History: The Decima Flottiglia MAS (Decima Flottiglia Mezzi d'Assalto), was also known as La Decima or Xª MAS (10th Assault Vehicle Flotilla). The Xª MAS was an Italian amphibious commando unit created in 1938, during the Fascist era of Benito Mussolini. The Xª MAS frogmen were among the best in the world at the time, and the British used them as role models for their own naval assualt training. The Italian frogmen were known for their ingenious missions sinking allied merchant shipping. Their courage and bravado was legendary. Due to the danger of their missions; the Xª MAS had a casualty rate of 83% when attacking British warships.
In 1943, when Benito Mussolini was deposed, the new Italian government joined the Allies and declared war on Germany. However, in the German occupied northern Italy, the Xª MAS frogmen were trained to work with the German SS and those Xª MAS commandos became an anti-partisan force operating on land only. The Nazi-controlled faction of the Xª MAS became one of the most ruthless military corps of World War II. This Twisting Toyz figure represents a member of the Marine Infantry Lupo (Wolf) Battalion which trained with German Fallschirmjager Divisions. The Lupo Btn. participated mostly in anti-partisan actions (and were later accused of war crimes), but during 1944 they were sent to southern Italy to fight against the Allied Forces. As trained guerilla fighters, members of the Lupo Btn. were usually sent behind enemy lines to attempt sabotage, attack specific gun placements, forward patrols, or tank emplacements. The Lupo were attached to (and supported) the 16th SS Panzer Grenadier Division (Reichsfuhrer SS).
Twisting Toyz: is a new player in the 1:6 scale world of 12" action figures. For many years, World War II collectors have wanted Dragon to issue historically accurate Italian soldiers. Twisting Toyz has responded to this long-neglected demand with a series of World War II action figures that rivals Dragon's attention to detail. Twisting-Toyz is distributed in the USA by Merit International.
Art Design: The box looks a lot like a Dragon box for the World War II German figures. The box lists Senio River, Italy, January 1944 as the era the figure represents. A file card inside the box provides detailed historical information about the Xª MAS Lupo Battalion which fought as guerrilla commandos at Senio River, Alfonsine, Fusignano, and other hot spots along the German battle fronts that extended across southern Italy during 1943-44.
Headsculpt: This figure is named "Marco" perhaps it is based on Marco Pelan, the President of Twisting Toyz? Marco has an olive skin tone and black hair which is often associated with southern Italy. Marco also has a goatee, a thin beard cut and a fade hair style.
Articulation: This body is similar to an ultra-articulated Medicom style. It seems sturdier than a Dragon body, and the hands are bigger and rubbery.
Outfit: The outfit is in a class by itself. The quality of the materials is outstanding. This is 100% cloth, sewn with tiny stitch-work; and incredible attention to detail. The pattern on the outfit is not only in perfect scale, but the colors are vibrant and beautiful. Underneath the camouflage tunic the figure is wearing a long sleeved grayish-brown sweater. The belt is made out of faux leather which is rubber coated blue on one side and is black felt on the other side. The tunic has the blue insignia of the Xª MAS. The pants have ribbon ties at the bottoms which detract from the overall quality and realism of the figure. The thick gray socks are made of the same material as the sweater, and they look like real gym socks for 1:6 scale figures! Cool!
Gear: This set includes a unique camouflage helmet; a Beretta MAB 38A submachine gun with 4 detachable ammo mags and working bolt-action breech; cloth MG ammo pouch, binoculars (with eye-caps); a cloth haversack; two grenades (each grenade has a removable cap and string-fuse); a canteen with green felt covering and a removable cap attached to a metal chain; a green cloth beret with insignia; a knife and scabbard; a slightly weathered Beretta pistol with working slide and removable magazine and holster; and weathered black boots. The pistol holster is made out of rubber with a metal buckle. It is an interesting combination. The holster and knife scabbard are weathered, but instead they look like the paint has rubbed off. These are minor complaints. The boots have mud weathered (painted) into the seems, and they look awesome.
Market: This set is available from Merit Intl. and various online dealers at $40-50.
Overall: This set shows great ambition. The creators had their hearts in the right place. There are a couple of small details that could have been better, but this set ranks ahead of many by Dragon, DID, BBI, or others. The outfit is as good as any that has ever been made.
Grade: A+
