Review
This offering from Gecko Models has been in the mind of owner for many years and its finally realised in 1/35th scale injection moulded plastic. I will start by saying that this offering is very well packed and so should reach you in its intended condition. Looking over the mouldings and I am happy with what I see but some parts do have a lot of gates that will need to be cleaned up and I found a few ejector pin marks that will need to be addressed.
The land Rover in its many forms has served the British Army very well for many years in its various forms and only recently leaving service. This Mk.1 short wheel base offering is identifiable by the lack of the curve from the bonnet continuing along the doors and I believe is the only variant missing that detail. I am pleased to see that the chassis of the model is a single piece moulding and so a great base for the model that you know is correct.
The parts are not excessive in their breakdown and so should be a relatively pleasing project to tackle as long as photo etch does not deter. The oily areas have received good attention and the bonnet could be shown open if desired. Details in the engine bay can be enhanced via the addition of wires and cables not covered in the mouldings and result in an extremely high level of detail in the model. The braking system is another area where detail can be scratched if wished.
Looking over the interior of the model nothing jumps out at me as amiss or poorly detailed and so another high point in my books. While on the subject of the interior I am very pleased to see a mix of personal weapons provided from a Vickers heavy MG and then the more conventional Lee Enfield rifle, Bren gun and SMG. Depending on what you want placed in the trailer or rear of the Land Rover a good mix of webbing items and cloth containers are provided including a large sack.
Looking at the clear elements moulded in this release I am very surprised to see the wing mirrors in this material, this does cause me some concern as clear plastic tends to be brittle in its nature and the arms of the wing mirrors are very fine. Looking over the photo etch and it’s one area of the model that some will love and others hate due to the number of very fine details included here that may cause some of us to struggle and possibly make a pleasing build a pain but it needs to be said that is an us problem rather than a kit one and the result of modellers demanding higher and higher levels of detail.
My thoughts are that this is a stunning release from Gecko Models that will test as regards photo etch, but one that can be built into a stunning release depending on a modellers own ability.