Review

This offering from MiniArt is provided in a cardboard tray with separate card lid. The motorcycles included in the set are both the same, and represent Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles. This bike was produced between 1940 and 1952, and apparently was given the name of the liberator. These motorcycles were provided in lend/lease consignment, and so widely distributed across the battlefield during WWII. The motorcycles and figures in this set have been released previously as individual purchases, and my memory suggests that there were other sets as well and so these may pop up in the near future.

Looking at the motorcycle, all of the features appear to be generally accurate but my knowledge is not great on the subject. I will also add that I cannot recall any major complaints of these models when initially released. Looking at the parts on the sprue, they are very clean. Some of the gate are on the large side, and removal of parts will require a very gentle touch in some cases. But, if I did not know any better, I would have thought that this was a new mould. Things that I like about these motorcycles, is that jigs are provided for shaping the photo etched spoke assemblies. Jigs are also provided for some other elements of the photo etch, which makes assembly much easier for the modeller when dealing with complex shapes. The tyres are replicated using the slice method and so require good clean up, but offer excellent tread detail. The instruction booklet covering the motorcycles has also been very well written which while the stages are a little cramped together the guide aspect of them is very good. Both of the motorcycles are provided with wind-shields, but these are optional so you are free to choose. I will warn the modeller, that there are some very fine photo etched details that need to be added and that would test my eyesight - So you have been warned!!!!

The 2 figures released in this set feature a rider in what I would consider a Winter clothing setting as insulated trousers and jacket appear to be in use, and a scarf is around the neck and chin of the rider. The other rider is on the motorcycle, but in a stopped pose. Again the clothing would appear to show a winter setting, but this figure does not have the quality of clothing to keep him warm as the other figure has. This figure is wearing boots and gaiters, and while on the box is indicated as part of the armoured corps the triangle of which is one the arm of the figure - I should imagine that he is cold!! Complaint wise for both figures is that the goggles have not been moulded in clear plastic, which is a further disappointment, as clear sprues are included in this release and I feel should have covered this aspect. Despite the age of these figures now, the hand and facial detail is still very good including the cold weather figures who is wearing gauntlets or gloves. 

The decal sheet provided in this release deals adequately with the motorcycles, but again the figures have been let down as uniform patched would have finished them off nicely. Painting of the figures is well covered, but while 4 finishing options for the bikes are covered, no details on what they represent are covered.

Conclusion

This release from MiniArt is for me both pleasing and disappointing. My negatives tend to centre around the figures, due to no decals being provided for their insignia and their goggles not being moulded in clear plastic. I am however, impressed that these figures are holding up to the test of time very well. The motorcycles themselves I cannot critique in any way that stands out to me. But you are warned that it will be very easy to break the finer moulding when removing and cleaning them and the small photo etched elements will be a trial I believe. But again I give high commendation to the inclusion of jigs for shaping some of the more complex photo etched parts.