Introduction
This offering from MiniArt, titled Checkpoint brings together new and old, as some parts are from previously releases and others are all new. The set itself would be suitable for a wide time zone and would add an interesting element in a vignette or diorama.
Review
This offering from MiniArt is provided in a cardboard tray, with a card lid and inside the sprues are in a single plastic bag and the decal sheet with some clear moulding are separately bagged. The instructions are provided on a single fold out sheet, a check over the mouldings reveals no areas of concern that I am aware of as everything from the quality of the mould to access of the parts looks good.
In this set from MiniArt, you are provided with a number of sandbags, that consists of up to three parts, and that once assembled provide you with six slightly different sandbag shapes. Once assembled as indicated, or as the modeller may prefer - it provides you with a sandbag wall that does not look like it is made of bricks as the bags are all slightly different. The checkpoint itself consists of a weighted bar that is manually raised and lowered. You get a guard box, which I myself would use differently, than as indicated here as I feel a small building structure would be more appropriate.
The guardhouse itself does have everything including a floor, and should you wish to use it, you are provided with an oil lamp and a gas lamp, a military box phone - as found on the back of armoured vehicles, a standard looking phone, with the winder on the side which I have been told as well as ringing a phone at the other end, also supplied a current between the two phones. An upright backed chair is included, and could be used in a number of settings. There is also a table with an open end and drawers. Not covered in the instructions is the decal sheet, with signage in German and a set of suitable placards on which to mount them, which have a nice wooden texture to them.
Conclusion
This offering from MiniArt, is an interesting combination of items that could be used together or separately. The parts have been well made, and I do not see any issues to trip you up. One aspect that I do not like is that the signs have the words printed on a shaped backing, for application to the placards; Where as I would have preferred the instructional element of the sign to be provided on its own, to be added to the placards which are pre-painted by the modeller. I feel the presentation would be better.