introduction

Recent armed conflicts in Arabian countries like Iraq or Afghanistan made that region very attractive for modellers across the world. Shelves of hobby shops are full of model kits of different military equipment and figures, but those who would like to build diorama or vignette with Arabic civilians have limited possibilities. Fortunately ToRo Model of Poland released kit 35F36 Donkey Rider sculpted by Maciej Dauksza in 1:35 scale.

the kit

The kit is packed in sturdy box with picture of painted figure on top. Box-art label is also used as a seal for the box. The box contains nine parts cast in light cream resin secured in zip-lock bag and a leaflet with pictures of assembled and painted figure on one side and pictures from Afghanistan (probably used by a sculptor as a reference) on the other.
Although the kit is not secured with bubble wrap none of the parts had been damaged due to tight packing.

Manufacturer provides five elements for donkey and they are:
- body
- head
- ears
- tail

For Afghan rider you get only four elements:
- body with head and legs
- separate arms
- whip

The only thing that is not provided in the kit is rein, but it can be easily replicated from thin paper, masking tape, lead foil, etc.

All parts are cast very well, without any seam lines present. I didn’t find any air bubbles holes either. Minimal flash is present on ears, tail and whip but removing it won’t be a problem. Casting blocks are quite small, but some care will be needed during removal from figure’s feet.
All parts have good and crisp details. Legs of the rider seemed to me a bit too thin when I looked at them from the front. After a second or two I got used to the look as overall proportions are good.
Beard face of a rider looks really good and both beard and face have nice details.
For easier assembly and better fit, arms are supplied with locating pins and body has corresponding locating holes. Rider wears typical outfit for Afghanistan region, trouser, tunic, turban (Pakol) and vest. All folds and creases look natural and in scale.
Donkey has simple bridle and horse rug cast on. Here details are also sharp and look very good and only thing you need to do is to scratchbuild rein.

conclusion

A very well done and useful kit with broad range of use. Natural pose, high quality cast, easy to assemble and interesting subject are advantages of the kit. Donkey Rider should look very good as a part or a centerpiece of diorama or even standalone miniature.
Highly recommended!

Please mention Historicus Forma when contacting ToRo Model


Thanks to ToRo Model for review sample