INS02 Insurgents.

Terrorists Win

This is a review for the INS02 set from the Insurgents section of the Ultramodern Range by Empress Miniatures. I purchased this set as a part of the Insurgent bundle deal, containing the sets INS01 through INS05.

This is a great set of metal 28mm miniatures depicting generic insurgent type irregulars. I was a big fan of the dynamic posing, as well as the inclusion of some insurgents with a more Eastern European attire and general feel to them, as opposed to the more common Middle Eastern appearance. Below I will go through each miniature offered in this set and what I think about them, going from left to right in the image provided on the store page.

1. This miniature comes as a single casting, though the right arm carrying his weapon is detached and cast as part of the base, and so must be clipped from the base and glued to the corresponding pinhole on the torso. In my experience it was a flush fit without any drilling or scraping required. There was minimal flash on the miniature, though there were mould lines that required some cleanup (as you will find on any metal miniatures). The miniature itself depicts an irregular insurgent-type armed with a Vintorez sniper rifle with telescopic optics and some sort of unguided portable anti-tank weapon slung over his back. There is also a holstered sidearm strapped to his thigh. Sculpted in a headwrap that elicits a turban-like appearance wearing cargo pants, a long sleeved shirt and a chest rig in a sprinting pose, the miniature has plenty of character and looks excellent on the table.

2. Another single casting that requires minor assembly, this figure is likewise armed with a Vintorez sniper rifle. His right arm, carrying the Vintorez, must be clipped from the integral base and glued to the torso via a pinhole in the same manner as the previous miniature. Much like said miniature he is also sculpted in a sprinting or advancing pose. Geared up in a balaclava, tactical vest, long sleeved button up shirt, cargo pants and a pair of running shoes. He appears equipped for light engagements such as bank robberies, an ambush, or the assassination of soft targets. Paints up great in dark shades of grey and black. His outfit makes the sculpt very versatile on the table, and could pass as an insurgent, armed criminal or irregular in any modern combat setting. One could easily add extra gear to the figure to give him a more "well equipped" appearance, and I am a big fan of this particular figure.

3. Here we have another single-casting that requires (optional) simple assembly. This figure stands in a walking pose with an AK-U variant raised at the hip-level, ready to fire, or perhaps even firing already. The figure is depicted to be wearing a tracksuit, tactical vest, balaclava and light boots. Optional is a kit bag and portable anti-tank weapon which can be attached via pinhole on the lower back, if one does not wish for this particular addition, a small dab of gap-filler or greenstuff easily conceals the pinhole, allowing for a lightly equipped look more appropros to a well-armed criminal than an insurgent combatant (Though this figure would not look out of place as either). Evocative posing and the classic 80's-esque tracksuit terrorist look really sell this figure.

4. Fourth and finally we have a figure armed with an AK variant equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher. This figure is sculpted in a ducking-and-firing pose. He wears a keffiyeh-like headwrap, combat vest and fatigues with a pair of running shoes. Grenades for the underbarrel launcher line his belt. A simple yet effective look.

Overall, this is probably my favourite set from the Insurgents offerings by Empress. The sculpts look great on the table, and can appropriately fill a variety of roles. My favourite sculpts are the two balaclava-clad bandits, as stated earlier I love the Eastern European look. I highly recommend this set to those that are interested.

Lucas N. | Canada | December 2022