Introduction

MiniArt has released a good number of diorama type products recently; one of these offerings is a set of four Concrete Telegraph Poles. I have to say even in the introduction that I am very impressed with these diorama elements that MiniArt has released. This is an interesting product from MiniArt as it provides an easy way to add height to a diorama, something that is not always an easy attribute to add to a diorama.

Contents

This release from MiniArt is supplied in an end opening carton. Inside of the carton is a single plastic bag containing:
4 grey sprues
3 clear sprues

Review

Starting with an examination of the contents leaves me with a positive impression of the product. The four grey sprues are well laid out and free of any obvious mould faults; there are no ejection pin marks to worry about on this offering. The sprue gates are small if unusually common on some parts.

The concrete posts are split in half lengthways; this I see as a positive as the seam line would also be present on the concrete post as well. The four posts are universal in this set and the other parts allow the modeller to decide what they wish to use them as. The four options are variations of power and phone cable carriers and light poles. The poles have no texture present despite representing concrete; my gut says that is the correct approach, but if you disagree you just need to give a light rub with rough sandpaper.

The power and phone cable posts are well designed and easy to build, the addition of fishing line or your preferred cable replication method is all that is required. Moving onto the light pole: the artistic hanging frame will be a pain to remove from the sprue without damage as it has 23 sprue gates present and the part is very fine. The light fitting itself is very nicely done as MiniArt has supplied clear glass covers and separate clear bulbs to go with the light cover. The one aspect I struggle with is why MiniArt has shown two light fittings fitted to each pole as this would mean that the set is four light fittings short of a full set.

Conclusion

I really like this offering as MiniArt has in theory supplied a product that can be used in four different ways; I suspect some companies would have produced each pole type as a separate product. I do feel it is a mistake by MiniArt to show two lights fitted to a pole as this means the set has half the number of lights required if displayed that way. The moulding quality is excellent and so makes life easier for the modeller. My only issue with this set is time period and location; in the UK most poles tend to be wooden and so I am stumped as to where and when this product is suitable.