Plusmodel has made a rounded top European wood gate. This set is made from laser cut wood and contains two sheets of cut wood parts, about 43 in total. The set also comes with directions to construct the gates.

Construction starts by removing the parts from the backing. There are small attachment points which are sanded flat. I used clear Elmer's glue for all the building. One note here. If you are going to stain the parts or paint them later, watch where the glue goes as it will fill the wood and leave some issues with the paint or stain working. One very nice thing about this set is that it builds depth like a real gate so you started by gluing the back and front together. In this case, I added glue and got the part square and them added weight to it to keep it flat. I let the parts dry about an hour. The next parts were to take one side and build the framing around sides and arc around the top. These were glued and clamped and let dry. Turning the part over, the slats in the arc have slots in them to sit and fit perfectly. The framing is added on the back side to lock everything in place. Lastly, the dots that accent the middle are added and everything let dry thoroughly. I found a few loose parts the next day and glued and let dry again and the build parts was finished.

Since I had two of these to build, I decided to stain one. For this straight gate, I used Minwax stain in a nice walnut color. The parts took stain well and I used two coats and allowed it to be a little blotchy to show age. I used Dullcote and then used washes and pastels to darken some areas and the lines to show more age. A final flat and the piece is done.

This is a great set and has lots of applications in dioramas. I hope Plusmodel comes out with the side posts and hinges for this set also to add to the diorama. These could be added to any of the many aftermarket sets and add real interest. it has depth and realism that is not found in resin doors. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Plusmodel and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this excellent item.