Newline Miniature Ammo (Left) and DMS (Right) Boots
In this review I will focus on the Newline Miniature’s DMS and World War II British Ammunition (Ammo) Boots. Besides, I would hate for you guys and gals to think that I am stuck in just one period. My personal opinion is Newline Miniature (NLM) is one on of the finer 1/6th scale companies to come about supporting the hobby. Why? Because their stuff is accurate, very details and in a word, amazing! However, buyers beware! NLM accessories are not cheap. NLM gear is high-end stuff. Conversely, if you consider what you are getting for the price, NLM accessories are a good deal. The problem is that for the average Joe, the question becomes: “Do I take the kids out for pizza or buy this 1/6th scale boot?” The NLM British ammo boot set consist one pair of British ammo boots and one set of gaiters. MSRP for this set is $18.75. Their British DMS boots are ankle boots similar to the Ammo Boot but with a rubber cleathed (British equivalent of Vibram) sole and without gaiters or putties. The MSRP for the DMS boots is $14.95.
NLM Company Tad Bits
NLM, more or less, officially came on the 1/6th scale scene on or about early 2004. NLM’s flagship lines of handcrafted boots are designed to bring your figure to the next level with fine leather and fabric, real laces, metal hobnails, molded sole tread, working tongues, and metal grommets. However, NLM is more than just a 1/6th scale boot company. Their ever-expanding line includes belts, equipment harnesses, slings, and much more - all engineered to bring your figures to the highest level of accurate detail.
A Little British Boot History
During World War II, whether in Iceland or the jungles of Southeast Asia, the standard British soldier marched and fought in his hobnailed ‘‘ammo'' boots. The standard British boots were of ankle height and made with pebbled leather with a toecap. The toecap was only introduced by the time of W.W.II. The bottom of the boots was made with a leather sole and heel cleats, toe plates and hobnails. The hobnails were a help on grass, but a hindrance on hard surfaces as they tended to slip. The heel cleats, toe plates and hobnail also were very noisy on hard surfaces.
Newline Miniature British Ammunition Boots, Bottom
Special units such as the SAS, Commandos, Airborne, and other units on special assignment would wear rubber cleathed sole boots if available. These boots can be considered the early DMS boots (reference: 1944-45 BRITISH SOLDIER, VOL 1; Jean Bouchery, p.40). The cleathed sole/DMS boots had the same construction as in Ammo boots but with rubber sole (See picture below). Using NLM’s British DMS boots to model British Commando’s and special units would not be in error.
British W. W. II Cleathed Sole Boots
Newline Miniature British DMS Boots, Bottom
NLM markets their British DMS boots as that which was used during the Falkland War. However, the British DMS boot noticeably appeared is full use within the British military around 1950 and was used until the mid to late 80s. Gaiters were still worn with the British DMS boots in the 1980s and for a short time putties even made a comeback. By the early 90s the British military had adopted a DMS design that extended the height of the boot between the ankle and calf. All boots and shoes were laced, according to regulations, using the ladder lace method. British soldiers today still lace their boots (be it Desert or DMS) using the ladder method.
Ladder lace Method
Product Info, General:
The NLM British ammo boot is based on the ankle boot used by the British for decades, Worn with two buckle anklets/gaiters, or with cloth puttees by some units like the SAS & Commandos. These boots are still worn today by Guard's Regiments for Ceremonial Duties. NLM has done a very fine job in reproducing these boots in 1/6th scale right down to the regulation number of hobnails (24 later reduced, as of 29 August 1942 [ACI 1827, Davis, p.165], to 13 hobnails per boot) to the toe and heal plates. You will find that NLM ensured that their boot eyelets are six or seven high and have a full leather sole and heal as specified by British military regulation. NLM has even included the boots size on the bottom of the boot, which is stamped into the leather sole. Another fine detailed item of the Ammo boots are the gaiters. The gaiters for the Ammo boots are made of a heavy cotton material and fit snug to the leg. The buckles to secure the gaiters are made of metal. Additionally, there is a leather-retaining band for the excess securing/tie strap laced through the gaiter’s buckle. A very nice touch!
Newline Miniature Gaiter’s Leather-Retaining Band
The British rubber sole cleathed boot has a Direct Molded Sole (DMS) configuration, a design that is known today as a Vibram rubber sole. These boots do not come with gaiters or putties, which partly accounts for the $14.95 price tag (Another factor is the level of detail in the Ammo boots). However, as you are switching out boots from the old to NLM you can use the gaiters or putties from those boots. The uppers of the DMS boots are of the same design as the Ammo boots, which incorporates a top cap and six to seven eyelets. The rubber used for the sole of the DMS boot is ¼ of an inch thick and have a very detail cleathed pattern.
Product Info, Construction:
I was very happy with the construction of both the Ammo and DMS boots. The leather used for the upper section of both boots is very soft but strong (within reason). The toecap and heal are reinforced to add stiffness. The stitching is fine, detailed and consistent. The eyelets are perfectly positioned in a straight uniform line up along the side of the boots and support a reasonable amount tension placed on the boot to lace and securely tie the boot. The material used for the lacing has a good look and feel. Enough lacing is provided so that even a person with big hands (such as myself) has no problem tying the boots at the top. The laces are of such quality the once interlaced it stays secure without slippage. Glue used to connect the sole to the boot is strong and allows the boot’s sole to be bent/wigged to distress the upper portion of the boot to give that worn look. Detail is abound throughout the boot and is of such magnitude that when comparing the boot to it rubber counterpart, one is very impressed.
Product Info, Fit:
I was very happy with the ease of fit when applying the boots to a figure. The boots are easy to get on and remove. I have found that the NLM Ammo and DMS boots work best for me with the smaller foot size available with BBi figures and with those DML bodies, which incorporates the bendable toe. My reasons are purely personal. The BBi and DML bodies, which have these features allow for the boots to be bent at the toe, thus giving the boot’s sole and upward tilt at the forward edge implying use. I have also found that by gently bending and wigging the sole and the back portion of the boot, the leather upper will quickly take a distress look. Leather being leather, I was also able to take a nail file and with a few light passes add a bit of wear to the boots. Another noticeable point is NLM uses a stiff material that is relatively flat for the sole. This fact in concert with securing the boot to the figure amplifies the ankle and leg support to allow most figures to remain upright, in a variety of positions, without the use of a figure stand. When applying the NLM Ammo boot gaiters, I found that it is best to put the gaiters on first and then secure them before adding the boots. There is not much play in the gaiters securing straps. NLM did this to get that snug fit. If the gaiters are applied first, it is then an easy maneuver to pull the gaiters down over the top leading edge of the boot and then to roll the trousers over the gaiters to give the trousers a bloused appearance.
Conclusion:
I admire and love the product line from Newline Miniature. Their quality and attention to detail is presidential. Being of natural material, the boots are easy to work with to get a worn or distress look or to incorporate a spit shine. I am not saying the NLM boots are right for all occasion. However, I will say that once you have one pair, you will want another.
T. R.
