It is hard to define the first time that roadblocks were used or where, but during the start of World War 2 and with the looming threat of invasion in England roadblocks were thrown up everywhere. These barriers were mainly to the detriment of the public who managed to walk into them at night or simply drove into them in their cars. Some individuals were even shot at fortunately; occasionally such was the tension given the situation after Dunkirk. The long concrete barrier/roadblock that is more commonly used today is more often than not at a checkpoint with heavily armed soldiers manning the position.
Contents
Black Dog have a line of boxes that have proved practical and quite strong cardboard box, I have tried to apply pressure to see if it crushes which of course it does but surprisingly it will take quite a bit of pressure. There is a small photograph on the front of the box that shows the contents.
4 x resin concrete barriers.
Review
Black Dog certainly have been improving the way that we as modellers are now able to make more and more realistic dioramas by creating some fantastic resin extras. First look and I thought straight away that not only did it look the part the tiny holes and cracks make them look very realistic.
The one disappointment was on the box it showed some handles maybe for a forklift to be able to move them into place however the predrilled holes are their but no etch or wire to put into it. Although the wire is not included most of us would have some wire that we could bend and use in the holes, so quite easily rectified.
Each of the ones that I got were all different apart from the pre-drilled holes, one of them looked like it had been shot at more than the other three. The subtle differences between them vary; some of them had some bits missing where they could be damaged during moving or battle damage.
The shiny glaze that you see on some of the concrete was missing in places again showing the thought on realism that they have put into it giving you a product that you can use straight out of the box.
Conclusion
I liked the product very much, it was so simple yet so good and just looking at them I had various uses that I felt I could utilise them for. The added detail made them particularly realistic for the battle field. Sometimes as modellers we over complicate things yet it is the simplicity of these roadblocks that make them so good and realistic.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great for the vignette or diorama modeller, simplistic, realistic and a must for the modern modeller.Lows: I can only think of one small disappointment and that is the non inclusion of some wire. Verdict: A must have for all diorama modellers, simplicity at its best.
Our Thanks to Black Dog! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Adie Roberts (In_War_and_Peace) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
I am disabled after a terrorist bomb I have in the past made models for TV and film and work with local museums making new models for display. I also take on commission builds for people
In America, these are referred to as "K rail" (in California) or "jersey barriers" (I heard that on a military base). They come as concrete for more permanent use or there is a plastic version that can be filled with water for stability and energy absorption.
Interesting that there are only four per box. I would think a mold and some resin would produce many more for the same price... I would buy their four just to make a mold.
Actually, Meng's SPS-012 offering might be a better fit in this case as they include molds for such barriers. Not sure about the price difference but at around 10 Euro it is hard to beat.
Now we'd only need molds for Hesco barriers...
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