21st Century Toys
Ultimate Soldier Commonwealth Weapon Set
By Frederic Richter
Aug 15, 2005, 01:13

I recently picked up the newest WW2 weapon set from 21st Century Toys, it consists of an assortment of British and Commonwealth weapons, many that have not yet been made by any major manufacturer.

Rifle No.5 Mark I:
The No.5 Mark I rifle was also known as the "Jungle Carbine" as it's original purpose was for troops operating in the jungle areas of the CBI and other areas of the Far East. By September 1944 a shortened version of the No.4 rifle was approved and was designated No.5 Mark I. It was basically a No.Mk 4 1 with a much shortened barrel and a few other new features. Most soldiers did not care for the recoil, but admitted it was easier to carry in jungle warfare than a full size No.4 rifle. 100,000 of the rifles were made, with some seeing action at the end of WW2, some used by specialist units in the far east and Africa and saw use in British colonies for decades after WW2. 21st C's version is a nice representation, features a working bolt action but sadly no removable magazine, and they still insist on using the rather unattractive black elastic sling. There is wood grain sculpted into the rifle, which looks okay, although it might look better with a repaint. Overall a nice weapon to add to the arsenal. Rating:***

Lanchester Sub Machine Gun:
In 1940 the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy decided it required a SMG. Little time could be afforded for development of a new weapon, so it was decided to adopt a direct copy of the German MP28 SMG. The Lanchester is regarded as a solid and sturdy weapon, the complete opposite of the bare-bone and cheap to manufacture sten. A bayonet for a rifle bayonet was added, and the rifling was different from that of the MP28, as well as a larger magazine, other than that it was an unabashed copy of the MP28. 21st's version is painted brown, again with wood grain sculptured into the stock of the rifle. The bolt is functional and can be cocked back, but unlike DML or bbi's version, the ejection port does not open. It's lightly weathered, although on my Lee Enfield Sniper rifle it was overdone a bit. Personally considering this is a "Commonwealth" set I would have much preferred a Owen SMG, but nonetheless it could be a useful weapon. Rating: ***

Lewis Machine Gun:
The Lewis light machine gun was used in WW1 by the British in Infantry roles as well as on Aircraft and sea vessels. There were several different variants, the one 21st made being the Mk. I with cooling jacket and wood stock and bipod, intended for infantry use. I personally would have preferred 21st to have given us a Vickers K, but they did do a really nice job on the Lewis gun. In the early part of WW2 it was used by some ground forces, especially the LRDG and SAS in the desert. 21st's version is probably the best weapon in the set, it has a working bipod, a working bolt and a flip up sight. I was hoping for the ammo can lid to be able be functional and open up to reveal some rounds, however it is not. The drum magazine does feature a plastic carrying handle (which I'm sure will be quickly replaced by many customizers). Overall I'd have to say even though I probably would have picked a different weapon (or maybe two smaller ones, like the two variants of the Des Lisle carbine) this is the nicest piece of the set. Rating: ****

No. 4 Mk I (T) Lee Enfield Sniper rifle:
The last rifle of the set is the one that may prove to be most useful, and when I ponder it is amazing to me that no other manufacturer has yet made it. The No. 4 Mk I (T) Sniper rifle was basically a standard No. 4 Mk I that was refitted and retooled by a commercial company known as Holland and Holland. 21st Centuries rendition is painted oak brown, again with the sculpted wood grain, although this time the scope and muzzle appear to be over-weathered. The bolt works, but again no removable magazine and we are given an elastic sling, as opposed to the more accurate leather (or vinyl). Overall it will make a nice piece with a bit of work. Rating: ***

British 2 Inch Mortar:
The British 2 inch mortar was used by almost all Commonwealth countries, and had different versions for AB, Infantry and Armored troops. I could be mistaken but I believe the version 21st included the set is the Infantry variant with butt plate. It has a swiveling effect, as well as a carrying handle and is painted a gun metal gray. Sadly 21st only included one shell. Rating***

Overall Rating: **** While the set has it's flaws, for $7.99 it really is a nice set, with some unique weapons which would be hard to find elsewhere. All of these weapons look okay out of the package, and will look great with a bit of paint.

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