KING & COUNTRY AK013 MG42 RAMKE BRIGADE
Overview
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Introduction
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History Section: German Paratroopers in North Africa
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Collector Notes
This review examines the King & Country AK013 “MG42 Set Ramcke Brigade,” a two‑man metal miniature set depicting a German Fallschirmjäger MG42 gun team in North Africa. The figures are 1:30 scale, fully painted, and cast in metal. One figure stands as a gun commander directing the team, while the other supports with MG42 ammunition. The set is part of the Ramcke Brigade line and offers museum‑quality detailing for collectors of WWII Afrika Korps subjects.
Historical Background
In 1942, Fallschirmjäger‑Brigade “Ramcke” was deployed to North Africa under Generalmajor Hermann‑Bernhard Ramcke to reinforce Rommel’s Afrika Korps during the Second Battle of El Alamein (October–November 1942). The unit, flown into Libya, included multiple parachute infantry battalions, as well as artillery, anti‑tank, engineer, and support companies (super-hobby.com). During the British — Eighth Army’s offensive at El Alamein, Ramcke’s paratroopers were nearly encircled. In a bold maneuver, approximately 600 survivors executed a 200‑mile retreat west across the open desert, capturing British transport vehicles and supplies en route before rejoining German lines near Fuka (scalehobbyist.com). Afterward, the brigade continued fighting in Tunisia until the Axis capitulation in May 1943 (super-hobby.com).
The MG42 crew represented in AK013 typifies the light machine‑gun teams deployed by German paratroopers in North Africa. The MG42, introduced in 1942, offered significantly higher rates of fire and simpler production compared to the MG34, making it a critical support weapon in desert warfare (treefrogtreasures.com). Affixed to the gunner’s strap and supported by a “number two” bearing ammunition and a Panzerfaust, these teams embodied agile and potent infantry support capable of keeping pace with fast‑moving airborne units in desert conditions.
Collector Notes
Set AK013 is officially titled “MG42 Set Ramcke Brigade” and was produced by King & Country. It is cast in metal, fully painted museum‑quality, and sized at 1:30 scale (actionfiguren-shop.com). The set includes two figures: a standing gun commander and a supporting number‑two with extra ammo. No official release year or itemized parts count was found; however, it is categorized within King & Country’s Afrika Korps retired line alongside AK118–AK130 (kingandcountry.com). Identification tips include noting the unique poses—the director stance of the commander and the forward‑marching ammo bearer—and the specific weapon load‑out: MG42 plus Panzerfaust.
Packaging is no longer available, as the set is discontinued; typical secondary‑market pricing on online stores is scarce, but comparable 2‑man King & Country sets have ranged between USD 80‑120 when available (militaryissue.com). Collectors should inspect for paint loss, bent metal components, or missing accessories, which are common wear issues. Because the set is retired, prices may vary widely; unopened examples or those with box and documentation can fetch higher values. For accurate valuation, compare to recent online sales of other retired K&C Afrika Korps two‑man sets.
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