Review
This offering from MiniArt is provided in a card tray, with separate card lid. Inside is a single plastic bag containing all of the parts for the model, plus another bag inside that one containing the decals, photo etch and clear parts for the model. Compliant number One - I really do not like finding decals and photo etch packaged with injection moulded parts, due to the risk of damage to the decals and etch themselves. An examination of the model parts reveals no real areas for concern, beyond the removal of some fine parts without damaging them. On the plus side access to the parts is good.
The chassis of the truck is a multi-part construction that will require a meticulous placement of parts to ensure that it is assembled in the correct orientation. Due to the cross members, basically being straight bars in simplified language terms this will prove harder than you may suspect - so take your time and get it right, or you will struggle later if it is out of alignment. The chassis of this model is very important to get this right. The leaf spring suspension is single piece mouldings, but there are seam lines that will require clean up. Some of the parts added to the model, such as fuel tank and battery box, are extremely well detailed and it is a pity that when stood on its wheels details such as these will be hard to see. The axles provide the modeller with an idea of the finesse of this kit, due to the metal U-clamps that secure the rear axle to the leaf springs, which are obviously very finely moulded parts. A suggestion on my part, would be to get some 0.5mm metal rod and use the plastic parts as a template, and using the rod as a replacement part.
Moving to the oily parts of the model, and MiniArt has provided a highly detailed full engine, that consists of a very high number of pieces and they have even remembered to supply all the parts for application to the fire wall between the engine bay and cab interior. Complaint number 2, is that I do not believe it is possible to show the front wheels turned without surgery. With that complaint said the detail in this area is exceptional. The only parts a modeller will need to add, is the wiring and tubing that should be present for the modeller who likes to go the extra yard and being able to add details such as fuel and brake lines.
The cab of the model provides the doors with separate door cards and door furniture, which adds a nice level of detail and MiniArt has even gone to the extent that they show you in the instructions that the door windows can be shown wound up, down or anywhere in-between. Interior detail for the cab is of a high standard with decals provided for the instrument dials, and even a rear view mirror. The vent for allowing air into the cab, can be shown open or closed. One of my pet hates is present inside the cab, which is a featureless seat. Anybody who has stuck their head inside a military truck, will know that the thing with a life of its own is the seat. The grill details on the side engine panels, are actually moulded open, which is a particularly nice detail. The front window of the cab can be shown extended into its open position; however this will need a very steady hand, I am a little unclear as to how the photo etch wiper blades sit on the open window. The lights on the vehicle are provided with clear lenses, and the hood can be shown open or closed with MiniArt even provided the support arm for the hood when in the open position. The protective grill on the front of the truck is a complicated photo etch structure and MiniArt has countered that concern by
The cargo bed for the model, is provided by flat panels to mimic the metal floor to which you add the support rails and quite a lot of photo etch, while not indicated in the instructions showing the tailgate down, should be a relatively straight forward process. The chain for supporting the tail gate is provided by MiniArt with proper metal chain, and photo etch clamp detail. The supports for the mud guards and for the vehicles tools are all provided in photo etch, which should please the high end modeller greatly. The seats inside the cargo bed can be depicted up or down and is a detail I like. The canvas cover and supporting hoops are supplied with this release allowing the modeller to decide what they want unless wanting a partial covering only. Looking over the canvas I would be very happy to use it as is. The tyres and wheels are both injection moulded construction, with the tyres having good tread detail, and manufacturer’s marks.
The Ben Hur trailer has been released in a number of standalone and supporting product releases and hits the mark in my book. Surface details are good on every face only needing careful clean up where parts have been freed from the sprue. There is some very fine photo etch parts used on the trailer and for that matter the release as a whole, this means fat fingered and shaky hands people like myself are likely to struggle. A good canvas cover is also provided for the trailer which will help those who are at a loss for what to put in their trailer, but this will require the modeller to scratch build tie downs.
MiniArt has provided three finishing options for this release:
1st Armoured Division, 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion, North Africa, Spring 1943
22nd Motor Battalion, 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, Italy 1944
Medical Unit, 633rd Field Artillery Battalion, Italy 1945