Introductions

Fruit Crates from Matho Models is a set of seven (7) 1/35 photo-etch wooden fruit crates, of two types. This is set 35089. Matho Models does not include fruit in the set.

Fruit Crates

Each etched brass crate measures 1.5 x 0.9cm (9/16" x 3/8"). The two types are:

Solid bottom x 3
Slated bottom X 4

There are 39 parts to this set. Each slat crate is assembled with 11 pieces, and five parts assemble the other type. Each type includes corner gussets and the slat bottom includes four skids and two handles.

Each part is held to the fret by a small attachment. The pieces have grooves to facility bending.

Instructions and decals

Matho Models' high-quality instructions can be found on their web page for this product, and via Click here for additional images for this review, below. There are no painting instructions or decals.

Assembly

Using a Hold and Fold®, needle nose tweezers, machinist squares, a hobby knife chisel blade, and superglue (CA), I assembled one of each type in 65 TV-distracted minutes. (The second slat crate assembled much quicker - practice makes perfect!) The handles on the slat crate are tricky to attach as they set upon the minuscule surface area of tiny "L" corner gussets.

After the CA dried I tried to file off some burs left from cutting the parts off the fret. Most of the parts broke loose. The next crates I assemble will receive a preparatory surface preparation with sandpaper or a vinegar bath, enhancing the grip of CA.

I don't have any 1/35 fruit so I put one crate to use with HO (1/87) scale pumpkins.

Conclusion

Fruit Crates should be useful for any 1/35-ish scale scene that need that civil touch. Milled wooden crates have been in use all around the world in one form or another for hundreds of years so these crates are versatile beyond the 20th century era.

Etching of the to-scale parts is precise. They bend easily. I must use magnifiers to properly position some parts; surface preparation for gluing is recommend in my experience, as are tweezers for the tiny parts. (Typical of working with P/E.)

I have no complaints about this set and recommend them.

Please remember to mention to Matho Models and retailers that you saw this product here - on ARMORAMA.