Kit Review: Miniart 1/35 scale Kit No. 36026; Russian Street; 175 parts (162 in grey styrene, 13 vacuformed grey styrene); retail price US$55.00
Advantages: neatly done instant street scene perfect for one medium or two small models and figures
Disadvantages: vacuform plate will need stiffening
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all eastern front dioramists
Miniart has come to the rescue of those modelers who want to do dioramas but do not have the time or resources to research a specific area or type of building to achieve that =93right=94 look. This kit provides a section of a typical Russian city street after combat - a brick building with one corner heavily damaged and a section of street with tram (tramvay) tracks and catenary carriers as well as two styles of street lights. The kit also comes with sections of fencing and tables and benches.
The main part of the building consists of sections of vacuformed styrene which are cut out from heavy (around .030" or 0.75 mm) plastic and cemented together to form the wall and floor sections. These then cement to the base plate, yielding the building corner with a small section of floor on the second floor. Part of an interior entrance wall (which also supports the small section of floor) is also included. I suggest that the modeler may want to put some sort of reinforcement under the base section (such as either foamboard or thin plywood) to stiffen it for general handling and supporting a model.
The model comes with several options for doors and windows but some are not apropos for this kit. Two different types of streetlights are provided but one type is also used for creating the catenary support for the tram trolley wire.
Other accessories include ladders, benches, a trestle table, fencing, fillagree ironwork, and general architectural flourishes.
Size is listed as 348 x 247 mm (14" x 9 =BD").
No painting or finishing directions are included but three color photos and the box artwork are provided as general references. No markings, decals or other details are provided either.
Overall this is a great idea and provides an instant base and building for use in dioramas (somehow I suspect most of them will be opponent A hiding on the second floor and waiting to scrag opponent B=92s tank as it drives by...)
Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell