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Jay,

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond on your bash. Real life has gotten in the way of my hobby time lately.

First of all, thanks for calling me an "expert"... I appreciate the nod, but I'm far from it...

Second and on to the awesome figure. You've really captured the look of an 82nd pre-jump officer. As they've (most likely) seen combat already, they've learned lessons and didn't quite 'overpack' on the gear the way the 101st did. Great figure, great sculpt choice and I am a huge admirer of your weathering techniques.

As others have said, it is perfectly fine and acceptable on the musette facing out. It was done and there are numerous photos of that, as I think Bruce has pointed out on other forums. You could try to stuff it more to better capture the look of the gear/equipment/personal items they shoved in there.

My comments (just minor and in NO way meant in detracting from an awesome figure) would be to remove the first aid pack from the helmet, not really done during Normandy. More commonly seen for Market Garden and Varsity. It was actually sctrictly forbidden in a written order in a regiment (if my memory is correct, but may have been a battalion) within the 101st for example. Others have talked about his chute already being hooked without the reserve threaded through the bellyband and the mae west not on yet. Keep in mind, these guys didn't walk out with their chutes on, for the most part their chutes were waiting for them at the Marshalling areas, where they suited up before emplaning. I'd also lose the side cap, as DiD's version is pretty poor and has the wrong braid color for officers. Besides, he looks much 'cooler' with the helmet on... Lastly, I'd move the 82nd patch up slightly. It may be the angle, but it seems a little low on the shoulder.

Overall another great figure in your collection that I'm jealous of. Great work. I'd love to see a pic all your paratroopers side-by-side. That would be impressive.

-JOSH