Introduction

SBS model from Hungary continues to release upgrades for Bronco Models Zrinyi I/II kits. In addition to those already available in 2013 correct gun mantlet (ref 35001) and correct suspension sets (ref 35002) they now offer the correct road wheels set (ref 35009). As with Toldi barrel I got my set first hand from their stand at Moson show in April but this item is already in their online shop and distributors now.

Review

Packed in a rectangular cardboard box with an image of the product on the top, inside there is one plastic bag with Ziploc bag that contains 34 resin parts. 32 road wheels are cast with the disk and these are supposed to replace the road wheels that are in the bogies (8 wheels for each bogie, 4 bogies total), plus 2 road wheels without inner disk (these are for replacement of the spares or can be used as accessories for KO model). Each wheel has its own casting block and removal is not an issue as the resin that is used in all SBS model products is cut with a sharp modelling knife (one can use a saw if desired). The casting quality is exceptional and there were no bububbles or other defects in my set.

Judging from the reference images and comparison shots (these are provided by SBS model as I do not possess my Zrinyi II any longer) a lot of improvements have been performed on these road wheels. Bolt detail on the disk and closer to hub, extra protrusions, thickened rims, and most importantly tyre markings. These are unbelievably small, but sharply cast. As far as I know SBS model used both reference images of Zrinyi II from Kubinka museum as well as archive images for these improvements so we can be sure that the product is accurate.

2 years has passed since Bronco released the kit and updates keep coming. From what I’ve heard there are other issues with these kits that would be fixed by future releases from SBS model but if you would like to build one now I recommend getting the mantlet, suspension detail set and this new road wheels.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the most important question that we ask ourselves before getting another aftermarket product is: “do I really need it for my model?” Here the answer is simple – if you are doing an SPG with running gear covered in thick layer of mud and dirt, you can pass this set, but if you do care about detail and accuracy it will definitely provide your model extra replication in scale.