MiniArt U.S. 4x4 'Bantam' 40 BRC W/Crew
The art work reminds me of the early Hasegawa kits, graphic attention grabbers.
The instructions are clean, clear and well appointed with great drawings that leave no doubt as to where all parts are to be located.
The bulk of the dacals are for the 5 YES FIVE crew figures
There are step sequenced in red numbers, BUT, when it comes to the numbered parts, the runners do NOT have letters or numbers, but the drawings are so clear, and with some skill at quiclky knowing how to recognise shapes, all will be easy and good. 🙂
When the time comes to assemble all the crew figures, the crew figures are easy to work out which is which, as they all have their own alloted squares on the trees. The paints required are well advised by manufacturers names and paint numbers.
There is quite a lot of 'flash', but with a sharp blade and a steady hand, it will not present any problems if you take your time
The surface and parts detail is of a very high standard and compliments the model beautifully. Also, there are no ejector pin marks where they would be seen, and that's a bonus.
Sadly, there are no numbers visible to make assembly easier, but is is obvious what parts are there to be used, as the drawings are so accurate in describing them.
Hand holds, windshield adjusters, spare tyre mounting bracket and rear seat back rest and headlight guards, plus foot pedals and a fuse box. !!!!
Now for the good stuff. The 5 crew figures are nothing short of stunning in the detail of folds and creases in the clothing, and also the equipment like ammo pouches and weapons. The facial expressions have not been missed by the tool makers either.
The gaiters show all the clips and laces and a good replication of the strap that goes under the boot too.
The 30.06 'Garand' has great detail for it's size and can have a shoulder strap of masking tape if needed. 🙂
And the .45 'Tommy' gun is no less detailed, in fact, you can see the ammo remaining 'view holes' on the full length of the magazine too. !!!!Note the trigger too. 🙂 👍
The water canteen with it's thermal cloth and clip buttons on the shoulder, as well as the 'ribbing' effect on the cloth container too.
The 30.06 ammo clip pouches are so life like.
The MP's whistle and chain have also been added to the detail, plus the 'reverse clip' belt buckle and ribbing on the canvas waist belt.
"Flash". It is most obvious where the engine is sitting in the chassy, as well as the full length of the sub frame too.
The engine components are good, and will fill the engine bay nicely.
Again, there are no numbers but the size of the parts are well represented in the drawings/instructions.
Here the 'flash' is not in the way or an obstacle and can be removed with ease.
All ready for assembly, and the front and rear wheels are noted by the different centre hubs. Remember to look for the difference.
Comentarii
4 April 2016, 00:50
Kerry COXSo far, I am most impressed with the extremely high standard of the detail and the research that MiniArt has done to get some of the more unusual subject matter from all sides of the Second world war. There is a 'feel' to the kits I like. They get you 'involved'.
4 April 2016, 06:03
Album info
This model is of the very first 'Jeep' ever produced and was the forerunner to all the other variants that followed, some 1500 were made before the jeep that all are familiar with started appearing.