Jan Etal builds the Fujimi Military Truck Cargo Version.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

I agree that the moulding on these kits is rather fine, with a good sharp definition to the look of the truck cab, the radiator, tools and wheels for example. A shame that this wasn't extended to the canvas top, though that's an interesting challenge then for the modeller to render the effect by either texturising it or by paint effects.

I trust, Jan, that you will provide us with a finished example that employs the camouflage decals... irresistable surely.

Thank you Darren for getting this one processed and posted.

Matthew,

I have seen some very nicely moulded tarps by several manufacturers and that is partly why this one was rather disappointing. Compared to all the detail that is moulded in other areas of the truck, it is hard to justify this omission on Fujimi's part. However, there is the possibility that they thought that it was necessary as a base for the camo decals.

I have seen a few aircraft models where the camouflage was in the form of decals (WW I Flying Circus mottling) and it works out beautifully. So yes, I will attempt to employ them for the finished model. This will prove an interesting challenge as the decal green is very uniform in colour and may prove difficult to weather. I also anticipate going through a bottle or two of Micro Sol and Micro Set!

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

Nice to see a review from a company other than the paper panzer maker. but the thing that struck me the most was the price! The kit looks interesting and I'm glad it goes together well but, too rich for my blood! Any chance it might be available at a more down to earth cost? I personally never heard of camouflage decals so I will be curious to hear and see how they turn out.

Regards,
AJ

Thanks for looking in, AJ! If you check the Internet in general you will find that we are not alone in being shocked by the price. A member of the local IPMS club visited a hobby shop in Toronto and happened to find the kit available at the MRSP ($34.97). I've read two posts on another site regarding the cost in Montreal. At one shop it was $30 and another $36! The lowest I've seen it was a couple of eBay sellers that had it listed at around US$18.

As for the camouflage decals, we'll just have to wait and see as this will be a "first" for me. According to one fellow that I know, they have been around for quite a while but mostly for aircraft. As I mentioned above and as he mentioned to me, be prepared to use a lot of Micro Sol and Set.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan; great review. Beautiful lil' truck. Fujimi has always made impressive models although I recall they simplified some components. I wonder if they detailed the tarp per the "3-foot rule", i.e., (Kinda like Scale Effect) if it were a real 1/1 truck, how much detail would you really see from this distance?

@JPTRR - Frederick,

Thanks for your acknowledging the review and glad you liked it. As you and I've mentioned before, Fujimi kits have always been accompanied by something a little extra when compared to other manufacturers (especially during their heyday). Little things like extra stowage or spare tracks, let alone a crew figure or two. Another fine example that you noted in your Jagdtiger review was the partial interiors. Even their 1/76 Panzer I came with partial interior and as an extra, a PaK 40!

As for the tarp, many manufacturers (even the Airfix/Heller GMC Truck) have better tarps compared to this one. Even still, many modellers often resort to fabricating their own to add a bit more detail. This is particularly important if the model is to be entered in a show (where I've seen judges examine a Braille kit with magnifying glasses). This kit has some particularly fine detailing to the point of providing a full cab interior including brake and clutch pedals, let alone the nicely formed radiator grill. Indeed, compared to other makers Opel Blitz trucks, it is in many ways superior, so why cut back on the tarp!.

Cheers,
Jan