Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz L 1500 truck, built by Daimler-Benz from 1941 to 144 was a mostly know for military use by the Germans in World War 2. Almost 9000 of these trucks were produced, in two variants, the S-model was rear wheel drive, while the A-Model was four-wheel drive. The vehicle was also used as a civilian truck, especially after the war with the large number available. A latest release from MiniArt represents the civilian use of this light truck with some colorful options.

Contents

35 Plastic Sprues
1 Clear Plastic
6 Colored Clear Sprues
2 Photo-etched Frets
1 Decal Sheet
1 Instruction Booklet

Review

Opening the box, it looks to another kit from MiniArt full of sprues. This kit combines three previous releases, the L1500S Truck(35142), Wine Bottles and Wooden Crates(35571), and Milk Bottles and Wooden Crates(35573). All having been previous reviewed here on Armorama. The only new addition to this kit is a colorful sheet of decals representing civilian vehicles.

With that said, the molding on the kit is still very well done, with crisp details. The kit does included some fine parts, especially for the truck frame and cab interior. It should be noted that the frame and engine assembly is very well detailed and takes the first 18 steps of the instructions just for assembly. I would recommend a good razor saw to remove parts and care in assembling. Even the cab is full of detail, and MiniArt providing the option to assemble the door open would allow the builder to show off all this detail. Unfortunately for the instrument panel, MiniArt did not include any decals, so painting the instruments or acquiring after-market decal are the option.

The kit does include two frets of photo-etched parts to add some extra fine details. This includes the front grill and Mercedes-Benz logo, which should look real nice with assembled. The clear parts for the windows are clear and void of any discoloration. As for the bed of the truck, the parts have great looking fine wood grain surface details. This should make for creating a good looking wood look with just paint.

The heart of this new kit is the large decal sheet containing colorful decal representing different civilian and government vehicles. There are also plenty of labels for the various wine and milk bottles. The decal look to be printed very well and all in register. Markings for the different vehicles include:

• Milk Truck, Saarbruckent, Germany, 1950's
  
• Milk Truck, West Berlin, 1950's
  
• Reichpost (Imperial Post), Germany, 1941-1945
  
• Deutsche Post (Postal Service), Germany, 1950's
  
• Beer Truck, American Occupation Zone, Bremen, 1947-1949
  
• Beer Truck, West Berlin, 1950's
  
• Laundry Service, Province of Brandenburg, Germany, 1941-1945
  
• Cargo Transportation, British Occupation Zone, Hansestadt Hamburg, 1947-1949

The combination of the three MiniArt kits should provide builders with a new option for the L1500S truck, and could prove to be an interesting diorama accessory for both during the war or post war Germany. With the multiple color clear molded bottles, crates, and provided decal labels, decking out the cargo area should add some real interest.

Overview

I must say this is a very interesting boxing of kits from MiniArt, that could be of great use to diorama builders. The colorful options for the L1500S does allow for some very interesting options. The kit retains the great moldings from MiniArt, and should build into a great looking model to display on its own or in a diorama setting. Highly recommended.