G7117 1.5t 4x4 Maintenance Shop Truck w/Trailer

MiniArt has released a few G7117 1.5t trucks over the last few years, and so the detail should be well known by most. It still features the multi part chassis and very nicely detailed oily bits that are not normally seen. This means that the truck itself can be displayed in any way the modeller chooses, with the exception of needing some wiring. There is a good amount of photo etch present, which may test some. The front wheels are not designed with the ability to show them turned, however the detail and construction method utilised it should not be too difficult to modify them. 

The truck details themselves such as the cab, more than live up to my expectations. The protective bar work on the front of the cab is provided in photo etch with a series of jigs to aid in accurate folding of the various elements. Fortunately, one of the grille designs is provided in plastic should the photo etch be deterring you. The detail offered in this kits as regards the both the parts that are rarely if ever seen and the cab and wheel detail make this another great offering.

Moving on to the truck bed, the high level of detail continues right the way down to chains and such for securing the sides and rear. The hoist system which I believe that has only been available in resin previously is extremely well detailed in this release, with chain included for the hoist itself including the lifting mechanism. A large amount of equipment is included for the storage on the rear bed, these include both manual and fuel operated machinery. For storage of this, you have a mix of cabinets for placing things like tool boxes and the like in. Photo etched tools are included for the tool boxes. You have oil barrels provided, welding equipment, a compressor, and vices included. 

The 2 wheeled trailer for towing behind contains some elements for work on vehicles, namely the compressor, some Jerry cans and a workbench, a small amount of work will need to be done to show the electrical connection between the truck and the trailer and you can, if you so wish, add a canvas over the truck bed.  Painting detail for the equipment plus 2 finishing option for the truck are included.

818th Tank Destroyer Battalion XX Corp, France Summer 1944

15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Sicily, Italy Summer 1943