Introduction:
The MAN Category 1 or KAT 1 range includes high mobility tactical trucks with 4x4 (5t), 6x6 (7t), and 8x8 (10t) configurations.
Photo: MAN Truck 7t mil gl 6x6 Cat1 A1
All of the MAN KAT 1 configurations are available as 1/35 scale plastic kits produced by Revell and Hobby Boss. DEF Model offers resin replacement wheels for these kits and, after covering the set for 4x4 vehicle, German MAN 5t. Mil gl Truck Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35126) (review link), this review deals with the additional wheels to upgrade 6x6 vehicles: German MAN Mil gl Truck Extra Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35127).
Review:
The set is packed in a small cardboard box. The box art displays the contents of the set and states the wheels are designed to fit Hobby Boss and Revell kits.
Opening the box reveals a zip-lock bag with resin pieces, masking sheet and masking instruction leaflet.
The resin pieces look very impressive. There are no casting imperfections, no air-bubbles or seam lines to clean.
The level of details is astounding… the complex tire tread is wonderfully delivered, the sidewall embossing sharp and clearly visible under magnification. Check it out!
The casting blocks are located on the bottom part of the road wheels, so it is very easy to remove them without damaging the detail.
The tire depicted in the set is Continental HCS 14.00R20. The dimensions of the tire are 1268 x 377 mm (49.9 x 14.8 in) and the approved rim width 254 mm (10 in).
DEF Model version of the tire looks very realistic and delivers all the possible tire details well. However, the high magnification unveiled the embossing detail error as “Continental” is spelled incorrectly. I don’t think this detail would be visible after painting and weathering the tire, but the error has to be mentioned. The rim and the 10-bolt pattern are nicely defined, as well as the hub with another set of 10 bolts. DEF Model tire is sized to 36,05 x 10,65 mm, which makes them only a fraction of a millimeter smaller in diameter than the real tire in 1/35 scale.
The wheels in this set are depicted with a slight tire sag. The compression on the tire is not overdone and I feel it conveys the weight of the loaded vehicle really well.
Finally, the set is an addition to German MAN 5t. Mil gl Truck Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35126). The wheels in this set are labeled as C, which suggests they are slightly different to A and B versions from the previous set. Indeed, these wheels are oriented differently to A and B, with regards to the sidewall embossing as well as the bulge where the tire contacts the ground. This slight variance ensures the wheels A, B and C don’t look identical when fixed to the same side of the vehicle. Image from DEF Model website illustrates this well.
A pre-cut masking sheet is included in this set. The masks are of help when painting the wheels, allowing airbrushing without overspray. Also included is the instruction leaflet which shows two different ways of applying the masks and painting the wheels.
Conclusion:
German MAN Mil gl Truck Extra Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35127) from DEF Model offers two additional resin replacement wheels to be used with German MAN 5t. Mil gl Truck Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35126) and upgrade 1/35 scale MAN 7t (6x6) trucks from Revell and Hobby Boss.
Cast to perfection and with the details faithfully reproduced, this set delivers accurately sized wheels in a slightly different orientation to those supplied with the previous DEF Model set. Highly recommended.
A big thanks to DEF Model for this review sample.
