Introduction
Gecko Models are taking modelling fans of The Vietnam War on a great trip to empty their wallets. The latest release from Gecko Models for fans is a model of a 60’s – 70’s Saigon Shuttle Motor Tricycle with Driver and Passengers in 1/35th scale. Vehicles such as this would have been seen during the Vietnam War in many styles and colours let alone condition. This release gives the modeller a great civilian vehicle as a space filler in a diorama or perhaps a central tenant of a diorama. The Lambro was put to a huge number of uses with this offering being a taxi/bus version.
Review
This offering from Gecko Models is packed in a flip top cardboard tray with an additional card lid. The contents are packed in a large number of plastic bags and ZiploC bags. An examination of the contents reveals no moulding issues beyond the usual ejector pin marks that will not be an issue in most cases and flow lines that have not affected the finish. One half of a potato sack is missing from the box despite the bag being sealed, but such things happen. The gates between t6he parts and the sprue are minimal and of a small size.
You can think of this vehicle as a bike with an extra wheel and Gecko Models looks to me to have captured its details and quirks very well. The engine is included and it is hidden below the driver’ which makes you wonder if your bottom gets hot. The design approach taken with the cab area makes me think other finishing options are not far behind. So far as I can see all of the details in this area of the model are a good replication of the real thing. Even the seat has a recess for the driver so that it replicates naturally a person on a seat rather than hovering above it.
The lenses for the lights are provided in clear plastic. The tyres are injection moulded plastic and so should keep all camps happy. The rear chassis is basically four pieces of angle iron with a bar connecting the front and rear of the vehicle. To this are attached leaf spring suspension units with an axle and a drive shaft from the engine. It is this simple rear structure that made it possible for so many finishes to vehicle. The instructions instruct you to stretch some sprue and use it to create a complicated cable or pipe, but I will always advise that brass or lead wire is used instead.
The passenger area is rudimentary in that it’s a four sided wood and sheet metal frame that is open with a pre-shaped sheet metal roof. Down each side is a simple wooden bench seat for the passengers to sit on. This offering has a step in place to help people get on and off. On the roof is a rack to help retain any loads put up there. Drop down blinds are provided with photo etched straps keeping them in a stored position; these would block off the front and sides of the passenger area.
The driver and male passenger supplied would fit in a wide number of settings as they are wearing a shirt and trousers with sandals. The females however look to be better suited to a rural setting as while one is dressed in the same style as the males with the addition of a headscarf. The last two females are wearing the split sided long dress/top with trousers beneath and sandals. On their heads are the round woven reed hats that are common for Vietnam. The hands and facial feature are very well done and should paint up well. In addition to the potato sacks mentioned already there are a number of rice sacks to use for visual interest in or on the vehicle.
Conclusion
This seems like a very well thought out model presentation from Gecko Models. The model itself is well designed and for the most part a relatively easy build from my observations. The addition of suitable period figures and civilians at that is another plus as they could be used for other purposes. Finally a large number of finishing options have been provided which is a nice touch and of course its a simple matter to finish as you decide.