Introduction:

Following the success of their plastic Military Water Cans (MWC) introduced in the 1970s, Scepter used the expertise of injection molded plastic technology to design a next generation, three-handled polyethylene Military Fuel Can (MFC). While this military fuel can was similar in design to the classic metal "jerry" can widely used by Western military forces, it proved itself to be a vast improvement over its metal predecessors: it is lighter, won’t rust or crush, meets all safety regulations and is extremely rugged. The can was adopted in the 1990s as the new standard of use by all branches of the US Military and has quickly become the fuel container of choice for other armed forces around the world, including NATO.

Review:

Pro Art Models offers a new series of modern vehicle and diorama accessories in 1/35 scale called Eco-line. The line was created as an economy version of existing Pro Art accessory sets, usually consisting of smaller amount of pieces taken from these extensive sets. This review deals with one of the most useful Eco-line releases: Fuel Jerry Can Set (EL-35047A).

Packed in a simple PVC bag with label, the set consists of 10 fuel cans in 1/35 scale. The cans are molded in cream colored resin and I found no defects in the cast: no seam lines or air-bubbles. Some thin flash residue is present around carrying handles, but that can be easily cleaned using a sharp blade.

This set represents Scepter’s 20L Military Fuel Can, a heavy-duty plastic can designed to safely transport auxiliary fuel. The Scepter’s Can is tall, flat-sided and rectangular with dimensions of 18.5’’x14’x6.5’’. It features three integral handles and screw-on cap, with content and the capacity of the container labeled on the side. Pro Art did a great job representing these cans in scale, as all the mentioned features are clearly recognizable on their resin offerings. Moreover, Pro Art fuel cans also deliver details usually overlooked by other companies producing military fuel cans in 1/35 scale: the small indentation on the front of middle carrying handle and strap for the cap assembly… fine points showing Pro Art’s dedication to realism and accuracy.

Conclusion:

With unpredictable fuel sources on long range missions, it is necessary to equip military vehicles with additional fuel containers. Fuel Jerry Can Set (EL-35047A) from Pro Art Models delivers 10 nicely detailed 1/35 scale cans cast in resin. It is a simple set, but together with Pro Art’s Water Jerry Can Set (EL-35047B), presents a very important addition to any US or NATO modern military vehicle in 1/35 scale.