Introduction:

Polyethylene drums, commonly referred to as plastic drums, are industrial-grade containers made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are lighter weight and more cost effective than their steel drum counterparts, offering ideal solution for storing and transporting liquid materials. Most plastic drums manufactured for an industrial capacity are colored blue, as this is the industry standard. Blue has a higher UV resistance than other colors, and this allowed the drums to become more versatile (i.e. suitable for food storage).

Eureka XXL offers two sets of plastic drums in 1/35 scale. This review covers Plastic Chemical Storage Drums Set #1 (E-039).

Review:

The set is packed in a hard cardboard box. I have to compliment the design of the box, as the small front opening offers a way to actually see the pieces before buying the set.

Opening the box reveals a zip lock bag containing 4 pieces cast in grey resin. I was very impressed with the cast as I noticed no imperfections in the resin whatsoever, with the details sharp and well delivered. A small decal sheet is also included… a very welcomed addition to the set.

Cleanup can be kept to minimum, with only a small amount of sanding on the bottom of the pieces.

The pieces represent two different plastic drums, 2 of each supplied in the set. The larger one is a 55-gallon open head plastic barrel, with a lever lock ring closure and two 2’’ NPS plugs. The dimensions of this particular barrel are 22.9 in (58,17 cm diameter) and 36.8 in (93,47 cm height).

The 1/35 scale version from Eureka reproduces the characteristic shape of the barrel well, with all the details of the real barrel nicely defined. Sized to 16,7 mm (diameter) and 26,6 mm (height) these resin pieces truly are a miniature copy of the ubiquitous blue 55-gallon plastic drum.

The second plastic drum in the set represents an open top barrel of a smaller volume (120L) featuring a securely fitting lid with lever ring opening. The dimensions of this barrel are 49,6 cm (diameter) and 80 cm (height).

Again, Eureka did a really good job capturing this storage drum in scale. The details are extremely well reproduced… check out the tiny indentations and orientation arrows. Wow! With the dimensions of 14,25 mm (diameter) and 22,9 mm (height), the 1/35 scale piece is perfectly sized.

One last thing I’m very happy to mention is the decal sheet included in this set. The decals representing various labels and hazardous material signs will really come in handy, adding a whole new level of realism when finishing these plastic drums.

Finally, here’s the photo from Eureka website, just to showcase the results which can be achieved with this set. Very impressive!

Conclusion:

What is there to think about? If you are looking to for scenery accessories for your modern-day vignettes and dioramas, Plastic Chemical Storage Drums Set #1 (E-039) from Eureka XXL provides an ideal solution. With 4 barrels perfectly cast in resin, sharp details and a decal sheet, these drums are a work of art. Well done, Eureka!