“All the Way!” – Master Box Captures the Spirit of the 82nd Airborne in 1/24 Scale
A Salute to the Past: Master Box’s Humorous Tribute to WWII Recruitment with “All the Way!”
The world of scale modeling is often a journey through time, a meticulous recreation of history’s most profound moments. But occasionally, a release comes along that invites us to look at the past through a different lens—one of humor, art, and a touch of vintage flair. Master Box LTD, the renowned Ukrainian manufacturer, has once again struck a chord with enthusiasts by expanding its celebrated 1/24 scale “Pin-up” series. Their latest entry, Kit No. 24087, titled “All the Way!”, is more than just a figure; it is a witty, three-dimensional interpretation of the iconic recruitment posters that once rallied a nation during World War II.
The Technical Introduction: Precision in Plastic
Master Box has carved out a unique niche in the hobby by producing high-quality plastic figures in 1/24 scale—a size that allows for exceptional facial expressions and fabric textures that smaller scales sometimes struggle to capture. Kit No. 24087 continues this legacy with a single, highly detailed female figure.
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Scale: 1/24, making it an ideal companion for large-scale aircraft or civilian vehicle dioramas.
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Contents: The kit consists of precision-molded plastic parts designed for the assembly of one figure.
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Assembly Requirements: As with all professional-grade kits, glue and paint are required for completion (not included).
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Versatility: While technically a standalone piece, it serves as a perfect addition to existing kits in the series (24001 through 24006), allowing modelers to build an expressive and varied vignette.
The sculpture, handled by A. Gagarin with illustrations by E. Duranin, captures a paratrooper-inspired pin-up girl in a classic “recruitment” pose. She is depicted in a stylized military uniform, complete with paratrooper boots and the unmistakable “AA” shoulder patch of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Historical Inspiration: From Posters to Plastic
The kit’s title, “All the Way!”, is a direct nod to the famous motto of the 82nd Airborne Division. Known as the “All-American” division because its original members during WWI came from all 48 states, the unit transformed into the U.S. Army’s first airborne division during WWII. They were the “tip of the spear,” often the first to arrive on the battlefield through parachute assault operations.
During the war, recruitment posters were a masterstroke of persuasive art. While many posters were wholesome and direct, the “Golden Age” of pin-up art concurrently emerged, transforming military imagery into something more seductive and morale-boosting. Pin-ups weren’t just racy photos; they were reminders of home and “why we fight,” adorning everything from barracks walls to the noses of bombers. Master Box’s Kit 24087 leans into this “humorous interpretation,” blending the stern duty of recruitment with the playful, stylized aesthetics of legendary artists like Alberto Vargas.
Interesting Real Events: The Heroes of Bastogne
Master Box links this figure to a broader historical narrative—a “duology” dedicated to the fierce events near the French city of Bastogne in December 1944. During the Battle of the Bulge, the 101st Airborne Division (another legendary airborne unit) held Bastogne against overwhelming odds, famously responding “Nuts!” to a German demand for surrender.
While the 101st held Bastogne, the 82nd Airborne—the inspiration for this kit’s “AA” insignia—was equally vital in blunting the German offensive in the Ardennes. Master Box suggests that this figure can be used alongside their other kits, such as the German infantry sets (Kit 35253), to create large-scale dioramas that contrast the grim reality of the “Bulge” with the artistic propaganda of the era.
Expert Modeling Tip: Bringing the Poster to Life
To truly capture the “recruitment poster” feel, modelers are encouraged to focus on high-contrast painting.
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Uniform Textures: Use matte finishes for the olive drab jacket to simulate heavy military fabric, but consider a slight satin sheen for the paratrooper boots to give them a “polished” look.
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Skin Tones: Since this is a pin-up interpretation, skin tones should be smooth and vibrant, mirroring the airbrushed quality of vintage 1940s illustrations.
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Diorama Synergy: This figure is particularly effective when placed on the wing of a C-47 Skytrain or near a WWII-era jeep, grounding the “fantasy” of the pin-up in a realistic setting.
Master Box LTD’s Kit 24087 is a delightful bridge between military history and the art of the 1940s. It offers modelers a chance to depart from the standard grimace of combat figures and celebrate the unique, often humorous, cultural spirit that defined the World War II home front and the soldiers’ morale abroad.
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