Introduction:

One of the most popular solutions for storing and transporting liquids is certainly the classic blue plastic drum. Made from tough rigid plastic, these drums can last for a long time and can be sealed incredibly well. They have a high density and are UV resistant, durable, leakproof and inert, which makes them ideal for industrial applications.

Eureka XXL offers two slightly different sets of plastic drums in 1/35 scale. The first set has been reviewed here (link), while this review covers Plastic Chemical Storage Drums Set #2 (E-040).

Review:

The set is packed in a hard cardboard box with a small opening on the front, offering a glimpse of the pieces inside. A really cool box design, as modelers can actually see what they’re buying.

The box includes a zip lock bag with 4 resin pieces and a small decal sheet. The cast is really good, and the details perfectly delivered. I noticed no seam lines, air bubbles or any similar imperfections in the resin.

Cleanup is minimal, only a small amount of sanding to get rid of the casting block remains 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 220L tight head plastic drum, with two 56 mm openings with bungs. The dimensions of this drum are 581 mm (diameter) and 935 mm (height).

Eureka did a really good job with their 1/35 scale version of this drum. The shape of the drum, especially the top and the bungs, is spot-on. Two tiny indentations and orientation arrows are there as well… superb details! The pieces are 16,7 mm (diameter) and 26,8 mm (height), which makes them perfectly sized for 1/35 scale.

The second barrel… well, I couldn’t find the exact drum on the Internet. I would say it is 120L open top plastic drum with screw lid, but I can’t be positive on the volume or the dimensions. To be honest, I’m not sure if it really matters… most modelers would use the barrel in their dioramas without knowing these details anyway. What I can say is the 1/35 scale piece is 13 mm (diameter) and 23 mm (height), and features two tiny orientation arrows.

Finally, a very useful decal sheet is included in this set, representing warning labels and hazardous material signs. I have seen different plastic drum sets from various manufacturers, and have to say most are very nicely done, but the decals are what makes this particular Eureka set stand out.

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

Conclusion:

After reviewing several items from Eureka XXL I have to say I’m very much impressed with the company’s offerings. Plastic Chemical Storage Drums Set #2 (E-040) is no exception to the rule. The set provides 4 plastic drums perfectly cast in resin and a small but very welcomed decal sheet. Altogether, it’s a no brainer… if you need 1/35 scale plastic drums, Eureka XXL is the way to go.