Konflikt 47 US Mudskipper Jump Walker

Konflikt '47 is a joint project by Warlord Games and Clockwork Goblin and is set upon an updated Bolt Action's First Edition ruleset. In addition to the regular Bolt Action products, that can be used with Konflikt '47, there are a couple of items that were specifically designed for the range.

Like many of the post '46 World War settings, Konflikt '47 adds mech-like walkers, and today we're going to take a look on the Mudskipper Jump Walker, one of the Allied medium walkers. In the medium class, are a couple of other variants available like the M8 Grizzly, Kodiak and Bruin walkers.

The M2 Mudskipper is not just a Walker but a Jump Walker, with shock absorbers and a stripped down chassis to save weight, as the name predicts, is deployed along with the jump troops. These units, very similar to the Paratroopers, are airborne units, but have jump packs that let them jump across the battlefield in huge leaps. Of the M2 is a variant with different load-out available, the M2A1 that replaces the HMG on the arms with Bazookas.

The Mudskipper is a resin and metal hybrid kit and costs 30 GBP. The rules for him can be found in the core rulebook for Konflikt '47 on Page 158. The kit covers the optional upgrade for the bazookas for the M2A1 variant of the Mudskipper. As this is a resin kit, please take the appropiate preparations. Warlord Games even adds a information leaflet on how to prepare the material.

The casting is above average. It does not have airbubbles, but some mould lines, flash and an offset in the mould, that creates a lip on some of the part. But no warpage.

Most work on this kit was sanding and cutting of the mould junction leftover. The quality is unfortunately not (yet) on the same level as newer Bolt Action vehicles.

Building begins with the springs on the back of the heel and the pelvis to the upper body. Unfortunately the ancle is in a fixed position, so you can not pose it in a different or more dynamic pose.

Due to the ball and joint connection, you have some liberties in the angle of the legs. The connection surface for the glue is sufficient, but I'd suggest pinning the parts to strengthen the bond.

Next up the MGs on top and the front MG. I had to shorten the body mg, as it wouldn't fit the slot.

Now for the arms, I went with one of each weapon options (not conforming to the rules), just to show what is possible. The arms are connected by a ball and joint to the torso and I'd suggest pinning them.

As for the size, the Mudskipper is around the same size as an Ork Gargbot or a Dust Sino-Soviet Union KV47 Walker. The second picture shows it next to a Sherman and US soldier.

And the assembled US Mudskipper Jump Walker from different angles.

Conclusion
Building the Mudskipper wasn't much of a hassle. Casting was okay, I've seen better by Warlord Games themself, but I've seen worse be others as well. The offset one some parts was a bit annoying, and  I hope they got that in order. Otherwise I think the kit could have used more details. Some of the bolts are too large and it could be a bit more dynamic. I like the idea of a Konflikt '47 game, weird war always appealed to me, but from the design point of view other brands are stronger. And that is something that along with the above than average price is a bit of a problem for me.

As for the price, Warlord isn't owning the brand Konflikt '47, they are producing the products for and with Clockwork Goblin, therefore there is another one wanting their cut, and along with the margin for whole traders and resellers, that ends up in the end. Making the Jumpwalker at 30 GBP a bit more expensive than the 24 GBP Warlord charges for their tanks. But it still cheaper than the Dust KV47 (45 EUR) and Westwind Tiger Mecha (40 GBP).

So to sum it up, it is an average kit, that misses a bit of an edge and if you find it on a discount, go for it.

Bolt Action is a brand of Warlord Games. Konflikt '47 is a brand of Clockwork Goblin.

The reviewed product item was provided by the manufacturer.