"Blowtorch & Corkscrew" WWII US Marine Flamethrower Team - Saipan 1944

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Encountering continually stiffer Japanese resistance and fortifications throughout the Pacific War, Marine assault doctrine was ever learning and adapting. By 1944, the "blowtorch and corkscrew" approach had grown dominant when encountering Japanese emplacements, increasingly found nestled into caves and natural formations. Marines would engage with BAR equipped fireteams, forcing any Japanese defenders into cover. The flamethrower would then move up with less risk, engaging any defenders left within flames reach. Finally, a demolitions man would approach the opening, utilizing explosives to destroy or seal off the position. 

This custom minifigure two pack is based on Marine flamethrower teams operating on Saipan, part of the greater Marianas campaign late in WWII. The flamethrower operator features of course, the fantastic M2 Flamethrower by BrickArms, on which I've printed a 4th Marine Division UNIS marking, commonly seen on equipment to denote which unit it belonged to. The figure itself includes new art depicting his dungaree jacket buttoned up all the way, and tucked into his trousers. Gear wise, he comes equipped with a Marine Corps pistol belt with pistol holster, canteen, first aid pouch, and magazine pouch for the pistol. His breast pocket contains a lighter, and metal cigarette case for ease of access under his flamethrower harness. 

The demolitions man is based off the same unique reference image, taken during combat on Saipan. This Marine has replaced his standard pack suspenders with a Corpsman's medical harness, as a load bearing upgrade. He also features the army lightweight gas mask bag, most likely used to carry demolition charges. I've also included art for the US pick mattock axe for the first time. While one man per platoon was generally issued one, their bulk and discomfort carried hanging against the leg generally resulted in them being discarded by troops. 

Each set comes complete with both figures, BrickArms helmets, multi-piece BrickArms flamethrower with flame, as well as a printed 1x8 badge brick denoting the figure name, and can double as a minifigure stand. 

LIMITED EDITION: Due to the difficulty producing and consequent scarcity of the BrickArms flamethrower, only 20 copies of this pack will be made available. Each pack will ship in my standard WWII inspired packaging, signed and numbered by me. 

• BrickArms M1 Steel Pot Helmet with frogskin helmet cover  
• BrickArms M2 Flamethrower (UNIS printed)
• Custom printed minifigure heads with wrap around M1 helmet chinstraps
• P1941 dungaree jacket (open + closed variants)
• P1941 dungaree trousers 
• Marine contract M1936 pistol belt
• Marine contract M1923 cartridge belt 
• M1916 holster with 1911 pistol 
• Marine P2 canteen cover
• Army pick mattock with carrier 
• Army lightweight gas mask bag 
• Corpsman load bearing suspenders 
• Marine N1 "boondocker" field shoes 
• Inside leg Marine dungarees printing  
• 1x8 printed name brick 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging

LEGAL INFO: This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.

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