History

The world's first electric tram line operated in Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, invented and tested by Fyodor Pirotsky in 1880. The next line opened in Lichterfelde near Berlin, Germany, in 1881. It was built by Werner von Siemens (see Berlin Straßenbahn) who contacted Pirotsky. In Britain, Volk's electric railway was opened in 1883 in Brighton (see Volk's Electric Railway). Also in 1883, Mödling and Hinterbrühl Tram was opened near Vienna in Austria. It was the first tram and railway in the world in regular service that was run with electricity served by an overhead line with pantograph current collectors.

Contents

The box is thin cardboard with tab openings at each end, the box is not likely to fair to well in a stash if at the bottom end of the pile. The art work on the box stands out well on the white background. The back of the box doubles up as instructions and painting guide.
1. Light grey large sprue.
1. Light grey small sprue.

Review

MiniArt has placed each figure into rectangular frames so that finding the parts is easy with each rectangle representing all the parts of one of the figures. Each of the figures are easily identified even with a brief look at the sprue's, the moulds look really clean with hardly any sign of flash. However some of the figures do have some minor and on others not so minor seams, some of these seams will require some patience and steady hand to remove especially around the moulded creases of the jackets and trousers.

Most of the parts will be easy to remove with blade or sprue cutters but two of the hats will need again some patience if you want to get them off without damage. The detail on these figures on first impressions look very good with plenty of fine lines creases and moulded detail.

The faces on these figures are very identifiable when you look at each of them they all seem to have their own personalities. The older passenger for instance has wrinkle lines making it not only easy to identify but also giving him character. The brief case that he carries has some nice parts including the brass metal corner protectors (in moulded plastic) His jacket is opened to the front exposing his well detailed waist coat, another plus to this is the two separate front sides which will give depth to the figure. The creases all seem to be in the right places and in my opinion look really good and natural. His flat cap is even detailed the only minor irritation is the old guys ears one is very well formed although looks like an elf ear from Lord of the Rings. the other is a mere after fault and not that good.

The female passenger is very identifiable by not just her long legs, but the hair and facial features, but once again we see another elf ear on the right side the other ear is void. Their appears to be no mould seam lines on the legs of the female passenger and all the creases of her coat appear to be in the right places and certainly look good. This female figure for me looks the part of an S.O.E. operative her stance and looks really tell a story.

The Female Conductress her face from front view does not have very feminine features not to say that is not how she is meant to be ! The uniform carries a bit of flash (minor) and some obvious mould seams but creases are in the right places the change bag looks quite amazing and the jacket has very defined lines.

The other male passenger, the one carrying his coat over his arm also looking like another S.O.E. operative. The facial features are good, but it seems to me that MiniArt seem to have an issue with ears ! all of the creases of the jacket and the trousers to me at least look fantastic on this figure. He certainly has character and fits in for a S.O.E. and could be working with the female character.

The tram drivers face is well rounded older face and actually has two ears well sort of they are there but one of them was small the other well formed. His cap is however very well detailed along with his jacket all of the creases are in the right places and his trousers. The jacket has some mould seams down each side which will need to be tackled.

Conclusion

Ok MiniArt may not have all the ears right but overall they are very good they all link together to become a very good diorama. They have some work to do on them but I would recommend them to others couple that to the price and they really are good.