ION Figure Set Review

ION Model
1/350 Royal Navy Figures
"Chilling on Deck"

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
June 2022

ION Models from Poland has sent us several of their figure sets to review. One of these sets is a set of 350 scale figures for the Royal Navy, R350-001 Royal Navy "Chilling on Deck".

Click to enlarge images

ABOUT ION MODELS

I was always fascinated by 3D printing. Years back the printers were very expensive or not precise enough. But at some point I decided to try it. First I had to create the models so after deciding this scale can’t transfer much details I thought the shape should be pretty basic. First software I was using was Cinema 4D but it was verified quickly and I moved to zBrush, this is the ultimate tool for character modelers. I’ve used gigabytes of references for the outfits and poses for all USN, RN, IJN and Kriegsmarine. I knew that especially in 1/700 scale the difference between printed models will be very small so I’ve decided to use some unique poses for every set. I was also surprised that all competitors have a very limited number of poses per set. Like in old times when each figure was replicated multiple times. I always didn’t like it and I decided this will not be the case for me and in my set there's a maximum number of 8 same figures in 1/700 set, and they are not exactly the same because the geometry has been mirrored. I also don’t like strange proportions of small scale models (from 28mm and below) so I wanted to keep the right size of human for 1/350 scale, that’s why compared to competitors they might seem slim but they are just in proper proportions. Another important feature for me was to use better resin to make it easier to work with models and not lose masses of legs, arms or heads… the resin is more durable than typical resin, and I’m going to start tests with new resin soon. Last but not least was to limit the number of supports and try to keep the feet clean. This is because cutting the feet may cause breaking a leg and it’s very hard to have enough precision to have flat feet. So whenever I could I put figures heads down. Currently I have plenty of ideas for new sets from modelers, I’ve received a lot of appreciation from professionals and I’m determined to create more sets and explore more scales like 1/200. - Mikołaj Humienny, ION Models

The figures come in a small, sturdy flip top box. Art work on the box top shows all the different poses you'll find in the set. Inside the box, you'll find five separate prints rafts, nestled into soft packing foam. In total, there are 75 figures included. All the figures appear to be mostly enlisted crew, with only a few officers.

As with the other sets we've reviewed, these are printed from the head up. This, along with the way each row of figures is printed on it's own raft, is a great idea. This set, like those previously reviewed, have a variety of poses. Some of the poses - like sailors leaning against a bulkhead, climbing a vertical ladder, or lying down - are quite clever.

The figures appear to have good detail. The tricky part will be removing them from the print rafts, without snapping off their heads or other body parts, or losing them to the carpet monster.

Close ups of some of the parts details.

INSTRUCTIONS

There are no instructions in the box, but if you go to the ION Models website, you'll find a tutorial on how to work with the figures, which includes the best way to remove them from the print rafts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, I'm impressed with these figures. They are fairly detailed and nicely printed. The way they are printed, from the head up is clever and may help reduce breakage while removing them from the print raft (something that seems to be common with the figures printed from the legs up). I also like how each section of figures is printed on its own raft. This too should help reduce breakage.

These will be a really useful accessory for anyone who really wants to populate their Royal Navy model ships with a crew. Hopefully we will see more sets from ION, including an set with the crew in combat poses. Recommended!

This is ION Models R350-001 Royal Navy "Chilling on Deck". The figures are available from a variety of sources, including some of our sponsors. See the ION website for information on where you can find them in your country. In the US, they are available from FreeTime Hobbies, where they retail for $22.95.