Review

This offering from MiniArt arrives in a cardboard tray with a separate card lid. Inside the sprues are packaged in a single plastic bag, along with the clear sprue and decal sheet inside their own plastic bag within the whole - I practice of which I do not like or approve due to the risk of damage to the decals. The photo etched elements arrive in their own card sleeve - a process that I do approve of. An examination of the contents reveals no obvious moulding issues. The gates are of a reasonable size, and not excessive in quantity but there are quite a few moulding nipples present that will need cleaning up. 

This offering from MiniArt has been provided with a multi part chassis, and so take your time with assembly and as they say “check twice and fit once”. The leaf springs may require a little work to remove  mould seam lines. A very nice engine and transmission is included, which is worthy of display. I appreciate the effort that MiniArt has put into helping you get all of the parts in the right place. The steering rack has to be put through the dashboard and the steering wheel attached, as the steering rack attaches correctly inside the engine bay. A good level of detail is provided on the firewall between the cab and the engine bay, which also includes brake master cylinder and battery detail - so add a few wires as required, add the plumbing as provided for the water system and you have a very detailed area to display if you so wish. The steering rack, due to it sort of floating is at risk of breaking - so make sure you store it safely before incorporating it in the rest of the model. 

Decals are provided for the instrument cluster, and the various controls inside the cab are also well replicated. The seating inside the cab in virgin in nature, and so could do with some wear and tear replicated on it. The cab is made up of various panels and the doors are separate and so could be shown open or closed depending on your requirements. The wiper blade have been provided with the option of photo etch or plastic. But there are some very fine photo etched parts that still need to be used - and it hurts my eyes just looking at them. That wonderfully detailed painted engine that you painted and  weathered earlier has been considered by MiniArt and a correctly opening hood plus support rods are included should you wish to have it open. 

The tyres for the model have been provided in 2 halves, but as long as the joint is well done you should be pleased with the tread detail. The bed of the truck has also been provided with a very detailed underside. You have the canvas support rails provided that could be displayed as is. Photo etch catch detail and guide rails are present, a canvas is included within the kit using injection moulded plastic - which is ideal for those who do not wish to tackle their own canvas. Those that are happy to tackle that and the ribs that support that detail means you could place a full or partial canvas as desired. The tools for the vehicle are provided with or without the need for photo etched clamping - another nod for those who are not a fan of photo etch.

5 finishing options have been included in this release:

Unidentified Unit. Italy, 1944

25th Pz Gren. Div. Netherlands, Autumn 1944

Unidentified Medical Unit. Italy, Spring 1945

11th Panzer /division. Germany, Spring 1945 

Le Flak-Abt. 81 (Sf) 1. Flak-Korps. Praga, Spring 1945

Conclusion

This release from MiniArt provides the modeller with a huge level of detail, that consideration has been given to displaying. This opens up a number of display options, which I am sure modeller will approve of. The super detailers amongst us are treated to an excellent level of provided detail, on to which they can progress further. For the modeller who are not fans of photo etched use, while you cannot get away without using it I appreciate that the options are present in a number of cases to use plastic parts instead. Another very nice release from MiniArt that shows their progress and desire to meet the modellers needs.