Review
This offering from MiniArt arrives is packaged in the usual way of a cardboard tray with separate card. Inside the model contents are packaged in a single plastic bag, with the exception of the instruction booklet. Within that bag is a bag containing the clear sprue with the decals which I disapprove of strongly, and the photo etch in a card envelope which I think is a great idea. Despite the number of releases of this model in its various forms, the mouldings are still in very good condition. You do get some flow lines, which do not cause any issues and there are some ejector pin marks which will benefit from being tackled but these are very shallow. Access for removal of parts is good, and the gates are reasonably sized and not excessive in quantity. As always there are some very fine parts that will require a lot of care when removing to avoid damage.
Anyone who has tackled any of these A400s previously will know that it offers a stunning level of detail, but that level of detail does test the modeller. Examples of this are the brake lines which you are shown how to guide around the chassis to the wheels and back to the engine bay. The brake lines are secured with supplied photo etch clamps. A fully detailed engine is also provided with details on adding cables required to improve the details there and where they feed into the cab of the vehicle. The wheels have very nice detail on the side walls and tread and the fire wall between the engine and cab is also very well detailed. I do not believe that the mechanical aspects of this model could be improved any further without making the engine run!
The cab interior is well detailed on all faces, has all the relevant controls required, including a guide for rod inside the cab from the handbrake. They have even remembered to provided the batteries for the vehicle. The seating in the vehicle only has one issue as far as I am concerned, and that is that it looks new rather than being beaten up a bit. The storage box on the rear of the vehicle benefits from detail both inside and out, and the doors can be shown open or closed if desired. Exterior detail benefits from very good clarity from the clear parts. The front grille and a separate name plate has been provided in photo etch, and, my only concern here is the risk of damage on installation. Different shapes of rear number plate have been provided, and these are again photo etch front and rear. You will benefit from the ability to easily show the bonnet open, and also required the cab doors. Items such as the wiper blades are provided as photo etch items. So as regards the model itself, this is a very highly detailed model that will test the modeller, but if your abilities are up to scratch the finished item can be truly stunning.
MiniArt has provided 5 finishing options for this release, and these are:
Henkel. Dusseldorf, Late 1930s
Coca-Cola. Berlin, Late 1930s - Early 1940s
Goldina. Bremen, Early 1940s
Chlorodoet. Dresden, Early 1940s
Maggi. Stuttgart, Early 1940s
Review
This offering of the A400 from MiniArt has all that stunning detail that we have become familiar with. But does require a high level of ability on the part of the modeller. I you have that ability, then you can have the result of a truly stunning model with oodles of details. For me the Coca-Cola finish offered will catch the eye of anyone looking from a good distance due to its iconic detail, and should have people coming over to look at your display.