suspenders that were integral to the pack. It also differed from the M1910 model in that there are two rear straps rather than one.

Here is some interior detail. Soldier Story has done a great job. The only nit pick would be that the "meatcan" pouch (the pouch on outside) is permanently attached where the real one threaded on. Not a big deal as you hardly see a pack without one and it makes the 1/6 version a bit more durable when cramming that entrenching tool in there.

Here it is all open with the "diaper" pack extender. Now try to imagine being cold, wet, and tired and having to get in this monstrosity to get your tasty K ration or a new pair of socks.

Under that winter coat, there is an outstanding version of the M1943 uniform.

The M1943 jacket has the drawstring and is lined. Pockets are functional. Also, figure comes with a wool service shirt underneath

The 101st Airborne had their M1943 trousers modified to have extra cargo pockets. These modifications were done with different material and seldom matched the color of the pants themselves. Soldier Story did a good job capturing this detail.

You can also configure this troop for more of a lightweight patrol as would have been appropriate right up till the end of the war..

Frag out! Also notice the spade insignia on the helmet.

Since the M1928 pack has the suspenders built in, Soldier Story gives you a set of M1936 suspenders to use when not wearing the pack.

Here you see the 5 cell Thompson magazine pouch.

Detail shot of some of the other gear. Note the metal grenade with pin and spoon removed. The M1918 knife is plastic and well detailed. Kind of a bummer that they did not include a scabbard. However, there are several period photos of guys with this knife just tucked into their gear or in all sorts of improvised carrying methods.

Time for a little CQB 101st Airborne style!

If you have read our previous reviews, you know that we are fans of Soldier Story's 1911 as it has not only a working action and hammer, but working slide stop and thumb safety. Incredible detail.

In mid-recoil here. Also a note on the sliders on the suspenders and other gear. Soldier Story has made the correct three hole type rather than using a standard two hole type. You gear heads will know what we are talking about here.

The M1943 buckle top boots are well done and are also nice that they have enough flex to allow the articulated Soldier Story ankle to be posed.

Soldier Story continues to improve their head sculpts. The texture and paint ops are great.

Taking a knee on patrol.

Rear shot. Although Soldier Story has loaded him with gear, a troop usually would carry either the pick mattock OR the entrenching tool.

Soldier Story has really done a fine job on this figure. Lots of gear, lots of detail, and of a highly popular subject.

Taking a rare rest. Just a heads up: this guy is pre sold out from the distributor and once word gets out about the amount and detail of the gear, will not be around at retailers for long.