Introduction
The MAN 7 tonne truck chassis is in military service with many nations, and is also used for a multitude of purposes. Hobby Boss has now released a Bundeswehr version of the MAN 7 tonne truck, in service as a dump truck in 1/35th scale. Hobby Boss has acquired a fair reputation as regards their models releases, and so let’s take a look and see what they have done with this.
Review
This offering from Hobby Boss is packaged in the usual manner, of a cardboard tray with a divided portion within, and a cardboard lid with the artwork of a representation of the model within. On the sides of the box, are the finishing options and some of the highlights of the kit. Inside the box the sprues are individually supplied in their own bags except where sprues are duplicated. The divided area of the box, has been provided to protect the cab, photo etch, clear parts, decals and masks and the tyres. An examination of the contents reveals a number of large shallow ejector pins marks, with my only area of concern in this respect being the underside of the tipper body. There are some inside the cab roof, but I think a light sanding will remedy them.
The chassis of the model is a multi part portion with good detail on both sides of the runners. I do have some concerns about the difficulty as regards assembling this and retaining a square structure, as none of the cross members are substantial, and great care will be needed in this area during assembly. I may even suggest that a modellers set square is used as a starting point, of the construction. I also strongly recommend that the chassis structure is allowed to sit for a little while, to fully set up. The axels on this release, have the suspension springs moulded as a part of the model, and so realistically can only be displayed on a level base, as adjusting the suspension will be incredibly problematic. I am pleased to see, that Hobby Boss has gone to the effort to allow the front wheels to be shown turned, but I strongly advise that they are glued in place when you are happy.
The transmission for this vehicle is provided as a simplistic moulding, but with reasonable detail. Engine detail itself, is restricted to a partial moulding on the underside of a part that fits on the cab floor. The result of this, is that you get the general appearance of the oily parts, but there is a lot of room for improvement for the modeller who wants to make that effort. The drive shafts on the other hand, are very nicely detailed and provide a positive appearance on the underside of the vehicle. The wheels are moulded in two halves with good face detail, but the tyres themselves are vinyl rubber mouldings, which while well detailed I know will prove less than popular with a number of modellers who would prefer injection moulded offerings. As that would have made a depiction of weighted wheels easier.
The cab of the model has the very shallow ejector pins marks already mentioned on the inside of the roof, but also has some raised lettering which may benefit from being removed. The floor of the cab has a good metal tread plate depiction, with my only real complaint being that the seats look brand new, but then in modern vehicles seat material does not degenerate that much. A decal is provided for the instrument panel dials, with good replication of controls such as foot pedals, gear stick etc. Returning to the roof, the reinforcement structures are added using separate pieces and so provides very good replication. The glazing provided for the model, are well tackled, and should not cause any issues with magnification and the like. The doors have been provided as separate parts, with good detail moulded on both faces. Door furniture is provided separately, with the result that if a door is shown open which is not covered in the instructions should look the part. Externally I particularly like the representation of the wiper arms and blades, but I would not add these until painting is completed, unless you do not intend to use the supplied masks. The wing mirrors have good detail, but are very delicate, and once the cab is complete I think there will be very little to complain about. The MAN emblem is very well represented on the front.
The truck bed has some nice moulded on detail, but there are some very large shallow sink marks that I feel with definitely need to be remedied. The reinforcement on the underside of the bed if further enhanced via separate parts. The walls of the truck bed are basic, but as far as I can see accurate. The rear door of the truck bed, is attached in a way that would allow it to be shown as if it is depositing something, and the hydraulic ram detail, for lifting the truck bed is provided to enable the modeller to show it raised or lowered. There are three photo etched frets supplied in this kit, and Hobby Boss photo etch does tend to be a little on the heavy side. I like this as it means the photo etch is in my opinion a better scale thickness, and is less easily inadvertently damaged. Hobby Boss has only provided one finishing option for the model, but they have taken the time to provide three separate registration set ups.
Conclusion
A dump truck in military service is an unexpected release in my opinion, but it does add an unusual element for the modeller who wishes to build something a little different. Being a dump truck, it could also be used in the diorama setting, dropping off or collecting material in a number of settings. I was disappointed to find the ejector pin marks, however these are commonly found and usually easily overcome. My biggest critique if that no harness detail is provided for the seats, but this would be possible to replicate using a masking tape or I am sure an after market set will be available in the near future, which would cover this aspect. All told - a promising start.