Fit and Finish

This kit’s fit overall kit is very good to excellent. The surface details are outstanding and compare favorably with what photographs and line drawings show. This model, like so many of the new releases from MiniArt, just look like the real vehicles themselves.

Construction Notes

The kit is moulded in light grey plastic with only two large plastic sprue trees. There are few if any aspects of this build which posed any problems—it goes together in a basic pattern, beginning with the engine, suspension and drive assemblies. Believe me, the 26 pages of kit instructions provide you with a deal of in depth instructions broken down in multiple steps and 71 assembly panels.

For the most part each of construction notes and steps are well thought out, though several of the drawing details left me scratching my head and attempting to dry fit some of the detailed small parts wondering just where they should go. In retrospect, I would probably forgo the entire engine as almost nothing can be see of the engine, even when turn upside down. Another problematic aspect were both the front and rear fenders (steps 22 & 23): the connection points are very delicate and as careful as I tried to be broke them off more than once. Another ‘issue’ were the many very very small rivet heads (# Ck20) shown throughout step 32. This is clearly (again in my humble opinion) a step too far, and where I briefly considered to turning to alcohol as my solution…..

There were a few very small gaps (and easily filled with Vallejo acrylic Plastic Putty #70.401 and brushed smooth with a wet cotton bud or finger).

The last ‘issues’ were the number (42) photo etch (PE) parts, which I was able to fit and attach using my favored Super Gold+ Odorless Cyanoacrylate. This cyanoacrylate has become my ‘go to’ CA; it dries clear, quick setting and won’t craze clear parts.

Decals

The kit instructions contain five beautiful full color four-view illustrations. But that is once again where the plot thickens…..

There are only a small number of decals involved in this build, though this is where I don’t understand the MiniArt mindset. The Balkenkreuz is not accurately portrayed and displayed on this kit box and instruction four-view drawings, nor is the white and black hood marking even included on the decal sheet. This is a major oversight in my opinion.

Painting

MiniArt provides a small color chart which outlines six different lines of both acrylic and laquer paints.

• Primer Used:
  • Mr. Surfacer 1200 (grey) Surface preparation
• The Real Color paints I used:
  • XF-63 German Grey
  • XF-79 Linoleum Deck Brown
  • XF-2 Flat White

I also used several AK Real Colors Markers for both touchups and to pick out small dials, knobs, and most importantly the tire painting, which works just great.

• RCM 001 Rubber Black
• RCM 033 Flat Black

My paints are followed by an overcoat sprayed coat of Alclad II Lacquer’s Aqua Gloss Clear (#ALC 600). This is my personal favorite; it produces a great clear finish (though in the bottle it appears cloudy, not to worry).

My painting included an overall diluted wash of Flat Earth XF-52 and a small amount of pin washes, using 502 Abteilung Neutral Grey #ABT 100 along panel lines to accent the overall German Grey scheme. I completed my dry brushing, using Winsor & Newton’s Artist Oil color Naples Yellow Light, No. 426.

And I sprayed my overall final finish using the VMS Varnish top coat MATT (#AX05M), which produces a very flat overall finish. Once again, I recognize this product may be new to many modelers. However, I believe its small dispenser tip and acrylic easy-to-clean-up properties deserve your attention.

There are only a few decals involved in this build, though this is where I don’t understand the MiniArt mindset. The Balkenkreuz is not accurately portrayed and displayed on this kit box and instruction four-view drawings, nor is the white and black hood marking nor included on the decal sheet. This is a major oversight, in my opinion.

Reviewer’s Comments

I have only recently become interested in the WW I vehicles and while this is only one of nine other vehicles in the Austin armored car series, it’s markings and simple color scheme attracted me. It’s quite a very nice kit. For those who’ve read this far, my overall rating ‘8’ for this kit. I purchased this kit myself.