Introduction

French Office by Artitec is a resin kit in 1/87 - HO. Catalogued as item 10.232 it is also listed as Facade "N".

Artitec of the Netherlands produces a wide range of models of railroad, military, maritime and automotive subjects, and related accessories - over 260 in HO alone. They also make kits in 1/72, 1/120 (TT scale for model railroading), N ( 1/160) and Z (1/220). Predominately of Dutch, Belgian, French and German prototypes, these models consist of resin and photo-etched metal. While I did not count each one individually, it appears Artitec kits over 100 1/87 houses, apartments, outbuilding, churches, and miscellaneous structures.

Artitec was founded by modelers and their passion for the hobby is obvious. This is the first building model from Artitec that I have handled. Let's see what it is like.

In the box

Artitec's packaging is simple, a box as big as needed to hold the model with a specific label affixed to it.

Inside are three resin 'sprues' holding 11 parts, plus a clear plastic sheet of 'glass' and an instruction sheet. Those resin parts are:

Facade
Sides x 2
Roof
Dormer sides x 2
Dormer roof
Shutters x 4

The parts are held toghter with excess resin. It is mostly thin enough that I simply brushed it off the parts and it broke away cleanly. Some requires scribbing or light cutting, such as from within the window muntins or where the excess resin is thicker.

Artitec uses vacuum casting with their resin casting. That creates crisp detail and minimizes the chance for casting flaws such as air pocks, none of which mars this kit. The facade and roof had slight warpage although it was simple to straighten with gentle heating.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is not a full kit. It is a shallow facade, "low-profile" or "flat" model. These are popular in model railroading and well known in military modeling, too.

Detail

Surface detail is quite impressive. Artitec sculpted excellent fine detail into French Office. It has recessed brick and mortar detail as well as delicate wood grain detail. Finely rendered roofing shingles are molded. Hinge and lock and hardware detail of the front door and garage door are well sculpted, as is the conduit for the front light and guttering with downspout. The window details are crisp, too.

Artitec originally started as a model railroad company. Unlike many military modeling companies, their buildings are not shot up and blown apart out of the box. If one wishes to 'shoot it up' it should be no trouble to add damage.

Instructions and Painting

The line art assembly instructions are clear and simple, illustrating four steps. A simple painting guide is included, referencing Humbrol paint.

While these may seem very simple, Artitec features expanded and detailed how-to guides on their website. It is obvious that Artitec is a model company by and for modelers.

Conclusion

French Office is a fine low profile facade by Artitec. It features excellent detail. It should be quick and easy to assemble. The excess resin does not bother me as it is easy to remove and clean up. The warping should be no problem to straighten out.

I look forward to assembling this building and look forward to integrating it into a layout/diorama. Modelers of 1/87 European structures should be excited by this model and the many others available from the modelers at Artitec. Recommended.