Introduction

Takom are no strangers to unusual releases, they have recently released some unusual and sought after kits along with a few truly left field releases. Takom have once again looked towards the Bundeswehr and this time have released a military forklift. This vehicle is known as Feldumschlaggerat Fug 2.5T it is used by the German military in a number of roles, either as a forklift, a snow plough and with an adapter a crane.

Review

Takom supply the kit in a standard lift off lid style box, on the lid there is an illustration of the Fork Lift (with extended forks) in the ISAF scheme along with a number of the options that are provided. The kit is moulded in a medium green styrene and the breakdown of sprues comprise of:

• 7x Green
• 1x Lower chassis
• 1x Clear
• 5x Vinyl tyres
• 1x Etch
• 1x Decal
• 1x Instruction Booklet
• 1x Colour and paint option booklet

Construction comprises of a total of 48 stages although towards the end some of the stages are for specific options. The options that are included are:

• Crane
• Forklift with short forks
• Forklift with long forks
• Dozer – although it is likely to be a snowplough

The kit appears to match existing photographs and this kit is only missing an engine. The detail is very fine although there is a little flash present and there are a number of knockout pins that will require cleaning/filling. The most difficult aspect of the build will be masking the large amount of glazing present, it may prove to be an advantage to assemble the cabs and paint the interiors prior to installing the glazing. The options are quite versatile and the modeller will be able to choose something that fits with the modeller’s desired finish.

Painting and Finishing

The multipage painting and finishing instructions would seem to offer eight finishing options, in reality there are four as the sheet is merely duplicated. The four schemes are:

• 2x Plain green ISAF
• 1x NATO three colour camouflage
• 1x Plain White

Conclusion

This is quite a versatile release as there are very few logistics support vehicles. As there have been a number of recent Bundeswehr releases this model will fit very well with these models. In fact it would fit very well into an ammo resupply diorama. A quick internet search has also uncovered this vehicle in a civilian all over yellow finish the modeller will have to provide the manufacturers markings.

Overall this is a very welcome release from Takom as it fills an important space in the support vehicle range.

Reference

Hans-Hermann Bühling provided Armorama with an outstanding walkround that can be accessed HERE Live links