Charles Winstone from DiD - Review

I just received the Charles Winston release from DiD. Overall, I am pleased with what I see at first glance.

First of all, it’s an incomplete kit as all DiD American figures have been (I have only purchased one German figure). That is a given and it was obvious from all the pics we saw prior to release.

Uniform

I really like the uniform. The shirt, trousers and M41 field jacket are particularly well done IMHO. I dare say I like the field jacket better than any others I have seen. The cut and material are well done I think. Nothing really noteworthy about the trousers or shirt except they are solid pieces. The patch is embroidered and looks good. It is obviously a bit thick, but still looks nice.

The only issue with the uniform is perhaps the belt. I know a lot of people were excited about this, but it doesn't work for a soldier manning a Ma Deuce since the buckle is the type worn by officers. The enlisted buckle was the open buckle type much like the modern US Army utility web belt. This belt is like the modern US Army dress belt buckle. But it’s a welcome piece for those officer bashes.

Footwear

I separated the footwear from the uniform portion as it has a few problems. The boots are the earlier 1939 "Type 1" service shoe with toe cap. I personally like them better than any other USNormandy, it was in the minority probably. Since the 29th saw its first combat action in Normandy, I feel like most would have the standard rough outs. There was a version of the rough outs with a seam across the toe area, but the texture of the rough outs is very different from this particular shoe. This has the smooth finished look of the 1939 version.

The leggings -- although a different pattern -- are once again problematic. They are the shorter version, but still too big allowing for a very loose fit around the top of the boot/lower leg. Also, there are two few eyelets for the number of hooks, so they have to be laced through the hooks from the front side as well as the back side of the eyelets in order to connect all the hooks.

Headgear

The helmet netting is a much better color than the stark off-white color of the Puller release. That is a great improvement.

Otherwise, there is nothing really dramatic to report here. Same basic pattern as the George Puller helmet. The 29th ID emblem on the helmet looks really nice I think. It has more of a hand-painted look vs. a decal look. Still waiting for someone to put an "end keeper" on the buckle side of the chin strap.

M1928 Cartridge Belt

This is the only web gear with the release and I think it has certainly met my expectations. The buckle is a new pattern with rounded metal compared to the flat metal of the pistol belt in other DiD American releases. The male end of the buckle appears to be soldered or welded to the rest of the buckle, indicating they took some care to try and more accurately fabricate this piece.

The material appears to be less thick and stiff than the fabric DML releases. I am very pleased with this and have already purchased five more for my guys. It is unlikely a .50 gunner would wear this item as the gunner probably would carry a carbine vs. the M1 Garand for which this belt is designed to carry ammo clips.

M2 and Accessories

I am not much of an expert on the WWII version of the M2 and its accoutrements, but I do like this weapon. It is all metal with a functional barrel carry handle (although the barrel doesn't detach it appears). The tripod seems well done and the front leg joint can be tightened.

The ammo can appears to be particularly well done when compared to the photos I was able to dredge up. And the cloth ammo belt can be easily tucked into the can and the lid closed.

Headsculpt

The headsculpt for Charles Winstone is a bit odd I must say. It reminds me of a demented Crispin Glover (is that even possible?). The face does have some character, but it still is a departure from what we normally see. The one thing about DiD's sculpts of late is that they don't come close to matching the skin tone of the bodies. The faces look more plethoric in tint while the body looks a bit jaundiced in comparison.

Final Thoughts

Critics of DiD (myself included) will still have some nitpicking to do, but those who like the execution of the gear they produce (also like me) will be pleased. Gear heads will love the M2 and its accessories.

The piece parts will sell really well on the loose parts market, but those looking for a complete kit will need some other stuff to round it out.

I am sure my thoughts will firm up one way or another as I play around with the stuff some more.