introduction

Takom need no introduction the modelling community they have certainly brought a number of new and interesting releases to the market. This release is no different and complements their other recent release of the T3 Transporter Bus review here Live links

This release is a T3 Transporter Truck this is also known as a DoKa which comes from the German word Doppelkabine (double cab). Once again the model appears to be based upon the Volkswagen Transporter although due to licensing issues this brand is not mentioned.

contents

The model is contained in a medium box with a lift off lid the box top has an illustration of the T3 Transporter in a tri-colour Bundeswehr scheme in front of a Leopard 2. On opening the box the modeller will find that all of the components are contained within plastic bags, inside the box there are:

• 3x Green Sprues
• 1x Body Shell
• 1x Clear Sprue
• 5x Vinyl Tyres
• 1x Decal Sheet
• 1x A5 Instruction Book
• 1x Painting & Marking Guide

review

The moulding is first class and there are a number of very fine details incorporated on the body. The body mouldings feature the fasteners that are used to fix the black-out screens when the vehicle is camouflaged. Sprue ‘A’ is shared with the Takom Transporter Bus and includes a number of very fine details. The windscreen wipers are very fine and the modeller will need to ensure that they are not damaged when removing them.

Sprue ‘B’ includes a representation of the ‘flat 4’ engine, chassis and the cabin interior, the front suspension bottom arm and engine components are also included on this sprue. Sprue ‘D’ is mainly for the cargo bed this includes the drop sides, the instructions only show these in the upright position but with a little work it should be possible to have these in the lowered position if so desired. A bonus part is the inclusion of a pallet for the cargo area, it is a simple moulding but will fill out the cargo bed if required.

The windows are perhaps the weakest item as they are quite thick but they are very clear. Takom have produced a common sprue for both kits so there will be a few bits left over. It may be possible to replace some of the clear parts with thin acetate. Another curious addition is the tow hook as this appears to be a civilian type and not the more usual NATO tow pintle.

Please note that one of the sprues includes a few mouldings that can be shaved off to create a logo for the front grill. This option may make the vehicle realistic and accurate.

painting and finishing

There are three finishing options provided on the supplied colour profile:

• Bundeswehr, German Army (HEER), Germany
• Lebanese Army T3 of the 12th Mechanized Brigade, April 2011
• Civil Version

Paint numbers are given for Ammo by Mig, the Bundeswehr is the typical Tri-Colour scheme, the Lebanese in a plain green and the civil version in a medium blue. The civilian version could be painted in any number of colours. With decals or masks then the civil options are endless. Waterslide decals are provided and include a Bundeswehr number plate, Syrian unit badge with number plate and finally the word 'Stichel' for the civil version. There are two decals for the dashboard and a number of warning chevrons for the civil version.

conclusion

This is certainly quite a different release, the interior will require painting before the body shell is closed up and this will require careful masking. This type of vehicle is used by many different users and government departments including the German Post Office (DPD) and the Fire Service. The only feature missing on this model is the cargo frame that is sometimes seen on this variant.

This is a welcome release from Takom and it is a simple model and will suit beginners as well as those more experienced modeller. As the vehicle can be found in across the world then finishing options are pretty limitless.