Gems from the Attic ... "little beauts" ... 1/76 (or 1/72) Airfix Series 2 WW2 British Commandos (or should I say childhood survivors!)

Did I hear you say "Series 2"? (YES, see below):

I have seen the Internet pictures, so I know they did exist. I vaguely remembered them as a kid but later in life I wondered if they were in fact a false memory, implanted with wishful thinking. The big ones in 1/32 scale still exist (exact copies of what previously had been available in 1/76 or 1/72 scale) but sadly (as in tragically spelt with an "arghhh!") the small ones of Series 2 moulds were lost to us through misfortune or accident I believe.

Of course I am referring to the fabled Airfix HO/OO 1/76 scale Series 2 British World War II Commando Set. Other blogs have referred to them in hushed tones of reverence:

http://www.miniaturezone.co.uk/?p=789
http://www.plasticsoldierreview.com/Review.aspx?id=386

Imagine my surprise when my older brother called by with a sweetie jar crammed full of old toy soldiers and I poured out an assortment well travelled PBI. To find a small detachment of surviving British Commandos (see below, remember these are NOT 1/32 scale).

May I introduce my "survivors":

The radioman, remember this is 1/76 or 1/72 depending on your measuring ruler (see below):

Classic crawling commando, you know he mean business (see below):

My favourite pose, the grenade thrower (see below):

Even the guy throwing a rope is cool (see below):

The Bren gunner is another cool pose (see below):

The only dubious figure to my mind is the Bazooka man (surely we would have used a PIAT?) but heck he's still cool (see below):

Er, OK I don't think I can start planning the Cockleshell Heroes raid as I only have a partial canoe, but I guess you cannot have everything (see below):

Last, but not quite least, I think this guy was climbing up a ladder, but he could be hiding or a casualty (see below):

True, I am missing some of the classic figures: The officer with a Webley and Scott pistol, the cool standing Thompson "tommy gunner", the cool sauntering/walking commando, the runner with rifle and I am not a "full canoe", but I thought I would never even get my hands on the above! So I am a happy man ... full of childhood memories!

:)

I am so excited I posted twice today!